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

Michelle

Have you recently had a total knee replacement, or are you preparing for surgery and wondering what recovery will really be like? Welcome to the Total Knee Success Podcast, your resource for total knee replacement recovery and life after surgery. Hosted by Michelle Losurdo, a trusted doctor of physical therapy and board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, this show is designed for anyone considering, preparing for, or recovering from knee replacement surgery. In about the time it takes to put a cold pack on your knee, each episode shares practical total knee surgery tips, evidence-based guidance, and clear strategies to help you manage pain, improve mobility, and thrive through the healing process. You’ll learn about post-operative knee rehab exercises, approaches to knee replacement physical therapy, and real-world tools for building confidence, improving sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and regaining natural movement. From time to time, you’ll also hear patient perspectives and success stories that encourage you along the way. Michelle also highlights the mindset and motivation strategies that make a lasting difference in recovery—helping you stay positive, focused, and resilient. And if you’re a family member, friend, or caregiver supporting someone through a knee replacement, you’ll find valuable insights here, too. Please remember: Michelle is not your personal therapist and does not know you. This podcast provides general education and opinion only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your recovery plan. This podcast is not related to her clinical or teaching roles. If you’re ready to feel stronger and more confident on your journey—or if you’re supporting someone you care about—this is the total knee replacement podcast that will help you succeed—one step at a time

  1. Episode 47: The Recovery Plateau That Isn’t About Failure (What Prehab Actually Changes — And What It Doesn’t)

    5H AGO

    Episode 47: The Recovery Plateau That Isn’t About Failure (What Prehab Actually Changes — And What It Doesn’t)

    In Episode 47 of the Total Knee Success podcast, Michelle explains what prehabilitation actually changes before knee replacement and what it was never designed to control. She clarifies why prehab improves early strength and confidence but does not eliminate later slowdowns or plateaus. This episode reframes mid‑recovery challenges in a way that reduces self‑blame and supports steady, progressive rebuilding. Listeners walk away with a clearer understanding of how to use preparation strategically and why prehab remains a valuable investment in long‑term recovery. NMES unit commonly used for quad muscle contraction Get email when The Knee Replacement Game Plan is released. Visit totalkneesuccess.com. 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 orthopedic surgery 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. References Gränicher U, Mulder L, Lenssen T, et al. Prehabilitation improves knee functioning before and within the first year after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review with meta‑analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(11):709‑725. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11160 Minick KI, Hunter SJ, Capin JJ, et al. Improved outcomes following a care guideline implementation: part 1 of an analysis of 12 355 patients after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(3):143‑150. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11600 Orange GM, Hince DA, Jones M, et al. Physical function following total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a longitudinal systematic review with meta‑analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(1):1‑15. doi:10.2519/jospt.2025.11800 Bricca A, et al. Exercise therapy “wears down” my knee joint: myth or reality? J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(7):463‑468. Goff AJ, Donaldson A, de Oliveira Silva D, et al. Physical therapists prioritize providing education about exercise therapy and to dispel misconceptions about radiology for people with knee osteoarthritis: a concept mapping study. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(9):607‑618. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11054 American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Total knee replacement exercise guide. OrthoInfo. Accessed February 16, 2026. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/total-knee-replacement-exercise-guide/

    13 min
  2. Episode 46: How to Keep Moving Forward When Progress Feels Slower (Staying Engaged Without Chasing Perfection)

    4D AGO

    Episode 46: How to Keep Moving Forward When Progress Feels Slower (Staying Engaged Without Chasing Perfection)

    In Episode 46 of the Total Knee Success podcast, Michelle explains how to stay engaged after knee replacement when progress feels slower and less obvious. She discusses why mid-phase slowdowns are normal and why consistency, rather than constant testing or perfection, supports continued improvement. Michelle introduces ten research-informed activity options often used between three and six months after surgery and encourages listeners to use these as a starting point for thoughtful conversations with their physical therapist about where to focus next. NMES unit commonly used for quad muscle contraction A second estim unit to check out Get email when The Knee Replacement Game Plan is released. Visit totalkneesuccess.com. 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 orthopedic surgery 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. References Gränicher P, Mulder L, Lenssen T, Scherr J, Swanenburg J. Prehabilitation improves knee functioning before and within the first year after total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(11):709–725. Minick KI, Hunter SJ, Capin JJ, et al. Improved outcomes following a care guideline implementation: Part 1 of an analysis of 12 355 patients after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(3):143–150. Capin JJ, Minick KI, Stevens-Lapsley JE, et al. Variation in outcomes and number of visits following care guideline implementation: Part 2 of an analysis of 12 355 patients after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(3):151–159. Duong V, Dennis S, Ferreira ML, et al. Predictors of adherence to a step count intervention following total knee replacement: An exploratory cohort study. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(9):620–629. Orange GM, Hince DA, Jones M, et al. Physical function following total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: A longitudinal systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(1):1–16. Na A, Coronado RA, Fitzgerald GK, et al. Diabetes mellitus blunts the symptoms, physical function, and health-related quality of life benefits of total knee arthroplasty: A systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(6):269–280.

    11 min
  3. Episode 45: The Recovery Plateau That Isn’t Actually a Plateau (Why Progress Slows — and Why That’s Normal)

    FEB 10

    Episode 45: The Recovery Plateau That Isn’t Actually a Plateau (Why Progress Slows — and Why That’s Normal)

    In Episode 45 of the Total Knee Success podcast, Michelle explains why progress after total knee replacement often slows after the early postoperative phase and why that change does not mean recovery has stalled. The episode explores how deeper strength, endurance, and neuromuscular adaptations take longer to develop and are harder to see week to week. Michelle reviews research on recovery trajectories, adherence, and activity consistency after TKA, helping listeners understand why early gains do not predict long-term outcomes. The episode closes with guidance on when to seek individualized input from a physical therapist or surgeon and how to stay engaged without chasing perfection. NMES unit commonly used for quad muscle contraction A second estim unit to check out Get email when The Knee Replacement Game Plan is released. Visit totalkneesuccess.com. 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 orthopedic surgery 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. References Duong V, et al. Predictors of adherence to a step-count intervention following total knee replacement: an exploratory study. Phys Ther. 2022. Minick KI, et al. Improved outcomes following a care guideline implementation after total knee arthroplasty: analysis of 12,355 patients. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023. Orange ST, et al. Physical function following total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a longitudinal systematic review. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2025. Gränicher F, et al. Prehabilitation improves knee function before and after total knee arthroplasty. Clin Rehabil. 2022. Graber J, et al. Expert consensus for outpatient rehabilitation visits after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023. Capin JJ, et al. Variation in outcomes and rehabilitation utilization following care guideline implementation after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023. Dandis K, et al. Predictors of outcomes after early high-intensity physical therapy following total knee arthroplasty. Phys Ther. 2021. Goff AJ, et al. Physical therapists’ perspectives on education and exercise after knee arthroplasty. Phys Ther. 2022.

    13 min
  4. Episode 44: Why Being “Cleared” Doesn’t Mean You’re Done Healing (Why Your Knee Can Be Safe — and Still Not Ready)

    FEB 6

    Episode 44: Why Being “Cleared” Doesn’t Mean You’re Done Healing (Why Your Knee Can Be Safe — and Still Not Ready)

    In Episode 44 of the Total Knee Success podcast, Michelle explains why being “cleared” after knee replacement does not mean recovery is complete. She explores the difference between medical clearance and true functional readiness, including strength, load tolerance, and neuromuscular recovery. The episode helps listeners understand why swelling, stiffness, or fatigue can persist despite surgical success and how to respond without fear. Listeners are guided to view clearance as permission to progress thoughtfully rather than pressure to perform. NMES unit commonly used for quad muscle contraction A second estim unit to check out Get email when The Knee Replacement Game Plan is released. Visit totalkneesuccess.com. 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 orthopedic surgery 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. References: Vossen JA, et al. Long-term recovery of knee extensor strength after total knee arthroplasty. J Arthroplasty. 2025. Sun Y, et al. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation after joint replacement surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2025. Arhos A, Ito Y, Stevens-Lapsley J, et al. Who’s afraid of electrical stimulation? Let’s revisit the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation at the knee. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2024;54(2):101-110. Orange GM, Hince DA, Jones M, et al. Physical function following total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a longitudinal systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(1):1-20. Minick KI, Hunter SJ, Capin JJ, et al. Improved outcomes following a care guideline implementation: part 1 of an analysis of 12,355 patients after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(3):143-152. Gränicher P, Mulder L, Lenssen T, et al. Prehabilitation improves knee functioning before and within the first year after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(11):709-725. Graber J, Stevens-Lapsley J, et al. Expert consensus for the use of outpatient rehabilitation visits after total knee arthroplasty: a Delphi study. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(9):566-576.

    15 min
  5. Episode 43: The Real Healing Timeline After Knee Replacement: What Changes at 6 Weeks, 3 Months, 6 Months, and Beyond

    FEB 3

    Episode 43: The Real Healing Timeline After Knee Replacement: What Changes at 6 Weeks, 3 Months, 6 Months, and Beyond

    In Episode 43 of the Total Knee Success podcast, Michelle explains the real healing timeline after knee replacement by walking through how skin, muscle, tendons, ligaments, and bone heal at different rates. She clarifies why the knee can look healed on the outside while deeper tissues are still adapting, and how this mismatch influences stiffness, swelling, and strength. The episode helps listeners understand how different tissues heal over time and what they can reasonably expect as recovery progresses. NMES unit commonly used for quad muscle contraction Get email when The Knee Replacement Game Plan is released. Visit totalkneesuccess.com. 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 orthopedic surgery 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. References Orange GM, Hince DA, Jones M, et al. Physical function following total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a longitudinal systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(1):1-14. Minick KI, Hunter SJ, Capin JJ, et al. Improved outcomes following a care guideline implementation after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(3):143-150. Capin JJ, Hunter SJ, Minick KI, et al. Variation in outcomes and number of visits following care guideline implementation after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(3):151-160. Gränicher P, Mulder L, Lenssen T, et al. Prehabilitation improves knee functioning before and within the first year after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(11):709-725. Graber J, Stevens-Lapsley J, et al. Expert consensus for the use of outpatient rehabilitation visits after total knee arthroplasty: a Delphi study. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(9):566-578. Dandis D, et al. Latent class analysis to predict outcomes of early high-intensity physical therapy after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(7):362-371. Na A, Coronado RA, et al. Diabetes mellitus blunts the symptoms, physical function, and health-related quality-of-life benefits of total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(6):269-280. Aldhahwani BM, et al. Sociodemographic differences in short-term physical function outcomes after hip and knee arthroplasty. JOSPT Open. 2025;3(3):254-266. Werner BC, Carr JB, Browne JA. Risk factors, outcomes, and timing of manipulation under anesthesia after total knee arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2015;97(24):1956-1961.

    12 min
  6. Episode 42: Stop Guessing When to Walk More: The Signals Your Body Gives When It’s Ready for More After Knee Replacement

    JAN 30

    Episode 42: Stop Guessing When to Walk More: The Signals Your Body Gives When It’s Ready for More After Knee Replacement

    In Episode 42 of the Total Knee Success podcast, Michelle explains how to decide when to progress walking after knee replacement without guessing or reacting out of fear. The episode focuses on practical signals such as recovery patterns, fatigue, walking speed trends, endurance, confidence, and assistive device use. Listeners learn how to interpret these signals to make informed progression decisions, shifting from uncertainty to clarity and building confidence in their recovery choices. Check out this Self Standing Pivot Walking Cane or this Rollator Walker on Amazon Get email when The Knee Replacement Game Plan is released. Visit totalkneesuccess.com. 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 orthopedic surgery 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. References: Minick KI, Hunter SJ, Capin JJ, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Snow G, et al. Improved outcomes following a care guideline implementation: part 1 of an analysis of 12 355 patients after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(3):143-152. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11436. Capin JJ, Kittelson AJ, Stevens-Lapsley JE, et al. Variation in outcomes and number of visits following care guideline implementation after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(4):1-12. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11437. Dandis MT, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Kittelson AJ, et al. Latent class analysis to predict outcomes of early high-intensity physical therapy after total knee arthroplasty based on longitudinal trajectories of walking speed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(7):362-371. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.10345. Orange GM, Murphy MC, Wand BM, Sharma S, Kim S, et al. Physical function following total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a longitudinal systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(1):1-16. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12123. Graber J, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Snyder-Mackler L, et al. Expert consensus for the use of outpatient rehabilitation visits after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(5):1-11. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11541.

    14 min
  7. Episode 41: Why Am I Still Walking So Slowly? What Your Walking Speed Reveals About Knee Recovery—and Why Slower Doesn’t Mean Failure

    JAN 27

    Episode 41: Why Am I Still Walking So Slowly? What Your Walking Speed Reveals About Knee Recovery—and Why Slower Doesn’t Mean Failure

    In episode 41 of the Total Knee Success podcast, Michelle explains why walking speed often feels slower than expected after knee replacement and why this does not signal failure or poor effort. She describes walking speed as a functional vital sign, explains what common walking speeds in meters per second tend to reflect during recovery, and reviews research showing that improvement unfolds gradually and along different trajectories. The episode explores how strength, balance, pain, and confidence influence pace, and offers practical guidance on how to interpret walking speed as useful feedback. Listeners are guided from uncertainty to clarity, learning how walking speed can inform smarter recovery decisions rather than drive fear or self-comparison. NMES unit commonly used for quad muscle contraction Get email when The Knee Replacement Game Plan is released. Visit totalkneesuccess.com. 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 orthopedic surgery 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. References: Gränicher P, Mulder L, Lenssen T, Scherr J, Mulder L, et al. Prehabilitation improves knee functioning before and within the first year after total knee arthroplasty: a systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022;52(11):709-725. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11160. Minick KI, Hunter SJ, Capin JJ, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Snow G, et al. Improved outcomes following a care guideline implementation: part 1 of an analysis of 12 355 patients after total knee arthroplasty. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(3):143-152. doi:10.2519/jospt.2022.11436. Orange GM, Murphy MC, Wand BM, Sharma S, Kim S, et al. Physical function following total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a longitudinal systematic review with meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2025;55(1):1-16. doi:10.2519/jospt.2024.12123. Dandis MT, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Kittelson AJ, et al. Latent class analysis to predict outcomes of early high-intensity physical therapy after total knee arthroplasty based on longitudinal trajectories of walking speed. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(7):362-371. doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.10345. Arhos EK, Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, et al. Who’s afraid of electrical stimulation? Revisiting the application of neuromuscular electrical stimulation at the knee. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2024;54(2):1-12. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.12041.

    13 min
  8. Episode 40: NMES: The Missing Link for a Stronger Knee After Replacement: Using neuromuscular electrical stimulation to restore quadriceps strength after knee replacement

    JAN 23

    Episode 40: NMES: The Missing Link for a Stronger Knee After Replacement: Using neuromuscular electrical stimulation to restore quadriceps strength after knee replacement

    In Episode 40, Michelle takes a deep dive into neuromuscular electrical stimulation and its role in restoring quadriceps strength after total knee replacement. She explains why quadriceps weakness persists after surgery, how NMES works to improve muscle activation when the nervous system is still protective, and why visible, high-intensity contractions are essential for results. The episode clarifies how NMES differs from TENS and other forms of electrical stimulation, reviews what the research shows about earlier and more consistent use, and discusses practical setup considerations including pad size, placement, skin preparation, and safety precautions. Michelle also explores why NMES sometimes appears to “fail” in clinical settings, how dosing and frequency influence outcomes, and when guided home use may be appropriate as part of a broader strengthening plan. NMES unit commonly used for quad muscle contraction A second estim unit to check out Get email when The Knee Replacement Game Plan is released. Visit totalkneesuccess.com. 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 orthopedic surgery 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. References Arhos EK, Ito N, Silbernagel KG, et al. Who’s afraid of electrical stimulation? Let’s revisit the application of NMES at the knee. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2024;54(2):101–109. Stevens-Lapsley JE, Balter JE, Wolfe P, Eckhoff DG, Kohrt WM. Early neuromuscular electrical stimulation to improve quadriceps muscle strength after total knee arthroplasty. Physical Therapy. 2012;92(2):210–226. Nussbaum EL, Houghton P, Anthony J, et al. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for treatment of muscle impairment: critical review and recommendations for clinical practice. Physiotherapy Canada. 2017;69(5):1–76. Graber J, Jette DU, McDonough CM, et al. Expert consensus for the use of outpatient rehabilitation visits after total knee arthroplasty. Physical Therapy. 2023;103(4):pzac185. Gränicher C, de Bie RA, Staal JB, et al. Prehabilitation improves knee functioning before and within the first year after total knee arthroplasty. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2022;103(7):1357–1366. American Physical Therapy Association. Clinical practice guideline for physical therapy management of total knee arthroplasty. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2020;50(9):CPG1–CPG81.

    20 min

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About

Have you recently had a total knee replacement, or are you preparing for surgery and wondering what recovery will really be like? Welcome to the Total Knee Success Podcast, your resource for total knee replacement recovery and life after surgery. Hosted by Michelle Losurdo, a trusted doctor of physical therapy and board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, this show is designed for anyone considering, preparing for, or recovering from knee replacement surgery. In about the time it takes to put a cold pack on your knee, each episode shares practical total knee surgery tips, evidence-based guidance, and clear strategies to help you manage pain, improve mobility, and thrive through the healing process. You’ll learn about post-operative knee rehab exercises, approaches to knee replacement physical therapy, and real-world tools for building confidence, improving sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and regaining natural movement. From time to time, you’ll also hear patient perspectives and success stories that encourage you along the way. Michelle also highlights the mindset and motivation strategies that make a lasting difference in recovery—helping you stay positive, focused, and resilient. And if you’re a family member, friend, or caregiver supporting someone through a knee replacement, you’ll find valuable insights here, too. Please remember: Michelle is not your personal therapist and does not know you. This podcast provides general education and opinion only. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your recovery plan. This podcast is not related to her clinical or teaching roles. If you’re ready to feel stronger and more confident on your journey—or if you’re supporting someone you care about—this is the total knee replacement podcast that will help you succeed—one step at a time

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