Knee rehabilitation is a follow-up treatment (AHB ) that takes place in a rehabilitation clinic after knee surgery.
As a rule, you start with light physiotherapy exercises in hospital a few days after the operation. Rehabilitation usually begins a few days after discharge from hospital.
Only after implantation of a knee prosthesis (such as a knee TEP) is there an obligation to undergo subsequent rehabilitation. The functionality of the prosthesis depends on appropriate mobilization exercises.
Rehabilitation is only recommended for other operations, such as
The primary aim of knee rehab is to actively support the recovery of mobility. Rehab should begin a few days to two weeks after the end of the hospital stay at the latest.
In addition to improving mobility, the focus is also on learning how to use the knee properly, for example with a new knee joint.
Rehabilitation is essential for the knee to function smoothly for a long time after the operation. It helps to stabilize the knee and ensure that the muscles and ligaments function properly.
If you have been prescribed orthopaedic aids, you will learn how to use them properly during knee rehabilitation.
The therapeutic measures will prepare you as well as possible for your normal professional and social life.

During knee rehab, patients perform exercises to stabilize and mobilize the knee © BASILICOSTUDIO STOCK | AdobeStock
Follow-up treatment for the knee is orthopaedic rehabilitation. The treating therapists are therefore mainly specialists in the field of orthopaedics and physiotherapy.
You will receive an individual therapy and treatment plan for knee rehab that is tailored precisely to your knee operation. Your doctor will adapt the treatment depending on the starting point for the rehab, such as the implantation of a prosthesis.
Your individual treatment concept consists of different components that are coordinated with each other.
The following measures may be considered for your rehabilitation:
- Physiotherapy (individual treatment or in a group),
- Walking and running training,
- Training to build up muscles and stabilize joints,
- Manual lymphatic drainage,
- stimulation current therapy,
- exercise baths,
- movement training,
- Advice on reintegration into the workplace.
Orthopaedic rehabilitation can be
- full inpatient treatment with accommodation in a rehabilitation clinic,
- semi-stationary (e.g. on a daily basis) or
- outpatient (by the hour)
take place.
The hospital where you had your knee operation will usually advise you on this.
The duration of knee rehabilitation is usually three to four weeks. Depending on the medical indication, an extension to six weeks is possible in individual cases. Your doctor will be able to help you clarify this with the funding provider in advance.
During rehabilitation, attention is also paid to the time after knee rehabilitation. In many cases, weekly physiotherapy support is useful. This helps to maintain the status quo or to train the knee in a targeted manner for some time.
The therapy plan often includes exercises that you can do yourself at home after knee rehabilitation. Integrate the exercises into your everyday life. This is the best way to get used to the training. This will help to stabilize the joint in the long term and not neglect muscle development.
Doing the exercises regularly is important to maintain the success of the knee rehab.
Depending on your starting point, your doctor may recommend strength training. In general, the durability of an artificial knee joint is highly dependent on the type of load. Sports with jerky or jumping movements may lead to loosening of the joint.
In addition, follow-up examinations are carried out to check the condition after the operation and rehabilitation. Follow-up care includes X-ray examinations of the knee, which your doctor will initially carry out after a period of three months. The examinations are then carried out at longer intervals: After a further year and later usually at intervals of three to five years.
The prospects after knee rehab depend largely on how
- how fit you were as a patient before the operation and
- how carefully you train your knee as the operation progresses.
Strong muscles are essential for a stable knee. Movements that put even strain on your knee are also important. If you want to exercise regularly, a consultation with your orthopaedist is advisable. If necessary, a sports medical examination will help you choose the right type of sport.
Being overweight is considered a significantly increased risk for the positive prognosis of knee surgery and subsequent rehabilitation. A lifestyle change combined with weight reduction can help here.
In most cases, orthopaedic knee rehabilitation is the key prerequisite for keeping your knee functional and mobile in the long term after an operation.
This includes
- the therapeutic measures prescribed by your orthopaedic specialist during follow-up treatment, as well as
- your own efforts afterwards.