Recovery Milestones Week by Week
A realistic week-by-week roadmap from surgery day to 12 weeks.
Week 1: hospital for 1–2 nights, then home on crutches. Pain peaks days 2–4. Daily physiotherapy exercises, ice, elevation and short walks around the house.
Week 2–3: off crutches indoors, driving (left knee), back to desk work part-time. Range of motion 90–110°. Outpatient physiotherapy 2–3 times a week.
Week 4–6: walking 30+ minutes comfortably, climbing stairs normally, full-time desk work, stationary bike. Range 110–125°.
Week 6–12: light gym, golf, doubles tennis. Most patients describe the knee as 'comfortable' rather than 'still recovering'. Swelling continues to settle in the evenings.
Educational content only. Prefer to speak first? Try the Knee Check or contact the rooms directly.