TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY GUIDELINES
The information below is meant as a guideline only. The professional skills of a therapist must come into play for each individual patient.
Dr. Ben Robinson
PHASE ONE
0-2 WEEKS
Advance to the next phase when ROM, muscle function, gait is appropriate.
WEIGHT BEARING + PRECAUTIONS
WBAT
Watch incision for redness, temperature, and draining.
RANGE OF MOTION + GOALS
Week one: 0°-90°
Week two: 0°-110°
EXERCISES
Ankle pumps, Knee ext with bolster, quad sets, SLF, SAQ, sup heel slides>chair heel slides>wall heel slides, manual ROM/STM, gait progress to ½ mile, sit to stand.
PHASE TWO
3-6 WEEKS
Advance to the next phase when ROM, muscle function, gait is appropriate.
WEIGHT BEARING + PRECAUTIONS
WBAT
Fall prevention and watch incision.
RANGE OF MOTION + GOALS
ROM 0°-125°
ROM at least – 0°-125°
No ROM > 130° ✓.
Normal Gait. Reciprocal gait on stairs. ⒾADLs. Floor → Stand Transfers.
EXERCISES
Progress towards stationary bike (caution with recumbent) to elliptical.
Progress hip AROM to resistance and strengthening, supine ⇒ standing ⇒ side lying|prone.
Balance and proprioception double stance ⇒ single stance
PHASE THREE
6-12 WEEKS
WEIGHT BEARING + PRECAUTIONS
WBAT
No lifting > 50 lbs.
RANGE OF MOTION + GOALS
ROM at least – 0°-125°
No ROM > 130° ✓
Normal Gait.
Reciprocal gait on stairs.
Ⓘ ADLs.
Floor → Stand Transfers.
EXERCISES
Continue therapy exercises for strength, balance, neuro reeducation, therapeutic activities, and return to normal function.
Emphasize home program for continued overall health an activity balance with a healthy lifestyle.
