Prehab: How to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery

If you're scheduled for a total knee replacement, you may be focused on the surgery date. But what you do in the weeks before surgery can make a real difference in how your recovery goes.

That preparation has a name: prehab.

What is prehab?

Prehab is physical therapy before surgery. The goal is to go into surgery as strong, mobile, and prepared as possible. Patients who are stronger before surgery often find the early weeks of rehab more manageable, and they understand what's expected of them afterward.

The benefits of prehab

• Stronger muscles. Building strength in your thigh, hip, and calf muscles gives you a head start.
• Better motion. Keeping your knee as mobile as possible before surgery helps after.
• Confidence with exercises. You'll learn the exercises you'll be doing after surgery while your knee is still familiar.
• Practice with walkers and crutches. Learning to use them safely before surgery reduces stress afterward.
• A plan for recovery. You'll know what to expect week by week.

Prehab exercises to discuss with your therapist

Always check with your surgeon or physical therapist before starting a new exercise program. Common prehab exercises include:

• Quad sets: Lying with your leg straight, tighten your thigh muscle to press the back of your knee down. Hold for five seconds.
• Straight leg raises: Tighten your thigh, then lift your straight leg about a foot off the bed.
• Heel slides: Slide your heel toward your buttock to bend the knee, then straighten.
• Sit-to-stand: Stand up from a chair, using your arms as needed, and sit back down slowly.
• Glute bridges: Lying on your back with knees bent, lift your hips.
• Ankle pumps: Move your feet up and down to keep blood flowing.

Your therapist can adjust these based on your pain and current strength.

Get your home ready

Preparation isn't only physical. Before surgery:

• Clear walkways of rugs, cords, and clutter
• Set up a "recovery station" with a firm chair with arms, phone charger, water, and remote
• Move frequently used items to waist height
• Consider a raised toilet seat, shower chair, and grab bars
• Arrange for help with driving, groceries, and chores for the first few weeks
• If you have stairs, plan how you'll handle them — or set up a first-floor bedroom

Plan your rehab before surgery

Physical therapy usually begins very soon after a knee replacement, often within days. Scheduling your outpatient appointments before surgery means no gap in care.

Many patients in Northeast Nebraska have surgery in Norfolk, Omaha, Lincoln, or Sioux City and then do their rehab close to home. At Norfolk Physical Therapy, we follow your surgeon's protocol closely and keep them updated on your progress.

What recovery looks like

Every patient is different, but most people attend therapy for roughly 6 to 12 weeks after a knee replacement. Early on, the focus is on reducing swelling, getting the knee to bend and straighten, and walking safely. Later, the focus shifts to strength, balance, stairs, and returning to your normal activities.

Improvement often continues for months after formal therapy ends, especially if you keep up with your exercises.

Set yourself up for success

Knee replacement is a big step, but good preparation helps. If your surgery is on the calendar, call us at (402) 371-9707 to start prehab and get your post-op appointments scheduled.

Learn more about orthopedic and post-surgical rehab at Norfolk Physical Therapy, or request an appointment.