Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline

Recovery timelines following knee replacement surgery vary between partial and total procedures. Partial knee replacement typically requires six weeks for recovery, during which patients can walk shortly after surgery and often do not need physical therapy. Home-directed exercises are usually sufficient for rehabilitation due to less scar tissue. In contrast, total knee replacement may require physical therapy and a longer recovery of about three months before returning to work or engaging in physical jobs. Additionally, patients can expect to resume driving within two to four weeks, depending on which leg was operated on.