Knee Replacement Recovery Time: What to Expect After Surgery

Robotic Knee Replacement Recovery: What to Expect

Recovering from knee replacement surgery at The Stone Clinic is faster and more stable thanks to robotic techniques. From day one, patients are fully weight-bearing, and rehab starts immediately—something not possible with conventional replacements.

Our StoneFit physical therapy team focuses on motion, strength, and comfort from the very beginning. Most patients regain a strong, “forgotten knee” by three months, with milestones in the first days and weeks that keep recovery on track.

What Is the Recovery Time for Robotic Knee Replacement?

Because Dr. Stone uses the MAKO robotic-arm system, recovery is accelerated compared to traditional replacements. Patients often walk the same day, improve flexion within two weeks, and achieve “forgotten knee” status by about three months.

Robotic Knee Replacement Recovery Milestones

(Applicable to both total and partial robotic procedures; recovery may vary by individual and type of replacement.)

  • Walking: Patients are weight-bearing, as tolerated, almost immediately after surgery. Most walk out of the surgery center within 1½ hours and begin physical therapy the next day.
  • Driving: Patients may return to driving once they are no longer taking prescription pain medications and feel safe to do so.
  • Return to Work: Timeline depends on job demands. Desk-based workers often return within days to a couple of weeks; physically demanding roles require clearance from both therapist and employer.
  • Air Travel: Safe after sutures are removed, typically 1–2 weeks post-surgery.
  • Cycling/Biking: Well-leg cycling begins day one as part of rehab. Most patients return to normal cycling within the first few weeks.
  • Swimming/Pool Activities: Allowed once sutures are removed, usually within the first few weeks.
  • Full Activity / Impact Sports: With strength and consistent rehab, most patients return to full activity between 4–8 months.

 

👉 Discover how our Robotic Joint Center helps patients return to activity fitter, faster, stronger

 

PLEASE NOTE: THIS GUIDANCE IS SPECIFIC TO PATIENTS HAVING THEIR KNEE REPLACED BY DR. STONE USING THE STRYKER MAKO ROBOTIC-ARM ASSISTED ORTHOPAEDIC SYSTEM. RECOVERY TIMES & ACTIVITY MILESTONES MAY BE LONGER WITH OTHER FORMS OF KNEE REPLACEMENT.