When can you begin resisted exercise following a TKA?

When can you begin resisted exercise following a TKA?

• A. Immediately
• B. Weeks 6-8
• C. Months 3-4
• D. Weeks 2-3

Answer: (D)

Protecting the healing joint while restoring strength is the key idea. After a total knee arthroplasty, you start with pain control, swelling reduction, and knee motion plus quad activation with isometrics and gentle movement. Introducing external resistance is kept conservative until the incision has begun to heal and the patient can tolerate loading without a big increase in pain or swelling. That balance is typically achieved around the second to third week post-op, when the tissues can handle light strengthening and the patient is ready to work on improving quadriceps strength and overall knee control. Starting resistive exercise too early risks wound issues or pain flare, while waiting much longer delays recovery of strength and function. Therefore, weeks 2-3 is the appropriate window.

Protecting the healing joint while restoring strength is the key idea. After a total knee arthroplasty, you start with pain control, swelling reduction, and knee motion plus quad activation with isometrics and gentle movement. Introducing external resistance is kept conservative until the incision has begun to heal and the patient can tolerate loading without a big increase in pain or swelling. That balance is typically achieved around the second to third week post-op, when the tissues can handle light strengthening and the patient is ready to work on improving quadriceps strength and overall knee control. Starting resistive exercise too early risks wound issues or pain flare, while waiting much longer delays recovery of strength and function. Therefore, weeks 2-3 is the appropriate window.