Your Journey to a Confident, Pain-Free Walk
Total knee replacement can transform everyday life for patients experiencing severe arthritis or chronic joint pain. While the surgical procedure is crucial, the steps you take in the weeks and months afterward determine how quickly and comfortably you return to normal activities.
At Olive Hospital Patna, we pair leading surgical expertise with compassionate follow-up. Below, Dr Kumar Gaurav shares a stage-by-stage roadmap to help you understand what to expect, how to manage pain, and how to rebuild strength safely.
The First 48 Hours
Recovery begins the moment surgery is complete. Our physiotherapy team guides you with gentle ankle pumps, assisted leg lifts, and breathing exercises to prevent stiffness, clots, and respiratory discomfort. Pain management combines medication with cold therapy to keep swelling in check.
Key Reminders
- Use the walker or crutches provided to stay mobile without straining the joint.
- Keep the leg elevated and apply ice packs for 15 minutes every hour.
- Follow all wound-care instructions and notify the team of any excess drainage.
Weeks 1 – 4: Building Confidence
By the end of week one, most patients can bend their knee to 90 degrees. Supervised physiotherapy focuses on strengthening quadriceps and hamstring muscles, while gentle stationary cycling reintroduces controlled movement.
Month 2 onwards: Regaining Independence
As healing advances, we tailor workouts to your lifestyle. Whether your goal is walking without support, returning to work, or resuming recreational activities, Dr Gaurav monitors progress to avoid overexertion while pushing for long-term success.
Recovery timelines vary, but with regular follow-ups and adherence to therapy, most patients resume daily routines within three months, experiencing dramatic reductions in pain and stiffness.
Dr Kumar Gaurav
MBBS (Hons), MS Orthopedics, Fellowship in Joint Replacement
Dr Gaurav leads the orthopedic department at Olive Hospital Patna and has successfully performed over 2,000 joint replacement surgeries with outstanding post-operative outcomes.