In Episode 69, Michelle explains why limping happens after knee replacement and how to recognize the difference between a protective limp and one that may be holding you back. She walks you through what your body is doing during each phase of healing, how to interpret what you are feeling when you walk, and how to respond in a way that supports progress without forcing perfection.

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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:

Arhos EK, Grindem H, Snyder-Mackler L, et al. Who’s afraid of electrical stimulation? Revisiting the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation at the knee. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2024;54(2):101-110.

Roush JR, Huddleston W, 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):240-250.

Orange GM, Hince DA, Jones M, Sharma S, Kim S, Wand BM, Murphy MC. 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.

Graber CJ, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Bade MJ, Christiansen CL, 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):566-579.

Capin JJ, Minick KI, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Snow GL, Woodfield D, Dibblee P, Brennan GP, Hunter SJ. Variation in outcomes and number of visits following care guideline implementation after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(3):151-160.

Nunes GS, de Moraes WSL, Sampaio VDS, et al. Are changes in dynamic knee movement control related to changes in pain or function in people with knee disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(7):388-401.

White DK, Hinman RS, Liles S, Bye TV, Voinier D, et al. A telehealth physical therapy intervention to increase physical activity in adults with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(5):377-389.

Bricca A, Skou ST, et al. Exercise therapy “wears down” my knee joint: myth or reality? J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(7):463-468.

In Episode 68, Michelle explains why trying to walk perfectly after knee replacement can slow progress and increase tension. This Episode teaches listeners what a healthy gait actually looks like, why natural variation is normal, and which progress markers are more meaningful than appearance alone. Michelle also shares practical strategies to improve walking through strength, rhythm, confidence, and consistency.

Get the Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Guide

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

totalkneesuccess.com

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:

Arhos EK, et al. Who’s afraid of electrical stimulation? Revisiting the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation at the knee. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2024.

Roush JR, et al. Preliminary evaluation of the clinimetrics of a modified Lower Extremity Functional Scale in older adults. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2024.

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.

Nunes GS, de Moraes WSL, et al. Are changes in dynamic knee movement control related to changes in pain or function in people with knee disorders? A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(7):388-401.

White DK, Hinman RS, et al. A telehealth physical therapy intervention to increase physical activity in adults with knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(5):377-389.

Graber CJ, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Bade MJ, 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):566-579.

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):151-160.

Goff AJ, Donaldson A, et al. Physical therapists prioritize providing education about exercise therapy and dispelling misconceptions for knee osteoarthritis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(9):607-617.

In Episode 67, Michelle explains why walking after knee replacement can feel stiff, awkward, heavy, or unfamiliar in the early months after surgery. This Episode helps listeners understand how swelling, quadriceps weakness, confidence, coordination, and long-standing movement habits can shape walking after a knee replacement. Michelle also outlines which symptoms are commonly seen, which warning signs deserve prompt medical attention, and how to focus on steady weekly progress instead of perfection.

Get the Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement download.

Free newsletter: Total Knee Success Insider

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

totalkneesuccess.com

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:

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.

Dandis N, Stevens-Lapsley J, Snow G, 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):362-371.

Minick KI, Hunter SJ, Capin JJ, et al. Improved outcomes following a care guideline implementation: Part 1 of an analysis of 12,355 patients after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(3):143-150.

Capin JJ, Minick KI, Stevens-Lapsley JE, et al. Variation in outcomes and number of visits following care guideline implementation: Part 2 of an analysis of 12,355 patients after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(3):151-160.

Graber CJ, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Bade MJ, 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):566-579.