Episode 84 continues the conversation from Episode 83 by introducing five more tools that may become helpful during weeks two through six after knee replacement. Michelle explains how a self-standing cane, portable car assist handle, step tracker, stretch-out strap, and nine-inch Pilates ball can support walking, exercise, and returning to everyday activities. The Episode also discusses NMES and pedal exercisers as optional tools that should be used with guidance from your rehabilitation team.

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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 orthopedic surgery 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.

References:

1. Orange GM, Hince DA, Jones M, et al. Physical function following total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: A longitudinal systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(1).
2. Arhos EK, Ito N, Mayer IM, et al. Who's afraid of electrical stimulation? Let's revisit the application of NMES at the knee. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2024;54(2):101-107.
3. Graber J, Christiansen CL, Davidson BS, et al. Expert consensus for the use of outpatient rehabilitation visits after total knee arthroplasty: A Delphi study. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(9):566-576.
4. Capin JJ, Minick KI, Stevens-Lapsley JE, et al. Variation in outcomes and number of visits following care guideline implementation after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(3):151-159.
5. Duong V, Dennis S, Ferreira ML, et al. Predictors of adherence to a step-count intervention following total knee replacement: An exploratory cohort study. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(9):620-628.
6. Roush JR, et al. Preliminary evaluation of the clinimetrics of a modified Lower Extremity Functional Scale in older adults after total knee arthroplasty. JOSPT Open. 2024;2(3).
7. Thomas AC, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Importance of attenuating quadriceps activation deficits after total knee arthroplasty. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2012;40(2):95-101.

Episode 83 focuses on five tools patients often report using the most during the first two weeks after knee replacement. Michelle explains how cold therapy, elevation, compression socks, supportive shoes that are easy to put on, and a leg lifter strap can support swelling management, comfort, safer walking, and independence. This Episode is educational and practical, helping listeners think through their home setup before surgery without turning preparation into an overwhelming shopping list.

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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 orthopedic surgery 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.

References:

1. Liang Z, Zhu C, Chen X, et al. Cryotherapy for rehabilitation after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Surg Res. 2024;19:1-12.
2. Quesnot A, Guillot S, Laurent A, et al. Randomized controlled trial of compressive cryotherapy versus standard cryotherapy after total knee arthroplasty. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2024;25:1-10.
3. Christensen LMR, Overgaard S, Bagger J, et al. The effect of compression therapy on post-surgical swelling and pain after total knee arthroplasty. Int J Orthop Trauma Nurs. 2021;41:100815.
4. Munk S, Jensen NJF, Andersen I, Kehlet H, Hansen TB. Effect of compression therapy on knee swelling and pain after total knee arthroplasty. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2013;21(2):388-392.
5. Thomas AC, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Importance of attenuating quadriceps activation deficits after total knee arthroplasty. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2012;40(2):95-101.
6. Arhos EK, Ito N, Mayer IM, et al. Who’s afraid of electrical stimulation? Let’s revisit the application of NMES at the knee. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2024;54(2):101-107.
7. Orange GM, Hince DA, Jones M, et al. Physical function following total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a longitudinal systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(1):1-14.

Episode 82 closes the prehab series by focusing on how to get ready before knee replacement so the first two weeks go better. Michelle walks through five specific areas to get ready for before surgery, including your setup, early exercises, the rhythm of the day, response to harder days, and the follow-through plan. Using Megan as an example, this Episode shows how specific preparation can make the early phase feel more familiar and easier to manage.

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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 orthopedic surgery 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.

References:

Gränicher P, Franchi F, Gokeler A, et al. Prehabilitation improves knee functioning before and within the first year after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(11):709-725. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11160.

Goff AJ, Donaldson A, de Oliveira Silva D, Crossley KM, Barton CJ. Physical therapists prioritize providing education about exercise therapy and to dispel misconceptions about radiology for people with knee osteoarthritis: a concept mapping study. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(9):607-617. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11097.

Ho CJ, Chen YT, Wu HL, Huang HT, Lin SY. The effects of a patient-specific integrated education program on pain, perioperative anxiety, and functional recovery following total knee replacement. J Pers Med. 2022;12(5):719. doi:10.3390/jpm12050719.

Dandis R, Speekenbrink M, Stienstra JJL, et al. Latent class analysis to predict outcomes of early high-intensity physical therapy after total knee arthroplasty, based on longitudinal trajectories of walking speed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(7):362-369. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.10209.

Graber J, Churchill L, Struessel T, et al. Expert consensus for the use of outpatient rehabilitation visits after total knee arthroplasty: a Delphi study. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(9):566-574. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11840.

Orange GM, Hince DA, Travers MJ, et al. Physical function following total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a longitudinal systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(1):1-13. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12645.

Mehaidli A, Mabry T, Schmitt DR, et al. Preoperative joints education class decreases length of stay after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Exp Innov. 2025;6(1). doi:10.60118/001c.127699.