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What Are Realistic Expectations With Knee Replacement Surgery: Depends Who You Ask
What do surgeons, therapists, and patients really mean by a “successful” knee replacement? In this issue, discover the surprising truth about expectations, hear David’s inspiring recovery story, and learn why you may want to rethink that ice pack.
Shehla Rooney
September 01, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes
TODAY’S KNEE NEWS
What Are Realistic Expectations After Knee Replacement Surgery: It Depends On Who You Ask
Many people go into knee replacement surgery expecting a brand-new knee that lets them get back to golf, travel, or playing with the grandkids. But what surgeons, physical therapists, and patients each consider a 'successful outcome' can be very different.
In this video, we break down realistic expectations for knee replacement surgery, but we look at it from 3 very different perspectives, that just may shock you.
The variation in expectations is one of the biggest reasons for disappointment after surgery.
Here’s the truth about setting realistic expectations, so you can feel empowered in your recovery journey and get your ‘dream outcome’.
Click below to watch:
Meet David, a retired athlete who underwent knee replacement surgery at 69 years-old.
“My knee was stuck at 98° for a few weeks, even with consistent physical therapy. Then I discovered GoKnee and everything changed.”
What David Wished He Had Done BEFORE His Knee Replacement Surgery
David started at 98°. Here’s his numbers AFTER starting GoKnee's Home Program:
1 Week with GoKnee: 108°
2 Weeks with GoKnee: 125°
3 Weeks with GoKnee: 131°
4 Weeks with GoKnee: 139°
Why GoKnee worked for David?
"GoKnee allowed me to perform advanced techniques from home everyday, multiple times per day, which is why I think the ROM gains were so quick and significant. I found GoKnee's exercises to be more challenging than the one's the PT had told me to do at home."
David's only regret
"I wish I could have used GoKnee before surgery to strengthen and prepare my knee. It would have saved me the frustration and pain that I experienced those first 4 weeks after surgery."
Q: Is icing good for your knee? Let’s find out!
What The Research Says
Should You Still Be Icing Your Knee?
“Ice it!”. It’s the advice nearly everyone with knee pain has heard. But new research is flipping that old wisdom on its head. While ice can feel good in the moment, it may not be the magic solution we once thought. Here are a few surprising truths you’ll want to know:
Ice reduces pain temporarily, but pain relief doesn’t mean faster healing.
Too much icing may actually slow down tissue recovery and increase scarring.
Movement and gentle exercise often do more for long-term recovery than repeated icing.
So, should you still be icing your knee? The answer will surprise you.
Curious to read the research study yourself, then check it out here:
Or if you don’t love reading research, then read my blog post that summarizes everything you need to know about icing your knee.
👉 Read the full blog here.
Want to dive deeper into the truth about Ice Machines after knee surgery? Check out our blog post here: Ice Machines for Knee Replacement Recovery: The Truth
KNEE FACTS
Q: Did you know?
Your knees carry a shocking amount of weight.
When you climb stairs, each knee can handle up to 4× your body weight, and when you squat, it’s as much as 8× your body weight! No wonder stairs and squatting are so hard!
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