Skip to content
KinéPath, Home
EN (Site language: English) Choose your language
Call the practice 0522 52 52 55Book an appointment
Menu
CallBook an appointment
Area of care: Bones and fractures

Knee replacement

In short

A knee replacement replaces damaged joint surfaces of the femur and the tibia, and sometimes of the kneecap. It is offered in particular when osteoarthritis causes significant discomfort despite suitable treatment. After the operation, pain and a build-up of fluid in the knee can limit movement and inhibit activation of the quadriceps.

  • Areas concerned: Knee
  • Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

Knee

Common signs

  • After the operation: pain, swelling and difficulty bending or straightening the knee
  • Muscle weakness, difficulty walking, standing up or using the stairs
  • Temporary need for a walking aid

When to see a doctor

  • Emergency: sudden breathlessness, chest pain or feeling faint
  • See a doctor promptly: a calf that has newly become painful and swollen; do not massage it
  • Contact the surgical team: fever, discharge from the scar, increasing redness or pain that gets clearly worse

What physiotherapy does

Rehabilitation starts early when the patient’s medical condition allows. It aims at straightening and bending the knee, strength, walking and independence. Weight-bearing and restrictions follow the surgeon’s instructions; progress is not the same for everyone.

Techniques used at the practice

Active and assisted mobilisation, activation then progressive strengthening of the quadriceps, work on the hip and calf muscles, balance, walking and stairs. Management of swelling, and cold applied with the skin protected, if it helps with comfort.

How the sessions go

Assessment of pain, the scar, swelling, range of movement and function. An individual programme and exercises at home; progression depending on abilities and how the knee reacts. Reassessments of walking and daily activities.

My pain diaryFill it in every day, show it at your session

Advice

Do the agreed exercises regularly and break activities up. Use the walking sticks as instructed. Avoid forced movements that cause significant and lasting pain.

Sources

  1. Prothèse totale du genou (new tab)Hospices Civils de Lyon (CHU de Lyon), accessed October 26, 2026
  2. Informations concernant LES PROTHESES TOTALES DE GENOU (new tab)SOFCOT (Société française de chirurgie orthopédique et traumatologique), accessed October 26, 2026
  3. Traitement de l'arthrose du genou (new tab)Assurance Maladie (ameli.fr), accessed October 26, 2026

Page reviewed on October 30, 2026

This page is for information and does not replace a consultation. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Bones and fractures

Related conditions