High Level Exercises Weeks 4-8 - Total Knee Replacement

Total Knee Replacement Exercises: 4–8 Weeks After Surgery

If you are 4–8 weeks after total knee replacement surgery, this stage of recovery focuses on improving knee range of motion, leg strength, balance, walking, and everyday mobility.

In this phase of the Total Knee Replacement Fitness Program, Alex and Mike demonstrate higher-level knee replacement exercises for people whose walking and range of motion have already started to improve. Goals include increasing knee bending and straightening, strengthening the surgical leg to better match the unaffected leg, and deciding whether a cane or walker is still needed.

Exercises include step knee-bending stretches, sit-to-stands, standing leg exercises, mini squats, calf raises, stationary biking, single-leg balance, and step-ups and step-downs.

These exercises can generally be performed 2–3 times per day as tolerated, gradually increasing repetitions and duration as strength improves. Avoid sharp or worsening pain, and continue with earlier total knee replacement recovery exercises if you are not yet ready to progress.

Watch the video above to see each exercise demonstrated and learn how to safely progress your total knee replacement recovery 4–8 weeks after surgery.