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

Michelle Losurdo
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Medicine

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. 1d ago

    Episode 95: Getting In and Out of a Low Car (Why This Feels So Awkward and How to Make It Easier)

    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. More information about this podcast episode Car transfer handle on Amazon Leg lifter on Amazon Free! Total Knee Success Insider - Click the link to get practical education for wherever you are in the knee replacement process. Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free 2-Week Launch Check out the Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement book here See the Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement book here Browse recommended products on Amazon to make your life easier! Resources at 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 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: Getting In and Out of a Low Car (Why This Feels So Awkward and How to Make It Easier)

  2. 5d ago

    Episode 94: Why Going Down Stairs Is Harder After Knee Replacement (And How to Improve It Safely)

    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. Check out the full reference list and recap for this episode Free! Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter - Click to get practical education for where you are in the knee replacement process. Free Top 5 Products for the First 2 Weeks Free 2-Week Launch Free Top 10 Walking Tips Check out the Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement book here See the Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement book here Products on Amazon: make your life easier! Resources at 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 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: Why Going Down Stairs Is Harder After Knee Replacement (And How to Improve It Safely)

  3. Jul 28

    Episode 93: Why Is Kneeling So Difficult After Knee Replacement? (What the Research Says and a Step-by-Step Way to Regain It)

    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. Check out the full reference list and recap on the Total Knee Success Podcast Episode page Free! Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter - Click to get practical education for where you are in the knee replacement process. Free Top 5 Products for the First 2 Weeks Free 2-Week Launch Free Top 10 Walking Tips Check out the Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement book here See the Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement book here Products on Amazon: make your life easier! Resources at 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 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: Why Is Kneeling So Difficult After Knee Replacement? (What the Research Says and a Step-by-Step Way to Regain It)

  4. Jul 25

    Episode 92: The Last 10% After Knee Replacement (When You Finally Start Thinking About Your Life Again)

    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. Check out the full reference list and recap on the Total Knee Success Podcast Episode page Free! Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter - Click to get practical education for where you are in the knee replacement process. Free Top 5 Products for the First 2 Weeks Free 2-Week Launch Free Top 10 Walking Tips Check out the Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement book here See the Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement book here Products on Amazon: make your life easier! Resources at 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 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: The Last 10% After Knee Replacement (When You Finally Start Thinking About Your Life Again)

  5. Jul 22

    Episode 91: Why Your Knee Replacement Feels Worse Some Days (When One Bad Day Doesn’t Mean Something Is Wrong)

    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. Episode recap on the Total Knee Success Podcast Episode page Free! Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter - Click to get practical education for where you are in the knee replacement process. Free Top 5 Products for the First 2 Weeks Free 2-Week Launch Free Top 10 Walking Tips Check out the Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement book here See the Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement book here Products on Amazon: make your life easier! Resources at 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 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 91: Why Your Knee Replacement Feels Worse Some Days (When One Bad Day Doesn’t Mean Something Is Wrong)

  6. Jul 18

    Episode 90: Months 4 to 12 After Knee Replacement: What Nobody Tells You (The Months That Surprise Almost Everyone)

    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. Check out the full reference list and recap on the Total Knee Success Podcast Episode page Free! Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter - Click to get practical education for where you are in the knee replacement process. Free Top 5 Products for the First 2 Weeks Free 2-Week Launch Free Top 10 Walking Tips Check out the Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement book here See the Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement book here Products on Amazon: make your life easier! Resources at 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 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 90: Months 4 to 12 After Knee Replacement: What Nobody Tells You (The Months That Surprise Almost Everyone)

  7. Jul 14

    Episode 89: Six Knee Replacement Myths You Should Stop Believing (What Most Patients Still Believe After Surgery)

    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. Michelle shares how looking beyond dates, comparisons, and expectations can provide a clearer picture of how someone is moving forward. Free! Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter - Click to get practical education for where you are in the knee replacement process. Free Top 5 Products for the First 2 Weeks Free 2-Week Launch Free Top 10 Walking Tips Check out the Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement book here See the Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement book here Products on Amazon: make your life easier! Resources at 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 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. References: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder. NICE Guideline NG157. National Guideline Centre. Evidence review: Inpatient hip and knee postoperative rehabilitation. Orange GM, Hince DA, Jones M, et al. Physical Function Following Total Knee Arthroplasty for Osteoarthritis: A Longitudinal Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. 2025;55(1):1-18.

    Episode 89: Six Knee Replacement Myths You Should Stop Believing (What Most Patients Still Believe After Surgery)

  8. Jul 10

    Episode 88: Has Your Knee Replacement Progress Stalled? (Why Plateaus Are More Common Than You Think)

    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. Free! Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter - Click to get practical education for where you are in the knee replacement process. Free Top 5 Products for the First 2 Weeks Free 2-Week Launch Free Top 10 Walking Tips Check out the Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement book here See the Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement book here Products on Amazon: make your life easier! Resources at 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 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. 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):1-18. 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):151-160.

    Episode 88: Has Your Knee Replacement Progress Stalled? (Why Plateaus Are More Common Than You Think)
See All (96)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

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

Information

You Might Also Like