Total Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation Protocols
14 Total Knee Arthroplasty rehabilitation protocols from 14 institutions, published 2012–2025. Weight-bearing progressions vary by institution — compare them in the table below before selecting a protocol.
Compare by institution
| Institution | Weight-Bearing | Key Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital — Total Knee… | WBAT with device unless otherwise noted by surgical team | Avoid torque/twisting forces through knee especially when WB; no exercises with weights/resistance initially… |
| Brigham and Women's Hospital — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) | WBAT with AD (unless otherwise indicated by surgeon) | No exercises with weights/resistance initially; avoid torque/twisting forces across knee especially when WB… |
| Insall Scott Kelly Institute — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) | WBAT with walker progressing to WBQC then straight cane | CPM 0-100 deg started in recovery room min 4 hrs; increase ~10 deg/day; towel roll under ankle when CPM not… |
| Lahey Hospital & Medical Center — Total Knee Arthroplasty… | Generally WBAT with AD for primary TKA, unless otherwise indicated by MD | Towel roll at ankle to promote knee ext and prevent heel ulcers; nothing under knee; monitor DVT (swelling… |
| Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Mammoth Hospital PT — (TKA) | WBAT — wean walker to crutches to cane; no torque or twisting forces | ROM 0-90 deg by wk 2; 0-120 deg by wk 6 (MUA considered if not achieved); max 130 deg at all times; CPM NOT… |
| Massachusetts General Hospital — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) | Per surgeon's instructions; commonly WBAT | Avoid deep squats, pivoting, impact activity; limit ambulation to 700 steps/day initially; no pillow/towel… |
| Mountain Orthopaedics — Total Knee Arthroplasty | WBAT with walker/crutches from DOS; advance to crutches when able; unprotected WB when no… | CPM 0-120 started DOS; ROM goals mandatory - notify MD immediately if not met (0-100 by DC, 0-110 wk 2, 0-120… |
| Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center — Total Knee… | Goal D/C AD by post-op wk 3-6; criteria-based AD discharge (full active knee ext, strong… | DVT signs = refer directly to ED; mechanical block/clunk = refer to surgeon; lack of full knee ext by 4-6 wks… |
| OHSU Health — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) | WBAT | No pillow under knee; monitor wound healing and DVT; soreness rule: <2 hrs post-exercise; <2 cm swelling… |
| Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS) — Total Knee… | FWB unless otherwise specified from POD1; independent ambulation with AD PRN Phase II; DC… | Avoid kneeling x6 months; avoid jarring/twisting movements while weight-bearing; do not get incision wet 7-10… |
| Sanford Health — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) | WBAT unless modified WB indicated by physician | Avoid torquing/twisting motions of knee; no pillow under knee; revision TKA progress with more caution… |
| South Shore Orthopedics / South Shore Health — Total Knee… | WBAT; AD required minimum 6 wks (walker to crutches to cane) | No specific ROM restrictions listed; avoid high-impact activities and repeated pivoting/twisting after 6 wks |
| University of Delaware Physical Therapy — Unilateral Total… | WBAT immediately; emphasis on loading surgical limb; walking 10 min/day phase 1, 30… | No lateral patellar mobilization (surgical procedure); ROM goals: 0-90° by phase 1, 0-105° by phase 2, 0-115°… |
| University Orthopedics (Brown University) — Total Knee… | WBAT | No pillow under knee at any point; no sleeping in recliner with knees bent; towel/pillow behind calf for… |
All 14 Total Knee Arthroplasty protocols
Total Joint Replacement — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital
Total Joint Replacement — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Total Joint Replacement — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
Insall Scott Kelly Institute
Total Joint Replacement — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
Lahey Hospital & Medical Center
Total Knee Arthroplasty — (TKA)
Mammoth Orthopedic Institute / Mammoth Hospital PT
Total Joint Replacement — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
Massachusetts General Hospital
Total Joint Replacement — Total Knee Arthroplasty
Mountain Orthopaedics
Total Joint Replacement — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Total Joint Replacement — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
OHSU Health
Total Joint Replacement — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Specialists (OSMS)
Total Joint Replacement — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
Sanford Health
Total Joint Replacement — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
South Shore Orthopedics / South Shore Health
Total Knee Arthroplasty — Unilateral Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
University of Delaware Physical Therapy
Total Joint Replacement — Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA)
University Orthopedics (Brown University)