Is Online Knee Rehab Right for You?
Online rehab works very well for many knee problems, but not for everyone and not at every stage. This page explains who our program suits, what it can't replace, and the warning signs that mean you should see a doctor first.
Who our program suits, and who it doesn't
Usually a good fit
- Rehab after ACL reconstruction or meniscus surgery, once your surgeon has cleared you to start rehab
- ACL or meniscus tears being managed without surgery, with a doctor's diagnosis
- Knee osteoarthritis
- Patellofemoral pain and chondromalacia patella
- Rehab after knee replacement, once cleared by your surgeon
- Long-standing knee pain that a doctor has already checked
- Returning to running or sport after a knee injury
Possible, but with medical clearance first
- Within the first 3-4 weeks after knee surgery
- A recent knee injury that hasn't been seen by a orthopedic
- Heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions that affect exercise
- A history of blood clots
- Pregnancy
- Anyone who wants to try and avoid a surgery
Not suitable for online rehab
- Suspected fracture or dislocation
- A knee that is hot, red and swollen, especially with fever
- Signs of a wound infection or blood clot (see warning signs below)
- Knee pain linked to a suspected tumour or unexplained weight loss
- Any situation needing urgent or emergency care
What online rehab can and can't do
What it does well
- Expert assessment of how your knee moves, how strong it is, and what it can handle
- A structured, progressive exercise program, which is the core of most knee rehab
- Live supervision so your technique and load are corrected in real time
- Consistent support without travelling to a clinic
What it can't replace
- Diagnosis by a doctor, scans (X-ray, MRI) or blood tests
- Your surgeon's advice and post-operative instructions
- Hands-on treatment such as manual therapy, taping or electrotherapy
- Emergency or urgent medical care
We work alongside your doctor or surgeon, not instead of them. If your surgeon has given you specific restrictions, we follow them. If you're unsure whether you need surgery, you can still consult us along with that we'll encourage you to discuss that decision with an orthopaedic doctor.
Warning signs: stop exercising and get medical help
Seek urgent or emergency care if you notice:
- Pain, swelling, warmth or redness in your calf, especially after surgery (possible blood clot)
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain
- A hot, red, very swollen knee with fever or feeling unwell (possible infection)
- Redness, discharge, opening or increasing pain at a surgical wound
- Being suddenly unable to put weight on your leg after a fall or twist
- An obvious deformity, or a kneecap that has moved out of place
Contact your doctor soon (and tell your FitKneesGuy physio) if you have:
- A knee that locks and can't be straightened, or keeps giving way
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in your leg or foot
- Pain that is severe at night or at rest, or comes with unexplained weight loss
- Swelling or pain that keeps getting worse over several days despite reducing activity
This list isn't complete. If something feels seriously wrong, get medical help. Don't wait for your next session.
What we do if a warning sign appears
- We pause the exercises that could make things worse.
- A physiotherapist reviews your symptoms, whether they were raised by you or spotted by your coach.
- We refer you to your surgeon, an orthopaedic doctor or emergency care, depending on how urgent it is.
- We record it in your patient file.
- We restart only after clearance, adjusting your plan based on your doctor's advice.
