If you have been told you may need a knee replacement, you might be wondering whether physiotherapy could help you avoid or delay surgery. For many people with knee osteoarthritis, the answer is encouraging.
Can physiotherapy help you avoid knee replacement?
For knee osteoarthritis, international guidelines recommend supervised exercise and strengthening as a first-line treatment – before surgery is considered. Strengthening the muscles around the knee, improving how the joint moves and loads, and guidance on activity and weight can reduce pain and improve function enough that some people delay or avoid surgery altogether. Results vary with the severity of the arthritis, so an individual assessment matters.
How physiotherapy helps arthritic knees
- Progressive strengthening of the thigh, hip and calf muscles that support the knee.
- Manual therapy and mobilisation to ease stiffness.
- Movement retraining for walking, stairs and getting up from a chair.
- Practical advice on activity, footwear and load management.
And if you do need surgery?
If a knee replacement is ultimately needed, physiotherapy before surgery (prehabilitation) and structured rehabilitation afterwards are central to a strong recovery. Either way, physiotherapy improves your outcome.
See our knee pain physiotherapy page for the full approach.
Book a knee assessment
Call or WhatsApp +91 98189 11195 to book at your nearest APARC centre or at home.
This article is general information and not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your treating doctor and physiotherapist.