Recommended Equipment

Use walker skiis instead of tennis balls for your walker! The back legs of the walker come with rubber caps. You will need to replace them so you can use the walker properly.

An ice machine is essential for knee replacement recovery. Ice is imperative for pain relief, especially duing those first 2-4 weeks post surgery when pain is highest. The ice machine will provide more consistent and longer cold therapy to help with pain. Polar Active Ice Machine is my favorite because it is extremely easy to use. Just a few tubes to connect, fill it with ice, and plug it in. If you order from their site with the coupon code, it’ll be cheaper than Amazon with free 2 day shipping! If you are having a bilateral knee replacement, order this one.

Invest in a good quality ice pack! Ice packs will be more convenient since you can walk around with them on, take them in the car, etc. ActiveWrap stays cold up to 45 mins and it is very easy to store in the freezer. The ice packs attach by Velcro into the knee sleeve. I would recommend buying a set of long duration ice packs so you can always have 2 cold ones in the freezer. ActiveWrap can also be used as a heat pack as well, which is great for relaxing sore muscles. [Can use HSA/FSA to purchase]

During the first few weeks of surgery, using your muscles to lift your leg will be challenging. A leg lifter can make this much easier for you (and your caregiver). You can also use this strap to help you with some exercises & stretches after surgery.

Ankle weights can be used to do your knee rehab exercises. Slowly adding weights to your exercises can increase your muscle strength. This brand has many different sizes to chose from. Start with a lighter weight such as 5 lbs.

If you want to keep track of your knee bending and knee straightening progress, a goniometer is a very easy tool to use. Here is a video about how to use it: click here.

Silicone is one of the only proven treatments for reducing scar appearance and scar symptoms (itching, burning). There are multiple options for silicone: sheets, spray or gel. Spray is most popular after a knee replacement since the scar may be sensitive to the sheets or with application of the gel. Please read instructions on the box to apply correctly.

This device can be used early in knee replacement recovery since it is a fairly gentle massage. Only use massage devices on the muscles.

If you are looking for high quality vitamins to reduce inflammation and improve health, Throne is a trusted brand with high quality ingredients.

Massage guns can help reduce muscle soreness after surgery, especially on the surrounding muscles of the knee. This specific one by Bob and Brad has a cooling and heat attachment, which is great for pain relief and muscle soreness. Massage guns are more intensive than rolling sticks so they should be used in later phases of recovery after surgeon clearance.

An adjustable stool is great for keeping your leg elevated while you are working at your desk. Keeping your leg elevated can help with swelling and stiffness.

This massage device is like a mix between a massage gun and a rolling pin. It provides a gentle, but effective massage to the muscles, which is great after a knee replacement since the quads (and other surrounding muscles) are sore, but sensitive.

If you exercise on the floor, this mat will be extremely helpful. This mat is 1/4 inch thick compared to other exercise mats, which are 1/8 inch thick. After a knee replacement, you will need a bit more cushioning under your knee for comfort.