From the moment you wake up following the surgery, your rehabilitation has begun. During the recovery time on the hospital ward, you will see the physiotherapist who will set out expectations for recovery and ensure that you are confident with your exercises. You will also practice transfers on and off the bed/toilet, gentle walking around the area and ascending/descending the stairs. They will also make sure you return home with a walking aid such as a walking frame or crutches so that you are able to offload the recovering leg.

The role of rehabilitation is to strengthen your knee and the surrounding muscles, to improve your mobility and transfers and to help you become more confident using the joint that you have been struggling with. Early mobilisation (within 4-8 hours following surgery) has many benefits such as reducing post-operative complications like pneumonia, stroke and deep vein thrombosis, psychological benefits of reduced pain and increased independence and ultimately, a shorter hospital stay.