If you want the smoothest recovery possible, you need to know how to prepare for a knee replacement before you step into theatre.
One of the biggest mistakes I see over and over again? People just wait. They count down the days until surgery, barely moving, and then wonder why recovery feels like climbing Everest.
Your recovery starts now. The stronger, fitter, and more mobile you go in, the easier things will be afterwards. Simple as that.
1. Get Your Leg Stronger Now
Even if you’re in pain, you can still work the muscles around your knee. Quads, hamstrings, glutes — they all matter for walking, standing up, and getting upstairs.
I’m not talking heavy weights or crazy gym sessions. Think simple, safe exercises you can do at home — sit-to-stands from a chair, straight leg raises, bridges.
For more exercise ideas, check out my complete knee replacement guide
2. Work on Your Range of Motion
Going into surgery with a stiff knee makes it harder to get your movement back afterwards. Aim to straighten fully and bend as much as possible before the operation.
Little and often is key here — don’t hammer it for an hour and then flare things up.
3. Build Your Upper Body Strength
Sounds strange for a knee op, but you’ll thank me. You’ll be using crutches or a frame afterwards, so your arms and shoulders need to cope. Rows, push-ups on a worktop, and even carrying shopping bags evenly can help.
4. Practice the Basics Now
Getting in and out of bed, using a chair without collapsing into it, going up and down a step — these are all things you’ll need straight after surgery. Practice now, while you’ve still got control over the leg.
5. Don’t Ignore Your General Fitness
If you’re out of breath walking to the kitchen now, post-op will be tougher. Keep your heart and lungs working — gentle walking, cycling, or swimming if you can manage it.
My biggest bit of advice:
Don’t wait until after surgery to start.
I’ve lost count of how many patients tell me, “I wish I’d done something before,” when they’re struggling in those first weeks. Preparing properly is the single best way to set yourself up for a smoother, faster recovery.
If you want a full pre-surgery programme plus what to do from day one afterwards, my Complete Knee Replacement Recovery Guide walks you through the whole process — no guesswork, just a clear plan that works.