(3) NEW Exercises to Walk Normally Again After Total Knee Replacement in 2023

(3) BEST Exercises for Walking Normally After a Total Knee Replacement. In this video, I break walking pattern down into 3 components: the heel strike, toe off, and full cycle. Each of these three exercises may be performed during the first week after surgery through they 12th week after surgery. Anyone who is struggling to eliminate a limp after total knee replacement should talk to your physical therapist to determine if these exercises are right for you.
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About the author:
Hi, my name is Anthony (Tony) Maritato, PT. I am a licensed physical therapist and owner of Total Therapy Solutions. I have specialized in helping clients recover from total knee replacement surgery since 2002 and have created this video to help YOU.
Total Therapy Solutions
5900 Long Meadow Dr
Middletown, OH 45005

[@Christina-or4hx]

I love how Tony breaks down normal movement. So much appreciated. Thank you

[@jerrysedivy2977]

I’m 3 years from a left tkr. I still watch this channel. I wish I would have found this channel back then. Keep up the good work and information.

[@kathrynbradyandgraham.965]

Me too

[@thegreatcatsby409]

Me three 😁 Most helpful channel ever!

[@barbigoschen8692]

I'm 7 weeks tomorrow! I'll try this. My PT had me walk backwards too! Thank you Tony You are a BIG blessing to MANY! Just did it today, 12.05.22 and it feels ok! Thanks AGAIN!

[@annamariearnold2626]

Oh my your an excellent PT too bad your not mine. I’m going in on Wednesday for my left TKR. I’ve been watching you for a least a month and will continue. I’m so scared of the operation and the pain, what a ninny I am. But thank you for all you do.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

I am sure you will do Amazing Annamarie! Best of luck.

[@jessicajax8568]

Yes best of luck PT is the best thing for TKR

[@lindaellis9349]

Genius...you are so helpful..thank you...

[@owenthorsen8017]

8 weeks after surgery and no one ever explained this to me.

[@cailyajones3173]

No one

[@shirlythomas5495]

Thanks Tony for the very useful vedio. I will try doing the same exercise..God bless.😊

[@cheahd]

Very much appreciated for all your videos; day 15 today post bilateral knee replacement

[@thomasnewell4229]

Excellent video

[@emanalsiniy5844]

Your exercises are very benificial

[@harpindersandhu8139]

Really appreciate u sir. U explain very good.

[@marijabu]

Thanks! This is abig help.

[@fredbear72ify]

12 weeks and I walk quite well but wobbling a little I will try this as I am sure it will give me more confidence, thank you.

[@nasimmalik4223]

Hi Tony ,I had TKR 8 weeks ago ,im 50 years old ,I found your videos so helpful ,I really needed this for my daily walk as I don’t feel confident enough ,thanks

[@marklilly2581]

I recently, like, 2 months ago had a knee replacement. I'm getting better at the walking thing and watching your videos are helpful. Thanx

[@keithkareiva9615]

Hey. This really helps. Thanks for the info.

[@totaltherapysolutions]

You are welcome. How is your rehab going?

[@maunalouw7593]

Thanks

[@gailm3871]

Day 21 post left tkr and I just tried these! So grateful for you, Tony, and this video especially. I will do these several times a day until my gait improves.

[@tinaliel9478]

Thanks Tony. Great exercises. I have had both my knees replaced (12 May 2022 and 22 September 2022). My flexion and extension are great 140 and 0 but I have problems walking. My hips hurt and I walk stiff. It seems I don't bend my right knee enough when I touch the ground and I li8ft my hip. It's my latest replacement. My PT had me do one leg modified squats today. Will try your exercises too. Any other tips? I really don't like how my walking is now and I am afraid I will damage my hips. And thanks again for all your help during these two knee replacement.

[@gigiiman4914]

Thank you!!! You are best!!

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Thanks for the comment!

[@auntiemolly3846]

Thanks, I really needed this video. I buckled a lot in the beginning.

[@vaibhavigk]

Can you please help me out with understanding what happens after buckling, did it affect the knee later or cause any pain? I'm currently undergoing physical therapy after injury, my therapist keeps saying I need to avoid buckling. I don't know how the impact is in case it accidentally happens

[@victoriamaarleveld5240]

Thanks for sharing this is what I needed cause it's a year in a half n I still have that buckle feeling when walking n it hurts n feels like I'm gonna fall Soviet will practice this exercise

[@nancyduhalde4679]

Thank you! Actually we CAN hear the swipe LOL! Really appreciate this help!

[@marionwalker7473]

I have found your channel very helpful. I am 8weeks post op for tar. I have good flex and good straightening ofleg but l do have days when l feel more pain and don’t walk that well.will this continue?

[@powermatla4488]

I did full knee replacement on the 31st January and the pain is so severe.

[@77misslinlane]

Thanks Tony. You break it into small manageable steps. I also, post op, appreciate that when there is a twinge of pain, the body’s natural reaction is to pull back and protect itself. That was a hard lesson for me to learn!

[@patricialarsen6460]

I’m doing this on my rebounder.

[@MPam1619]

Hi, i've watched a few of your videos, mostly on what to do to rehab post surgery. However, i'm in need of a video on what to do to prepare for tkr. In other words, i'm a few months from surgery and currently i walk a couple miles every other day. (I don't drive.) Are there any other exercises i should be doing that will optimize my recovery in quality and time? I should add that i'm unable to fully extend my right leg. Thank you.

[@whizbang7130]

8 weeks post op and having trouble with gait by swinging the leg out. Will give these a try.

[@rehmanakirandaraja4776]

I got my TKR January 14th 2023 and I struggled with healing of the incision cite. I progressed to 95° and then had to go for closure again. I had to wait for two weeks to remove those stitches and started of Physio therapy after 8 day the wound opened up again when I had achieved 105° and I need more stitching...waited another two weeks and the stitches were removed and I have complete healing. My other challenge is due to polio my none surgical leg is very weak and I have to wear a raised shoe... It's hard to find exercises or advice for people with my unique case.

[@thomasragusi6322]

I'm definitely going to try that and have been right since my operation in April

[@ac7622]

I had tkr June of 2022-I’m still not walking right. I have no pain in the surgical knee-however, I just can’t get the normal relaxed gist of walking anymore. My surgeon did X-rays about 3 weeks ago-said I have a stretched ligament in that knee. I can’t figure out how that could have happened. He said he would need to go back in and put some hard plastic in to form a ligament in the knee(ouch😢). I really don’t want that at all-but, I want to walk normal again. I’m putting a lot of stress on my ankle and hip, now. I’m sooo frustrated and at this point my other knee is bad, also. But, I don’t think I will have that one done.😔 I’m going to try your exercises and pray that they help me.

[@richardkessler7828]

I’m about 16 weeks post TKR and I think I walk pretty good with only a little irritation around the knee cap but it seems to work its way out…. The odd part about walking is that when I get out of bed in the morning, I feel the Knee joint clicking away. When I put my sneakers on and take a short walk, it’s more stable in no knee clicking. Trying to figure out what to work on to get the clicking to stop. If There’s any suggestions out there I would appreciate it.

[@hazelmacgregor4355]

Love your channel and 7 weeks after TKR in the UK. All your videos build confidence and know I will recover and gain flexion again to be able to cycle again. Thank you 😀

[@rickhoupt6933]

Thanks for video. I’m 59 male. 13 weeks in, still quite a bit of pain in sides of knee. And struggling with extension 8 degrees is best. Really painful down stairs. I’m told if I don’t achieve. Zero by 12 weeks I may never. I hope I heard wrong.

[@meetvasadiya6991]

Does this exercise remains same after ligament replacement surgery walking?

[@user-iq8xz2yd6x]

Hi Tony how are you doing I have a question I'm 3mths already from my knee replacement I've been practicing on my walking how long does it take for u to walk normal I limp trying not to when I do my leg is stiff what can I do

[@suzibaileystone2402]

Looks like I can go back to my tap class!!!

[@kandiitewa4972]

Wooooooooooooooooow. ❤

[@gailgiasson6489]

I had bilateral knee replacement 4 weeks ago. When should I start working on improving my gate as I walk?

[@totaltherapysolutions]

Hi Gail, great question. Are you working with a PT? We usually start from day 1, but any time you are off the walker you can really start to focus on gait. I have a couple other videos on the topic on this channel.

[@coringtonbaldwin7629]

For my experience...the following exercises/machines were used to achieve normal walking at 8 months... Exercises: Lay Flat and attempting to flatten my Leg and using a strap and towel to bend my knee as close to my leg/knee as close to my chest as close as possible ( 100 reps each twice a day).. Gym machines: Leg Press, Leg Extensions, Leg Curs, machine to build outer quad and machine to build inner quad. Note: You must do the machines with Light weight. ( I started the gym at my 6 month mark after Outpatient Therapy...Experts recommend the gym at least 9 months from TKR surgery.

[@mppineda1953]

Today, I'm on my 2 month post op left tkr. Thank you for the video. I will do these exercises. My knee is so stiff. My bending range is currently 89°. I had a setback due to a sciatic nerve on my left leg.

[@ameegrant6055]

Great job. I’m 6 months post tibia fracture with plate and rod implants and only 105 degrees. I didn’t start walking until December.

[@wassxxxx]

Hope you both are healing well. Just a quick question . I'm 9 weeks post op and flexion is at 88 to 90 aswell . What I wanted to ask how is the rom now and at what month did you manage to break the stiffness and bend naturally?

[@mppineda1953]

@wassxxxx I ended having a Manipulation under anesthesia on my third month op post. My surgeon was disappointed with my progress. I'm now relocated to a new physical therapy called Dports Medic8ne of Hawaii. They have a biotech chair that extends and flex your knee. I started on Mar 20th my range was 70° bend. As of today, biotech chair Extension: zero Flextion: 130° Manual bend: 121° Manual Extension: zero

[@wassxxxx]

@mppineda1953 wow that is great news I'm happy for you slowly but surely . I'm scared if they do offer me the mua .. did it hurt ? And how long before things started looking good for you on flexion

[@mppineda1953]

@wassxxxx HI, it was a working progress. My assigned therapist manual bends 3 x a week. It was very important that I did my homework exercises. MUA didn't hurt due to I was under anesthesia. Didn't feel a thing! However, therapy soon after helps a lot, so scar tissue won't set in. When scar tissue develops, as for me, I got stiff.

[@amyr3285]

I am one of those people who had a slow recovery for my right knee replacement. I had to have a knee manipulation done in July (2023) nd now 4 months after surgery #1 on May 31, '23, I am walking with a cane, which I began doing in mid-September. My concern is that my leg is not straight enough when I lift it in a sitting position, and so I think that will affect my walking later. And while I am walking, I force my surgical knee to bend, hitting the heel first and then the toe to make sure I don't walk stiffly. I'm trying, but still have that tight band feeling around the knee. Will this ever go away? Thanks for all your videos, they're very helpful.

[@canangungor5542]

Please,how are you today,about feeling tight band?🌸

[@amyr3285]

@@canangungor5542 The tight band feeling feels better now. It is about 10 months after surgery. That tightness is almost gone. When I drive and put my leg on the break, it feels as If something is grabbing my knee or it feels heavy to lift the leg.

[@kbbowman8654]

@@amyr3285 I am four months postop and have had manipulation under anesthesia about two months ago… I’m still walking like a zombie… My husband says I need to swing my hips more but that tight band feeling around my kneecap and right above my knee it is so swollen all the time that weekend the thigh muscle… So you’re saying at 10 months that tight band feeling will go away? And did your swelling above your kneecap go away?

[@user-vj5mz6or1g]

Please help me to come out from. This problem

[@user-dy1jo8wr9v]

I had my right knee replaced July 27 '23 and my gait is off due to a feeling of pressure on the kneecap that radiates laterally and down as I swing my leg forward in a step , as well as a feeling of torque like my shin bone wants to move inward while my thigh bone wants to move outward. I am hoping this doesn't indicate that the surgeon did not get the alignment correct. Have you ever heard of this before? Are there any excercises you would suggest for this particular problem? My PT therapist is at a loss as to how to help me.

[@wassxxxx]

I'm on 9 weeks post op . How did your recovery go ? I'm still stuck on 88 to 90° . Should I be worried or will bend come through eventually ? Tia

[@deda9338]

Just found your channel I had my left TKR in Aug 2022 and my Right TKR in May 2023. I still have a limp when I walk, these excercises make since to me I will be trying them to see if they help me.

[@kenwindrum2246]

I, have hogley wogley gogley walk how can i fix it..

[@davidbertrand6884]

Not possible when, I have a virus that attacks knee replacement surgery area….. ( surgery 9.21.23,….. today 11.10.23, still in pain having a level of 3 with 10 being terribly painful. Still doing therapy twice a week when possible…..

[@helenbyrne3159]

I had my TKR same day 21 sept 2023. Still not walking right, balance is off

[@paularandisi435]

Are you actually lifting your leg off the floor during a heel and too strike

[@user-vj5mz6or1g]

I m watching your videos regularly my problem is I can walk but I am scared to walk without any one . Please help to come out from this

[@user-vj5mz6or1g]

I am waiting for your reply

[@lauracrandall3439]

​@@user-vj5mz6or1g I am nine weeks post surgery and I want someone next to me in open areas. In my home, I use walls and chairs. I still have the occasional buckle sensation, but it is getting better. I wish you well.

[@tracywalton4496]

@@user-vj5mz6or1g practice and time will give you confidence. Have you no family or friend that can start by walking with you? And use your crutch to help keep you steady? I have no one either and have started walking a few yards along my road and back.

[@marisavalentini5804]

Heel striking gave me pirifornis syndrome ..any suggestions?

[@f.b.i4910]

My PT had me do this, but I had to step over bean bags.

[@douglasmeserole6099]

I was walking half way good then had a stroke

[@slimetimetv8517]

You deem to only have successful patients on your chanel.where do the tkr failure s go for advice.thise who developed arthrofibrosis and in my case stil limping 18 months after tkr.

[@kbbowman8654]

It seems I’ve been having a similar result from my total knee replacement as anything that could go wrong has gone wrong!? I had to have a total manipulation under anesthesia because I had built up so much scar tissue… Now right above my kneecap my thigh is so swollen. It doesn’t allow me to put any weight on itis showing us… It feels very restricted because of the swelling that just will not go down! I’m sorry you were having a similar situation with your knee! But we just have to keep finding answers… And great videos like Tony’s!

[@BR54966]

Good Post , BUT WHY SO TIMID? MAN UP

[@radfordsmith2773]

Get to the point...I shut you off because you blabber to much. Just get to it !!!