Can Physiotherapy Delay Knee Surgery?
- Emma Glynn
- May 27
- 5 min read
Updated: Aug 15
If you’ve been told you “might need a knee replacement someday,” you’re not alone- and you're not out of options, either.
Many adults over 40 hear this advice after months or even years of dealing with knee pain, swelling, or stiffness- especially if stairs, walking, or sleep are starting to suffer. It’s a confronting thought: Is surgery the only path from here?
But here’s the good news- there’s a lot you can do in the meantime. For many people, physiotherapy may help reduce symptoms and delay surgery altogether (Skou et al., 2022).
Let’s unpack how.
What’s Actually Happening Inside the Knee
If you’ve been diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis, it simply means there’s been a change in the joint over time- often involving thinning cartilage, joint stress, and the body’s attempts to compensate (Hunter, Schofield, & Callander, 2014). It’s incredibly common after 40, especially in active people or those with past injuries.
But here’s the surprising part: pain and stiffness often relate more to how your knee functions than what your scan shows. You can have mild arthritis with severe symptoms- or significant wear on imaging but very little discomfort.
And most importantly: OA isn’t always progressive. With the right load, movement, and strength plan, many people live full, active lives without heading straight to surgery (Bennell, Dobson, & Hinman, 2014).
Not sure what’s behind your hip or knee pain?
Take this free, 60-second quiz created by APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Emma Glynn. It’s designed to help you identify the most likely cause of your pain — from fat pad irritation to osteoarthritis — and guide your next step.
👉 Take the quiz now and get tailored insights to move forward with confidence.
How Physiotherapy May Help Delay Surgery
Physio for knee OA offers conservative, evidence-informed strategies that may help reduce pain, improve function, and delay surgery- especially when started early.
At The Hip and Knee Physio, we focus on:
Strengthening the muscles that support your knee, especially the quads and glutes
Improving movement patterns- how you walk, squat, and climb stairs matters
Reducing swelling and flare-ups, especially after walking or activity
Helping you stay active without relying on painkillers or cortisone injections
Building confidence in your joint, so you don’t feel like you’re walking on eggshells
Structured physiotherapy programs like GLA:D® have shown positive effects on function and pain in patients with mild to moderate arthritis and may help delay surgical intervention (Monash University, 2024).
Whether your goal is to keep walking pain-free, get back to tennis, or simply go up and down stairs without thinking about it- Camberwell physio care may help you move more and worry less.
When Surgery Is the Right Call- Physio Still Plays a Role
To be clear: surgery is sometimes the best option. For severe joint degeneration that doesn’t respond to conservative care, or when daily function is significantly limited, a knee replacement may be necessary.
But that doesn’t mean physiotherapy stops being helpful.
In fact, research shows that people who do pre-hab before surgery may recover faster and return to activity more confidently (Wang et al., 2022). Building strength, movement capacity, and understanding your body beforehand gives you a major advantage post-op.
And after surgery? Physiotherapy still plays a critical role in regaining strength, function, and independence (Minns Lowe et al., 2007).
So whether you’re preparing for surgery, hoping to delay it, or not sure what your next step should be- there’s value in starting physiotherapy now.
Not Sure What to Do Next?
If you’re feeling stuck between knee pain and the prospect of surgery, I see you. And you’re not alone.
At my Camberwell clinic, I help people every day who’ve been told surgery is inevitable. We create practical plans that suit your goals, your lifestyle, and your body.
If you’re curious about how physiotherapy might help:👉 Book a 1:1 consult online
You don’t need a referral. You don’t need to be in severe pain. You just need a starting point.
Let’s find it together.
APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist
The Hip and Knee Physio | Camberwell VIC
Ready to Take the First Step?
Booking an initial consult is the best way to get clear on your options. You’ll leave with a personalised plan, a clearer understanding of what’s driving your pain, and evidence-based strategies you can use straight away.
If you’re in Melbourne or Camberwell and need expert hip and knee physio, book a consultation with APA Titled Hip and Knee Physio - Emma, today.
👉 Call now on 9978 9833 or book online to take the first step toward pain-free movement.
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Disclaimer
The content provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
While The Hip and Knee Physio strives to present accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee results or outcomes based on the information provided. Any exercises, strategies, or recommendations featured on this site should not be considered a personalised treatment plan.
Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider before starting any exercise program, particularly if you are experiencing pain, injury, or a pre-existing medical condition.
Use of this website does not create a physiotherapist–patient relationship. The Hip and Knee Physio accepts no responsibility for any injury or loss arising from reliance on or use of this information.
By using this website, you agree to these terms.
References
Bennell, K. L., Dobson, F., & Hinman, R. S. (2014). Exercise in osteoarthritis: Moving from prescription to adherence. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, 28(1), 93–117.
Hunter, D. J., Schofield, D., & Callander, E. (2014). The individual and socioeconomic impact of osteoarthritis. Nature Reviews Rheumatology, 10(7), 437–441.
Minns Lowe, C. J., Barker, K. L., Dewey, M. E., & Sackley, C. M. (2007). Effectiveness of physiotherapy exercise after knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 335(7624), 812.
Monash University. (2024). Australians living with osteoarthritis benefit from a structured physiotherapy program. The Art of Healing. Retrieved from https://theartofhealing.com.au/2024/10/australians-living-with-osteoarthritis-benefit-from-a-structured-physiotherapy-program/
Wang, L., Lee, M., Zhang, Z., & Freburger, J. (2022). Effect of a prehabilitation program on functional recovery after total knee arthroplasty: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 5(2), e229784.
Skou, S. T., Pedersen, B. K., Abbott, J. H., Patterson, M., & Roos, E. M. (2022). Clinical effectiveness of education and exercise in knee osteoarthritis: Systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 376, e067163.
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