Preparing for Knee Replacement Surgery? Don’t Skip Prehab.

By Dr. Rob Letizia | Spectrum Therapeutics of NJ

If you're scheduled for a Total Knee Replacement (TKR), there's one mistake that can slow down your recovery—and most people make it.

They stop moving.

You might think, “I’m getting it replaced anyway. Why bother?” But in reality, doing nothing before surgery can lead to a much longer, harder rehab.

Why Pre-Surgery Stretching and Strengthening Matters

In the weeks leading up to knee replacement surgery, it’s common to feel stiff, guarded, or unsure about what exercises are safe. But avoiding movement entirely is the worst thing you can do.

Here’s what happens when you stay inactive:

• Your quadriceps weaken rapidly—this muscle is essential for walking, standing, and climbing stairs.
• Your knee loses range of motion, especially bending and straightening.
• Your joint becomes stiffer, making post-op physical therapy more painful and less effective.
• Your circulation slows down, which increases inflammation and swelling after surgery.

Prehab: Your Secret Weapon for a Better Recovery

At Spectrum Therapeutics in Wayne, NJ, we offer customized Pre-Surgical Knee Optimization Programs to help you prepare both physically and mentally for surgery.

Here’s what a smart prehab plan includes:

• Targeted stretching to maintain flexibility and prevent post-op stiffness
• Quad and glute activation to preserve key muscle strength
• Joint mobilization techniques to reduce inflammation and improve movement
• Education so you understand the rehab timeline and know what to expect

What the Research Says

Multiple studies show that patients who do structured prehab:

• Walk sooner after surgery
• Use less pain medication
• Have better long-term function
• Reach their rehab goals faster

Real Talk: Surgery Is Trauma—Recovery Starts Now

Getting a new knee is a major event. While the surgery replaces the joint, it doesn’t fix the rest of your body. If your muscles, mobility, and mindset are unprepared, your recovery will be tougher.

Think of prehab as building the foundation for your new knee to succeed.

Next Steps: Get Strong Before Surgery

If you’re in the Wayne, NJ area and preparing for total knee replacement surgery, we can help. Our team specializes in pre- and post-operative rehab programs designed to get you moving safely—before and after surgery.