Bruce has plenty of friends and an expanding knee replacement shopping list. Michelle follows his choices through five purchases he may be able to skip: a major bathroom renovation, an adjustable bed, a circulating cold machine, a CPM machine, and specialized heel-slide equipment.

Read Episode 109 article & resources

Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter

Hear simpler alternatives, broad U.S. cost comparisons, and research on cold therapy and routine CPM use. Read the show notes for sources and home-equipment guidance.

Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement

Free Top Ten Walking Tips

Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement

Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier

Resources at totalkneesuccess.com

Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle

Support the podcast

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 108, Michelle follows Carmen as she brings an overnight bag and a delivery box into her home after knee replacement. Five simple questions help listeners think about the item, what their hands need to do, whether they can see where they are going, where they are taking it, and whether carrying it changes the way they walk. Michelle also covers walkers, carts, stairs, smaller trips, lifting restrictions, and signs that it is time to stop and change the plan.

Read Episode 108 article & resources

Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter

Michelle also covers walkers, carts, stairs, smaller trips, lifting restrictions, and signs that it is time to stop and change the plan.

Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement

Free Top Ten Walking Tips

Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement

Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier

Resources at totalkneesuccess.com

Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle

Support the podcast

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 107, Michelle explains the CDC STEADI framework through Ellen’s experience six months after knee replacement. After two close calls, Ellen uses three screening questions, records what happened, and receives an evaluation focused on the factors that affected her.

Read Episode 107 article & resources

Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter

The episode shows how those findings lead to specific changes at home and realistic physical therapy activities. Listeners also receive five simple questions for checking floors, lighting, support, turning space, and frequently used items in their own homes.

Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement

Free Top Ten Walking Tips

Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement

Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier

Resources at totalkneesuccess.com

Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle

Support the podcast

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 106, Michelle explains why balance can still require more care even as strength improves after knee replacement. Through James’s story, she describes turning, uneven ground, dim lighting, age-related changes in vision, the additional attention balance may require with age, and fatigue.

Read Episode 106 article & resources

Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter

She also explains what details to share with a physical therapist or healthcare provider and when a new or sudden balance change requires medical evaluation.

Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement

Free Top Ten Walking Tips

Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement

Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier

Resources at totalkneesuccess.com

Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle

Support the podcast

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 105, Michelle explains what to assess after a fall before trying to stand. Marilyn’s story shows why dizziness, wrist pain, and a possible head impact call for help. Michelle uses guidance from the National Institute on Aging and CDC to explain when to remain down, what the published floor-rise sequence includes, and why people with a knee replacement should practice their individual strategy under supervision.

Read Episode 105 article & resources

Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter

The episode also covers access to a phone or alert device, the helper’s role, and when a fall deserves a broader risk assessment.

Updated for 2026! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement

Free Top Ten Walking Tips

Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement

Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier

Resources at totalkneesuccess.com

Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle

Support the podcast

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 104, Michelle explains how to progress from stationary cycling to outdoor riding after knee replacement. Through David’s story, she covers the first full pedal revolution, saddle height, cadence, resistance, spinning versus grinding, upright and recumbent bikes, trainers, flat and clipless pedals, mounting, starting, braking, turning, gears, hills, e-bikes, and choosing a first outdoor route.

Read Episode 104 article & resources

Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter

Listeners will learn why comfortable pedaling is only one part of being ready to ride outside and how bike handling, balance, and a person’s response help shape the next step.

You might like this Stable Trainer. I love this cushioned seat (saddle) cover, and here's the easily mounted phone holder style I use on my bicycle.

Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement

Free Top Ten Walking Tips

Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement

Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier

Resources at totalkneesuccess.com

Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle

Support the podcast

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 103, Michelle explains how to prepare for hiking after knee replacement. She shows how distance, elevation gain, terrain, recent trail reports, weather, and route type can help you understand what a hike will require.

Read Episode 103 article & resources - including hiking tools

Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter

Michelle also covers uphill and downhill demands, uneven ground, footwear, trekking poles, monitoring your response, and adjusting one part of the next outing when possible. Through Carol’s story, listeners can see how someone might move from neighborhood walking to a first maintained trail while keeping a more challenging hike on the list.

Free 2-Week Launch

Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan

Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks

Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain

Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement

Free Top Ten Walking Tips

Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement

Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier

Resources at totalkneesuccess.com

Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle

Support the podcast

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 102, Michelle explains what to consider when flying after knee replacement, including the parts of the travel day that can be more demanding than the flight itself. She discusses when to talk with your surgeon about flying, blood-clot precautions, airport walking and assistance, security, seating, luggage, movement, hydration, and planning for what happens after you land.

Read Episode 102 article & resources

Travel Products on Amazon

Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter

Michelle shares practical ways to make the airport and airplane easier to navigate while protecting some energy for the people and activities waiting at your destination. If you have a trip coming up, this is an episode you may want to hear before you book your flight or start packing.

Free 2-Week Launch

Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan

Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks

Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain

Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement

Free Top Ten Walking Tips

Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement

Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier

Resources at totalkneesuccess.com

Support the podcast

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 101 follows Dave, a fictional traveler whose story is based on situations people face after knee replacement. Eight weeks after a left total knee replacement, he and his wife take a multi-day summer road trip from Indiana to national parks out west.

Read Episode 101 article & resources

Product ideas for easier travel after knee replacement

Michelle covers driving readiness, prolonged sitting, movement stops, swelling, medication, compression, luggage, accessible lodging, blood-clot precautions, and planning for the arrival so the trip still leaves room to enjoy the destination.

Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter

Free 2-Week Launch

Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan

Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks

Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain

Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement

Free Top Ten Walking Tips

Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement

Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier

Resources at totalkneesuccess.com

Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle

Support the podcast

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 100 is for golfers who want to return to the game after total knee replacement. Michelle reviews typical return timelines and explains why surgeon clearance, strength, weight shifting, balance, endurance, and rotational movement all influence readiness.

Read Episode 100 article & resources

Thank you for listening to 100 episodes! Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle

The Episode follows a gradual progression from putting at home to chipping, partial swings, controlled range sessions, a short outing, and eventually a complete round. It also explains how a golf-aware physical therapist and a golf teaching professional can help with different parts of the return.

Slip-on Golf Shoes and more

SuperStroke Golf Ball Pick Up Tool

Josongslax Telescopic Golf Ball Retriever

Other Resources:

Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter

Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain

Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement

Free Top Ten Walking Tips

Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement

Resources at totalkneesuccess.com

Support the podcast

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan.

Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.

Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation.

Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.