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

Episode 7: Safely Returning to Daily Activities After Knee Replacement: From chores to hobbies — getting life back on track


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In Episode 7 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, we focus on how to safely return to daily activities after knee replacement. You’ll learn how to pace your energy with the SET approach, adapt common home tasks, manage stairs and driving, and gradually reintroduce work, chores, and hobbies. We also explore kneeling, exercise momentum, and the signs that mean it’s time to call your care team. Whether you’re early in healing or further along, this episode gives you practical tools and encouragement for getting back to the things you enjoy most. Learn more and access additional resources 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 recovery and that patients have found helpful.

References

  1. Jette DU, Hunter SJ, et al. Clinical practice guideline: Physical therapist management of total knee arthroplasty. Phys Ther. 2020;100(9):1603-1631. doi:10.1093/ptj/pzaa099
  2. Peters MCWM, et al. Return to daily activities, work, and sports after total knee arthroplasty. Acta Orthop. 2024;95:353-360. doi:10.2340/17453674.2024.95.353
  3. Giannoudis V, et al. Brake reaction time and return to driving after knee arthroplasty: a systematic review. Accid Anal Prev. 2021;153:106025. doi:10.1016/j.aap.2021.106025
  4. Giannoudis V, et al. Predictors for return to driving after THA and TKA. J Clin Med. 2025;14(8):2536. doi:10.3390/jcm14082536
  5. Pasqualini I, et al. Sports and return to work after total knee arthroplasty. Joints. 2023;11(4):217-226. doi:10.1055/s-0043-1777668
  6. Kangas P, et al. Return to work following hip or knee arthroplasty: a systematic review. J Occup Rehabil. 2024. doi:10.1007/s10926-024-10147-6
  7. Wylde V, et al. Kneeling after total knee replacement: a systematic review. EFORT Open Rev. 2019;4(5):460-467. doi:10.1302/2058-5241.4.180047
  8. Nadeem S, et al. Surgery-related predictors of kneeling ability after total knee arthroplasty. Arthroplast Today. 2021;7:224-232. doi:10.1016/j.artd.2020.12.004
  9. Kutzner I, Heinlein B, Graichen F, et al. Loading of the knee joint during activities of daily living measured in vivo in five subjects. J Biomech. 2010;43(11):2164-2173. doi:10.1016/j.jbiomech.2010.03.046
  10. Taylor WR, Duda GN, Bergmann G, et al. Peak knee contact forces during stair ascent and descent in vivo. J Orthop Res. 2012;30(3):408-415. doi:10.1002/jor.21527
  11. Music used in this podcast is licensed for use through Descript. All rights to the reggae 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