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Patient Questions  /  Avoiding a knee replacement

Knee

Can Physical Therapy Help Me Avoid a Knee Replacement?

For many people, it can help delay surgery, and some never need it. Exercise is a first-line treatment for knee arthritis, and many people manage well for years with strength work, staying active and other non-surgical care. It can't regrow cartilage, though, and for some people a knee replacement is still the right choice.

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Why exercise helps arthritis

Arthritis guidelines recommend exercise for nearly everyone with knee arthritis, before surgery is considered. Stronger thigh and hip muscles take pressure off the joint and help the knee feel steadier. Regular movement also helps the joint feel less stiff.

  • Strength training for the thighs and hips.
  • Walking, cycling or other activity you can keep up, built up slowly.
  • Weight loss, if you carry extra weight. Even a modest loss can ease knee pain.
  • Pacing your activity on bad days instead of stopping completely.

When surgery may be the better option

A knee replacement is usually considered when pain stays severe despite a good try at non-surgical care, keeps you awake at night, or stops you from doing daily things that matter to you. X-rays alone don’t decide it. How you feel and function matter most. The decision is yours to make with your orthopedic surgeon.

If you do have surgery later, the strength you build now helps your recovery.

What to expect

Exercise for arthritis is not a quick fix. Many people notice less pain and easier walking after several weeks of steady work, and the benefits last as long as you keep it up. Some soreness during or after exercise is normal, as long as it settles within a day.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • A knee that suddenly becomes hot, red and swollen, or comes with fever: get care the same day
  • You can't put any weight on your leg
  • Your knee locks and won't straighten
  • Swelling, warmth or pain in your calf: get urgent care to rule out a blood clot

How physical therapy at ARI can help

A physical therapist checks your strength, movement and walking, and builds a step-by-step exercise plan to ease pain and keep you active, whether your goal is to avoid surgery or be as strong as possible if you have it.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Read our full guide: Knee pain and arthritis →

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed October 2026