What a Physical Therapist Wishes He Knew Before Knee Surgery

What a Physical Therapist Wishes He Knew Before Knee Surgery

Estimated 5-7 Minute Read

• 🔗 Read the Full Transcript Here
• 🔗 Watch the YouTube Video Interview Here (24:39)

 

 

Eric Carter, a 47-year-old physical therapist assistant (PTA), recently underwent a total knee replacement after decades of knee pain, multiple surgeries, and years of prehab. But despite all his professional experience in orthopedic rehab, Eric quickly discovered that nothing truly prepares you for the reality of knee replacement surgery until you’re the one in recovery.

“My good days with my old knee are worse than my bad days with my new knee.” — Eric

This blog dives into Eric’s journey—from the moment he realized he couldn’t put off surgery any longer to the hard-earned lessons he now shares with patients.

 

From Therapist to Patient: The Long Road to Surgery

Eric’s knee pain started in the military. Years of running, jumping, and heavy lifting wore down his joints. At just 35, he was already being told he might need a knee replacement. But like many patients, Eric waited—hoping technology would improve, pain would fade, or function would magically return.

“I tried everything—braces, cortisone shots, PRP, anti-inflammatories… nothing really worked.”

Eventually, daily life became unmanageable. He couldn’t get out of bed without crawling, and long car rides left him unable to walk without a cane.

 

Picking the Right Surgeon. And the Right Mindset

Eric didn’t leave his surgeon choice to chance. He researched thoroughly and prioritized someone with experience, up-to-date techniques, and who actually listened.

“I wasn’t looking for someone to pump me through a system. I wanted someone who’d treat this like the once-in-a-lifetime procedure it is.”

He chose a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and opted for robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery for the best possible precision.

 

The Power of Prehab and Why It Matters

One of Eric’s biggest recommendations? Don’t wait until after surgery to start moving.

“The stronger and more mobile you are before surgery, the better your outcome. Period.”

Eric spent years doing squats, stretching, and building leg strength—even when it hurt. He also incorporated the GoKnee device into his prehab routine, which he later credits with helping his brain trust his body and boosting early post-op mobility.

 

Week One: Reality Hits Hard

Despite a strong start on surgery day, the pain hit fast once the nerve block wore off. Eric describes the first three weeks as “brutal.”

“I thought I’d be the miracle recovery story. But the pain, swelling, and fatigue were real.”

He leaned heavily on pain medication (and insists others should too), focused on elevation over icing, and committed to consistent, gentle movement—even on the tough days.

“Getting off pain meds too early can set your progress back. Your brain won’t let you move if it’s in panic mode.” 

 

A Candid Take on Physical Therapy After Knee Surgery

As a PTA himself, Eric had high expectations. But even he admits that not every therapist—or approach—fits the bill.

“They got right after it. Sometimes too aggressively. One therapist pushed too far, and it set me back for days.” 

Eric emphasizes the importance of finding a therapist who treats you like a whole person, not just a number in a routine.

He also discovered that the GoKnee device gave him something most therapy sessions didn’t: control.

“I could push as much or as little as I needed. No fear, no guessing.”

 

8 Weeks Later: Life After Knee Replacement Surgery

By week eight, Eric had:

• Returned to normal daily activities
  
• Begun kneeling again for jiu-jitsu coaching
  
• Weaned off all medications
  
• Reached full knee extension (after a decade of a ‘bent knee’) 

The only issue? Sleep.

“If I stay still too long, I get stiff and achy. But I’ll take that over my old knee any day.”

He continues to use GoKnee for joint mobilization and is now transitioning into more advanced strengthening exercises—like squats and kneeling work—with no weights yet.

What He Wishes He Knew Before Knee Surgery

When asked what he’d do differently, Eric was quick to answer:

“I would’ve had the surgery sooner.” 

Delaying it, he says, only made his nerves more sensitive and his pain more intense. Waiting for a “perfect time” didn’t pay off.

 

Final Advice from a PT & Patient Who’s Been There

Here are Eric’s non-negotiables for anyone planning a total knee replacement:

• Get strong and stay mobile—even the day before surgery
• Don’t tough out the pain—manage it, so you can move
• Start your prehab now—not later
• Be your own advocate—for your surgeon, your therapy, and your recovery
• Do the work at home—that’s where success happens

“The best surgeon, the best implant, and the best physical therapist won’t matter if you don’t put in the work at home.” 

 

Knee Surgery Isn’t a Fix—It’s a Partnership

Knee replacement can absolutely change your life—but only if you prepare, participate, and stay committed.

“Everyone has less pain after surgery eventually. But no one signs up for knee replacement just to walk with a limp.” 

Your outcome depends on what you do—with your body, your time, and your recovery.

And if you’re looking for tools to help you prepare or recover with confidence, check out GoKnee—the same device Eric trusted before and after surgery.