Recovering After Total Knee Replacement: How Digital Support May Help
Gunderson CG, Hilgendorf A, Nordin C, et al. Postoperative outcomes of a digital rehabilitation program after total knee arthroplasty: retrospective, observational feasibility study. JMIR Form Res. 2022;6(9):e40703. doi:10.2196/40703
Background
Recovering from total knee replacement surgery can feel overwhelming—but research continues to show that with the right support, patients can do incredibly well. One recent study explored what happens when patients are given consistent access to education, guidance, and digital tools both before and after surgery. The findings suggest that with the proper resources, patients don’t just recover—they thrive.
What Question Is the Study Trying to Answer?
The researchers wanted to know: can a digital recovery program, delivered through an app with remote coaching and education, help patients recover better after total knee replacement than usual care alone?
This question matters because many patients struggle with rehab compliance, emotional stress, or limited access to physical therapy. The study tested whether a structured, app-based approach could fill those gaps and improve the patient experience.
Who Was in the Study and What Were the Groups?
The study included 53 patients who had a total knee arthroplasty (TKA):
22 patients used a digital recovery program that included a mobile app, exercise routines, educational modules, and access to physical therapists and health coaches.
31 patients received standard postoperative care, including typical in-person follow-up and rehab.
Aside from age (the digital group was slightly older), the two groups were similar in health and background.
What Did the Study Find?
Patients who used the digital program had better outcomes overall:
Improved knee function: They moved more easily and had less stiffness at follow-up.
Less anxiety and depression: Emotional recovery was stronger in the digital group.
Fewer complications: There were fewer cases of post-op joint stiffness and lower overall complication rates.
Higher satisfaction: Patients rated their experience more positively.
Better adherence: They completed more rehab sessions and engaged more often with their care team.
Patients in the digital group also tended to stay consistent for about six weeks, and most said they would recommend the experience.
What Are the Potential Limitations of the Study?
As with any study, there are a few caveats:
It was not randomized—patients chose which program to use, which could introduce bias.
The study size was relatively small.
Patients using the app may have already been more motivated or tech-savvy.
That said, the researchers took steps to compare similar groups and noted that the differences were still meaningful.
What Does This Mean for You as a Patient?
If you’re preparing for knee surgery, this study highlights the power of structured support and education. Patients who had access to a daily plan, professional guidance, and ongoing feedback felt more confident, recovered better, and were more satisfied with their outcomes.
You don’t need to rely on memory or motivation alone. Tools like digital rehab apps, checklists, or personalized coaching can help you stay on track. They’re especially useful if you live far from a clinic, prefer flexible scheduling, or just want more clarity about your recovery plan.
Ask your surgeon or physical therapist whether your care team offers something similar, or whether they can help you create a structured plan tailored to your needs.
Final Thoughts
Your recovery doesn’t depend only on what happens in the operating room, it depends on how supported and informed you are throughout the process. This study reinforces something we believe strongly at PT Recovery Guide: when patients are given clear guidance, access to professional support, and the right tools, they can achieve remarkable outcomes.
⚡ If you are interested in more information to help you manage after a total joint replacement surgery, check out my article here.
Written by Christian Hill, PT, DPT, CDNT – Licensed Physical Therapist with over 10 years in orthopedic rehab.
