The Total Knee Success Podcast: Your Essential Resource for Navigating Total Knee Replacement

In Episode 106, Michelle explains why balance can still require more care even as strength improves after knee replacement. Through James’s story, she describes turning, uneven ground, dim lighting, age-related changes in vision, the additional attention balance may require with age, and fatigue. Read Episode 106 article & resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter She also explains what details to share with a physical therapist or healthcare provider and when a new or sudden balance change requires medical evaluation. Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 105, Michelle explains what to assess after a fall before trying to stand. Marilyn’s story shows why dizziness, wrist pain, and a possible head impact call for help. Michelle uses guidance from the National Institute on Aging and CDC to explain when to remain down, what the published floor-rise sequence includes, and why people with a knee replacement should practice their individual strategy under supervision. Read Episode 105 article & resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter The episode also covers access to a phone or alert device, the helper’s role, and when a fall deserves a broader risk assessment. Updated for 2026! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 104, Michelle explains how to progress from stationary cycling to outdoor riding after knee replacement. Through David’s story, she covers the first full pedal revolution, saddle height, cadence, resistance, spinning versus grinding, upright and recumbent bikes, trainers, flat and clipless pedals, mounting, starting, braking, turning, gears, hills, e-bikes, and choosing a first outdoor route. Read Episode 104 article & resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Listeners will learn why comfortable pedaling is only one part of being ready to ride outside and how bike handling, balance, and a person’s response help shape the next step. You might like this Stable Trainer . I love this cushioned seat (saddle) cover , and here's the easily mounted phone holder style I use on my bicycle. Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 103, Michelle explains how to prepare for hiking after knee replacement. She shows how distance, elevation gain, terrain, recent trail reports, weather, and route type can help you understand what a hike will require. Read Episode 103 article & resources - including hiking tools Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Michelle also covers uphill and downhill demands, uneven ground, footwear, trekking poles, monitoring your response, and adjusting one part of the next outing when possible. Through Carol’s story, listeners can see how someone might move from neighborhood walking to a first maintained trail while keeping a more challenging hike on the list. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 102, Michelle explains what to consider when flying after knee replacement, including the parts of the travel day that can be more demanding than the flight itself. She discusses when to talk with your surgeon about flying, blood-clot precautions, airport walking and assistance, security, seating, luggage, movement, hydration, and planning for what happens after you land. Read Episode 102 article & resources Travel Products on Amazon Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Michelle shares practical ways to make the airport and airplane easier to navigate while protecting some energy for the people and activities waiting at your destination. If you have a trip coming up, this is an episode you may want to hear before you book your flight or start packing. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 101 follows Dave, a fictional traveler whose story is based on situations people face after knee replacement. Eight weeks after a left total knee replacement, he and his wife take a multi-day summer road trip from Indiana to national parks out west. Read Episode 101 article & resources Product ideas for easier travel after knee replacement Michelle covers driving readiness, prolonged sitting, movement stops, swelling, medication, compression, luggage, accessible lodging, blood-clot precautions, and planning for the arrival so the trip still leaves room to enjoy the destination. Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 100 is for golfers who want to return to the game after total knee replacement. Michelle reviews typical return timelines and explains why surgeon clearance, strength, weight shifting, balance, endurance, and rotational movement all influence readiness. Read Episode 100 article & resources Thank you for listening to 100 episodes! Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle The Episode follows a gradual progression from putting at home to chipping, partial swings, controlled range sessions, a short outing, and eventually a complete round. It also explains how a golf-aware physical therapist and a golf teaching professional can help with different parts of the return. Slip-on Golf Shoes and more SuperStroke Golf Ball Pick Up Tool Josongslax Telescopic Golf Ball Retriever Other Resources: Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 99 explains how to move from formal physical therapy into independent gym training after knee replacement. Michelle discusses cardiovascular equipment, machines, free weights, leg strengthening, balance work, and how load, range, and speed change an exercise. Read Episode 99 article & resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter The Episode also explains how to begin with a small program, monitor swelling and stiffness, and progress without changing too many variables at once. Listeners will learn why a repeatable program is often more useful than an aggressive first workout. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 98 explains how carrying and playing with grandchildren combines lifting, balance, walking, turning, floor transfers, and reacting to unpredictable movement. Read Episode 98 article & resources Get the free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Michelle discusses safer starting positions, keeping a child close, modifying floor play, and deciding when stairs or heavier lifting require more preparation. The Episode also offers ways to remain involved and affectionate when carrying is not yet a safe choice. Listeners will learn how to treat the activity as a progression rather than a single milestone. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 97 opens the four-part Returning to Meaningful Activities series with a practical guide to gardening after knee replacement. Michelle explains how kneeling, bending, lifting, carrying, balance, uneven ground, and time in one position can be reintroduced in stages. The Episode also covers raised beds, stable supports, long-handled tools, smaller loads, position changes, and signs that a gardening session may have exceeded your current capacity. Listeners will learn how to adapt the activity without treating gardening as an all-or-nothing goal. Read the Episode 97 article and resources Gardening Tools for Easier Bending, Kneeling, and Carrying Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 96 explains why getting down to the floor and standing again can remain difficult after knee replacement. Michelle discusses the roles of knee motion, lower-body strength, balance, arm support, and movement sequencing, then describes several general floor-transfer methods that can be adapted to different abilities. The Episode also explains how task-specific practice and backward chaining may be used to build the skill in smaller parts. It closes by distinguishing a planned floor transfer from the decisions required after an actual fall. Read the Episode 96 article and resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter - practical education for where you are in the knee replacement process. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 95 explains why getting into and out of a low car can feel awkward after knee replacement. Michelle discusses seat height, hip and knee mechanics, vehicle design, and a practical sit-first transfer approach. The episode also covers differences among sedans, crossovers, SUVs, and minivans, along with how clinicians may break the transfer into smaller skills to improve control and reduce unnecessary twisting. Read the Episode 95 article and resources Car transfer handle on Amazon Leg lifter on Amazon Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 94 explains why going down stairs is often more difficult than going up after knee replacement. Michelle discusses the role of quadriceps strength, eccentric control, balance, and coordination in stair descent, and outlines examples of approaches used in rehabilitation settings. The episode also highlights general considerations related to readiness for stair practice and emphasizes the importance of guidance from a physical therapist or surgeon. Read the Episode 94 article and resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter - practical education for where you are in the knee replacement process. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 93 explains why kneeling can remain difficult after knee replacement even when walking and other activities are improving. Michelle separates pain from surface pressure, incision numbness, stiffness, and fear of damaging the implant. She reviews the published five-week graded kneeling protocol by Wallace and Berger and explains how to progress from soft to firmer surfaces after receiving surgeon or physical therapist clearance and ensuring the incision is fully healed. The Episode also recognizes physical therapist John O’Halloran for his research contributions, clinical expertise, and commitment to improving real-life function after knee replacement. Read the Episode 93 article and resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 92 explores why many people describe themselves as “ninety percent better” after knee replacement while still feeling that something is unfinished. Michelle explains the differences between pain relief, strength, endurance, movement quality, participation, and the expectation that an artificial knee should feel completely natural. The Episode offers a practical way to identify whether the remaining limitation needs training, repeated practice, professional assessment, or a more realistic benchmark. It also explains which changes should prompt a conversation with a surgeon or another qualified healthcare professional. Read the Episode 92 article and resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 91 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, Michelle explains why progress after knee replacement is rarely a straight line. Many people experience good days followed by days when the knee suddenly feels stiffer, more swollen, or more painful, leaving them worried they've gone backward. Michelle discusses the most common reasons these temporary setbacks occur, how to respond without overreacting or pushing too hard, and why looking at long-term trends is much more meaningful than judging your progress by a single difficult day. She also reviews warning signs that deserve prompt medical attention and offers practical strategies to help you confidently navigate the normal ups and downs that often occur after knee replacement. Read the Episode 91 article and resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Question for the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 90 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, Michelle discusses what may still change between months four and twelve after knee replacement. Formal physical therapy may be over and daily life may look more familiar, while strength, endurance, balance, stairs, work, and longer activities can still be limited. She explains how to identify the abilities that may need focused work, why walking can improve before higher-demand tasks, and why a date on the calendar does not define what your operated leg can do. Read the Episode 90 article and resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter - practical education for where you are in the knee replacement process. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

In Episode 89 of the Total Knee Success Podcast, Michelle discusses six common myths people believe after knee replacement that can create confusion, frustration, and unrealistic expectations. She explains why surgery is only the beginning of the process, why pain and stiffness do not automatically mean something is wrong, why progress does not follow a perfect timeline, and why comparing your experience to someone else’s can make the process more difficult. This episode helps listeners better understand the changes that happen after knee replacement and recognize progress that may be easy to overlook. Read the Episode 89 article and resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 88 explores why progress after knee replacement can sometimes feel as though it has stalled, even when meaningful improvements are still taking place. Michelle explains why plateaus are common, how to distinguish a temporary slowdown from symptoms that deserve medical attention, and why looking at progress over weeks instead of days provides a much clearer picture. Episode 88 helps listeners understand that slower progress doesn’t necessarily mean they’ve reached the end of what they’re capable of achieving. Read the Episode 88 article and resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter - practical education for where you are in the knee replacement process. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.

Episode 87 explores five practical signs that you're making meaningful progress after knee replacement, even when the calendar leaves you questioning how you're doing. Michelle explains why improvements in walking, stair climbing, sleep, everyday activities, and growing independence provide a much clearer picture of functional progress than simply counting weeks after surgery. You'll come away with a practical way to recognize the meaningful changes that gradually make everyday life easier. Read the Episode 87 article and resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter - practical education for where you are in the knee replacement process. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is not intended to replace individualized medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your surgeon, physical therapist, or other qualified healthcare provider regarding your specific condition, surgical decisions, and rehabilitation plan. Amazon Affiliate Disclaimer: Some resources mentioned in this podcast may include Amazon affiliate links. If you choose to purchase through these links, the podcast may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Evidence-Based Content Statement: All information presented in this episode is grounded in peer-reviewed research, published clinical guidelines, and current best practices in orthopedics and rehabilitation. Music Licensing Statement: Intro and outro music for the Total Knee Success Podcast is licensed for commercial use. Editing and production for this episode were completed using Descript.