Partial knee replacement rehab
How to choose the right physio for your partial knee replacement recovery
A partial knee replacement, often called a uni or unicompartmental knee replacement, usually means a quicker recovery than a total knee replacement. The right rehab helps you make the most of it. Here are the questions worth asking before you choose your physio.
Quick answer: after a partial (uni) knee replacement, physio usually starts within the first week or two, following your surgeon’s guidance. The priorities are controlling swelling, getting the knee straight and bending, switching the thigh muscles back on and walking well. Many people progress faster than after a total knee replacement and are getting back to hobbies at around 6 to 12 weeks. Choose a clinic that treats knee replacements every week, works with knee surgeons, has a gym and a team for cover and offers appointments that fit your week.
Why your choice of physio matters
A partial knee replacement replaces only the worn part of the knee, so recovery is often quicker. We find that mobility of the knee is regained quicker in partial knee replacements, compared to total knee replacements. That makes it tempting to do less rehab, but the knee still needs its movement, strength and walking pattern rebuilt.
Swelling, stiffness and weak thigh muscles are the most common things that hold people back. A physio who sees knee replacement patients every week knows how to manage them and when to push on.
When many people are getting back to hobbies such as walking, cycling, swimming and golf after knee replacement, often quicker for a partial knee replacement, following their surgeon’s advice.
BOOST PHYSIO approach, following your surgeon’s protocol
10 questions to ask before you choose your physio
Put these questions to any clinic you’re considering. A good partial knee replacement rehab service should be able to say yes to every one.
1. Do your physios treat partial knee replacement patients every week?
Experience
Physios who see knee replacement patients all the time know what normal progress looks like, from swelling and stiffness in the early weeks to the strength you need for stairs and hills.
2. Do you work closely with orthopaedic surgeons?
Surgeon links
Ask whether surgeons regularly refer their patients to the clinic. Physios who work with surgeons every week understand their approach, can speak to your surgeon’s team if something isn’t right and can help you get reviewed quickly.
3. Will you have my surgical notes and follow my surgeon’s protocol?
Protocol awareness
Your surgeon will have guidance on walking aids, bending and activity. Bring your operation notes and protocol to your first appointment so your physio can follow them exactly.
4. How soon can you see me after surgery?
Rapid access
The first two weeks are about swelling, getting the knee straight and bending and switching on your thigh muscles. A stiff knee early on is much harder to fix later, so look for a clinic that can see you within days.
5. Do you have a gym for the later stages of rehab?
Gym-based rehab
Once the early weeks are over, rebuilding strength makes the biggest difference to stairs, hills and stamina. A gym with equipment helps you progress, along with guidance for your own gym or pool.
6. Is there a team behind my physio?
Team expertise
If something unexpected happens, such as stiffness, more pain than expected or slow progress, can your physio ask an experienced colleague? Regular team training and case reviews mean you benefit from the whole team, not just one person.
7. What happens if my physio is ill or on holiday?
Uninterrupted rehab
Over months of rehab, your physio will have time off. Ask whether another physio can step in with your full notes and plan, so your recovery doesn’t stall.
8. Will I have to tell my whole story again at each session?
Shared records
Your history, operation details and progress should be recorded once and shared across the team, so every session starts where the last one finished, whoever you see.
9. Can I come before or after work, or at weekends?
Convenient times
Rehab only works if you can get to it. Early morning, evening and weekend appointments make it much easier to keep going alongside work, family or caring for others.
10. Is there a clinic near me? Does my insurer recognise you?
Location and insurance
A clinic close to home matters most in the early weeks, when you may not be able to drive. Check that your insurer recognises the clinic and how many sessions your policy covers.
Partial knee replacement recovery: what to expect
| First physio appointment | Usually within the first week or two after surgery, following your surgeon’s guidance. |
|---|---|
| Early weeks | Swelling control, straightening and bending the knee, thigh muscle exercises and walking with aids. |
| Walking aids | Many people reduce their walking aids within a few weeks, as advised by their surgeon and physio. |
| Driving | Often around 4 to 6 weeks, once you have good control of the leg. Check with your surgeon and insurer. |
| Back to hobbies | Often around 6 to 12 weeks for walking, cycling, swimming and golf, depending on your surgeon’s advice. |
| Full recovery | Strength and confidence often keep improving for several months. |
Your surgeon’s protocol comes first
Surgeons have their own guidance after partial knee replacement, including walking aids, how hard to push bending and when to return to activities. Some patients also have other procedures at the same time that change the plan.
Your physio should read your operation notes, follow your surgeon’s guidance exactly and keep them informed if the knee is unusually swollen, stiff or painful. Clinics that work with knee surgeons every week know these protocols well.
A team, not just one physio
Knee replacement rehab doesn’t always go in a straight line. A knee that won’t bend, swelling that won’t settle, pain at the front of the knee or a hip or back that starts to complain all need experience to sort out.
Every physio has a mentor who reviews their cases and the team trains together twice a month. Your notes and plan are shared, so if your physio is away another physio can carry on without you having to explain everything again.
The first 2 weeks after knee replacement surgery
The stages of good knee replacement rehab
Good rehab moves you on when your knee is ready, rather than on fixed dates. A typical journey includes:
- First two weeks: swelling control, straightening and bending, thigh muscles and walking with aids
- Walking well: reducing walking aids and walking without a limp
- Strength: progressive strengthening for stairs, hills and getting up from low chairs
- Endurance: longer walks, cycling and swimming
- Back to life: driving, work, travel and the hobbies you love
1
Settle and move
Swelling down, knee straight and bending and walking safely.
2
Independent
Walking without aids, driving and managing stairs normally.
3
Back to hobbies
Golf, cycling, long walks, travel and time with family.
Eases pain and stiffness
Hands-on treatment
Gentle hands-on treatment to ease pain and stiffness, so your exercises work better.
Builds strength
Gym-based rehab
Progressive strength training, from simple exercises at home to equipment in the gym when you’re ready.
Gets you back to life
Back to what you love
Practising the things that matter to you, from stairs and walking to golf, tennis or your grandchildren.
Fitting 3 to 6 months of rehab around your life
Most knee replacement rehab is fitted around work, family or caring for others and in the early weeks you may be relying on lifts or taxis. When appointments are hard to get to, sessions get missed and progress slows. Look for:
- Early starts: appointments from 7am at some clinics, so you can come before work
- After work: appointments until 9pm on weekdays
- Weekends: Saturday and Sunday appointments at a number of clinics
- Close to home: a choice of clinics, which matters most when you can’t drive yet
- Shared notes: every physio in the team can see your history, protocol and progress
- Cover when your physio is away: another experienced physio picks up where you left off
A lunch and learn with consultant orthopaedic hip and knee surgeon Mr Tim Waters
Watch: advice from our physios
Short, practical videos from the BOOST PHYSIO team. Always check with your physio which exercises suit your stage of recovery and your surgeon’s protocol.
Reducing knee swelling after surgery
Help for a stiff knee after knee replacement
Walking 10 days after a knee replacement
Gym-based exercises after knee surgery
When to contact your surgeon or get urgent help
Contact your surgical team or seek urgent medical help if you have:
- a painful, swollen, hot or red calf, or sudden breathlessness or chest pain
- a fever, or a wound that is red, hot, weeping or smells
- severe pain or swelling that is getting worse rather than better
- a knee that suddenly becomes much more swollen, hot and painful
Tell your physio and surgeon if your knee is getting stiffer rather than looser, or swelling is building up rather than settling.
Knee replacement rehab near you
See a BOOST PHYSIO physiotherapist at our clinics in Hendon NW4, Hampstead NW3, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead NW6, Kentish Town NW5, Hampstead Garden Suburb NW11, East Finchley N2, Muswell Hill N10, Crouch End N8, Mill Hill NW7, Kensington W8, Borehamwood WD6 and Elstree WD6.
Ask us all 10 questions
Call or WhatsApp us before you book and put every question on this page to us. We’ll be happy to answer. Your Best Recovery, Guaranteed.
Related reading
Physio after knee replacement: when to start and how often
Knee replacement recovery: a case study
Rehab after surgery close to homeKnee pain physio
How to improve knee stiffness
Private or NHS physio: when to go privateWritten by Steven Berkman, Chartered Physiotherapist and founder of BOOST PHYSIO, with the BOOST PHYSIO team. This article is general guidance and is not a substitute for an individual physiotherapy or medical assessment. Always follow your surgeon’s advice.
Frequently asked questions about partial knee replacement rehab
What is a partial or uni knee replacement?
A partial knee replacement, also called a unicompartmental or uni knee replacement, replaces only the worn part of the knee, usually the inner side, rather than the whole joint. It’s suitable for some people whose arthritis is limited to one part of the knee.
Is recovery quicker than after a total knee replacement?
Often, yes. Many people walk more easily and get their movement back sooner. The knee still needs good rehab to rebuild strength and confidence, so don’t skip the exercises.
When should I start physio after a partial knee replacement?
Usually within the first week or two, following your surgeon’s guidance. Early physio focuses on swelling, getting your knee straight and bending, thigh strength and walking well.
When can I drive after a partial knee replacement?
Often around 4 to 6 weeks, once you have good control of the leg and can do an emergency stop. Check with your surgeon and car insurer first.
How do I choose the best physio clinic for my partial knee replacement rehab?
Look for physios who treat partial knee replacement patients every week, work closely with orthopaedic surgeons, follow your surgeon’s protocol, have a gym for the later stages, have a team behind them for second opinions and holiday cover and offer appointment times that fit your life.
Do you work with my surgeon?
We work with many orthopaedic surgeons across London and Hertfordshire who refer their patients to us. Whoever your surgeon is, we’ll follow their protocol and keep them updated on your progress if needed.
Will you have my surgical notes?
Bring your operation notes, discharge letter and any rehab protocol to your first appointment. If you don’t have them, we’ll help you get them from your surgeon’s team. They’re added to your record so every physio who sees you can read them.
Will the other physios know what has already been done?
Yes. Your notes, protocol, exercises and progress are kept on one shared record that every physio in the team can see, so whoever you see knows exactly what stage you’re at and what was done last time.
Will I have to tell my whole story again at each session?
No. Your history and operation details are recorded at your first appointment, so each session starts where the last one finished, even if you see a different physio or visit a different clinic.
Can I come after work?
Yes. Appointments run until 9pm on weekdays, with early starts from 7am at some clinics.
Are you open at weekends?
Yes. A number of our clinics offer Saturday and Sunday appointments. Book online to see what’s available near you, or call us and we’ll find the best time.
Does private health insurance cover my rehab?
Usually yes. Our treatment is recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, Aviva and WPA. Check how many sessions your policy covers and whether you need an authorisation number. You can also self-pay.
Where can I find a physio near me?
BOOST PHYSIO has a network of clinics across North London and Hertfordshire, including Hendon, Hampstead, Swiss Cottage, West Hampstead, Kentish Town, Hampstead Garden Suburb, East Finchley, Muswell Hill, Crouch End, Mill Hill, Kensington, Borehamwood and Elstree. Book online, call 020 8201 7788 or WhatsApp us.
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder. NICE guideline NG157, 2020.
