The Total Knee Success Podcast: Your Essential Resource for Navigating Total Knee Replacement

Episode 13: Range of Motion After Knee Replacement: Bending & Straightening Goals


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In Episode 13 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, we demystify range of motion after knee replacement — what 0°, 90°, and 120° mean in daily life, how timelines typically unfold, and why patellar mobility can unlock better bending. We cover realistic targets with modern implants, the role of swelling control, and how consistent, short sessions beat painful overpressure. You’ll leave with a calm plan for progress and clear red flags for when to call your care team.

Learn more and access additional information at TotalKneeSuccess.com.

Medical Disclaimer The Total Knee Success Podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your specific condition or care. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast. This podcast is not affiliated with Michelle’s clinic or teaching roles.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means that if you click on a product link in my show notes or at TotalKneeSuccess.com and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help support the podcast and allow me to keep creating free, evidence-based content. I only share products that are commonly recommended for knee replacement and that patients have found helpful.

References

  1. Bade MJ, Kohrt WM, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Outcomes before and after total knee arthroplasty compared to healthy adults. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2010;40(9):559-567.
  2. Ritter MA, Harty LD, Davis KE, Meding JB, Berend ME. Predicting range of motion after total knee arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2003;85(7):1278-1285.
  3. Rowe PJ, Myles CM, Walker C, Nutton R. Knee joint kinematics in gait and other functional activities measured using flexible electrogoniometry: how much knee motion is sufficient for normal daily life? Gait Posture. 2000;12(2):143-155.
  4. Bade MJ, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Early high-intensity rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty improves outcomes. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011;41(12):932-941.
  5. Issa K, Rifai A, Boylan MR, Pourtaheri S, McInerney VK, Mont MA. Do various factors affect the frequency of manipulation under anesthesia after primary total knee arthroplasty? Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2015;473(1):143-149.
  6. He JY, Jiang LS, Dai LY. The influence of patellar mobility on knee flexion after total knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2012;20(2):222-227.
  7. Lenssen AF, van Dam EM, Crijns YH, et al. Reproducibility of goniometric measurement of the knee in the acute phase after total knee arthroplasty. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2007;8:83.
  8. Bade MJ, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Early rehabilitation and functional outcomes after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2011;41(12):932-941.
  9. Kim J, Nelson CL, Lotke PA. Stiffness after total knee arthroplasty: prevalence of the complication and outcomes of revision. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2004;86(7):1479-1484.Music used in this episode is licensed for use through Descript. All rights to the track are secured via Descript’s music library.
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The Total Knee Success Podcast: Your Essential Resource for Navigating Total Knee ReplacementBy Michelle