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

by Michelle Losurdo

Episode 106: Why Balance Can Still Feel Off After Knee Replacement (What Strength Alone Does Not Fix)

In Episode 106, Michelle explains why balance can still require more care even as strength improves after knee replacement. Through James’s story, she describes turning, uneven ground, dim lighting, age-related changes in vision, the additional attention balance may require with age, and fatigue. Read Episode 106 article & resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter She also explains what details to share with a physical therapist or healthcare provider and when a new or sudden balance change requires medical evaluation. Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast 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.

E106

Sep 11, 2026

11:56

Episode 105: Getting Up After a Fall (What to Check Before You Try to Stand)

In Episode 105, Michelle explains what to assess after a fall before trying to stand. Marilyn’s story shows why dizziness, wrist pain, and a possible head impact call for help. Michelle uses guidance from the National Institute on Aging and CDC to explain when to remain down, what the published floor-rise sequence includes, and why people with a knee replacement should practice their individual strategy under supervision. Read Episode 105 article & resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter The episode also covers access to a phone or alert device, the helper’s role, and when a fall deserves a broader risk assessment. Updated for 2026! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast 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.

E105

Sep 8, 2026

12:27

Episode 104: Getting Back on a Bicycle After Knee Replacement What You Need Before You Ride Indoors or Outside

In Episode 104, Michelle explains how to progress from stationary cycling to outdoor riding after knee replacement. Through David’s story, she covers the first full pedal revolution, saddle height, cadence, resistance, spinning versus grinding, upright and recumbent bikes, trainers, flat and clipless pedals, mounting, starting, braking, turning, gears, hills, e-bikes, and choosing a first outdoor route. Read Episode 104 article & resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Listeners will learn why comfortable pedaling is only one part of being ready to ride outside and how bike handling, balance, and a person’s response help shape the next step. You might like this Stable Trainer. I love this cushioned seat (saddle) cover, and here's the easily mounted phone holder style I use on my bicycle. Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast 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.

E104

Sep 5, 2026

15:27

Episode 103: Hiking After Knee Replacement (How to Prepare for Hills, Uneven Ground, and Longer Distances)

In Episode 103, Michelle explains how to prepare for hiking after knee replacement. She shows how distance, elevation gain, terrain, recent trail reports, weather, and route type can help you understand what a hike will require. Read Episode 103 article & resources - including hiking tools Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Michelle also covers uphill and downhill demands, uneven ground, footwear, trekking poles, monitoring your response, and adjusting one part of the next outing when possible. Through Carol’s story, listeners can see how someone might move from neighborhood walking to a first maintained trail while keeping a more challenging hike on the list. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast 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.

E103

Sep 1, 2026

16:21

Episode 102: Flying After Knee Replacement (Airports, Airplanes, and Blood-Clot Precautions)

In Episode 102, Michelle explains what to consider when flying after knee replacement, including the parts of the travel day that can be more demanding than the flight itself. She discusses when to talk with your surgeon about flying, blood-clot precautions, airport walking and assistance, security, seating, luggage, movement, hydration, and planning for what happens after you land. Read Episode 102 article & resources Travel Products on Amazon Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Michelle shares practical ways to make the airport and airplane easier to navigate while protecting some energy for the people and activities waiting at your destination. If you have a trip coming up, this is an episode you may want to hear before you book your flight or start packing. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Support the podcast 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.

E102

Aug 28, 2026

17:21

Episode 101: Road Trips After Knee Replacement (How to Plan the Drive and Still Enjoy the Reason You’re Going)

Episode 101 follows Dave, a fictional traveler whose story is based on situations people face after knee replacement. Eight weeks after a left total knee replacement, he and his wife take a multi-day summer road trip from Indiana to national parks out west. Read Episode 101 article & resources Product ideas for easier travel after knee replacement Michelle covers driving readiness, prolonged sitting, movement stops, swelling, medication, compression, luggage, accessible lodging, blood-clot precautions, and planning for the arrival so the trip still leaves room to enjoy the destination. Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast 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.

E101

Aug 25, 2026

15:04

Episode 100: Getting Back to Golf After Knee Replacement (Timelines, Training, and a Gradual Return to the Course)

Episode 100 is for golfers who want to return to the game after total knee replacement. Michelle reviews typical return timelines and explains why surgeon clearance, strength, weight shifting, balance, endurance, and rotational movement all influence readiness. Read Episode 100 article & resources Thank you for listening to 100 episodes! Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle The Episode follows a gradual progression from putting at home to chipping, partial swings, controlled range sessions, a short outing, and eventually a complete round. It also explains how a golf-aware physical therapist and a golf teaching professional can help with different parts of the return. Slip-on Golf Shoes and more SuperStroke Golf Ball Pick Up Tool Josongslax Telescopic Golf Ball Retriever Other Resources: Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Support the podcast 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.

E100

Aug 21, 2026

13:17

Episode 99: Returning to the Gym After Knee Replacement (How to Rebuild Strength Without Guessing What Is Safe)

Episode 99 explains how to move from formal physical therapy into independent gym training after knee replacement. Michelle discusses cardiovascular equipment, machines, free weights, leg strengthening, balance work, and how load, range, and speed change an exercise. Read Episode 99 article & resources Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter The Episode also explains how to begin with a small program, monitor swelling and stiffness, and progress without changing too many variables at once. Listeners will learn why a repeatable program is often more useful than an aggressive first workout. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast 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.

E99

Aug 18, 2026

18:15

Episode 98: Carrying and Playing With Grandchildren After Knee Replacement (How to Lift, Hold, and Move With More Control)

Episode 98 explains how carrying and playing with grandchildren combines lifting, balance, walking, turning, floor transfers, and reacting to unpredictable movement. Read Episode 98 article & resources Get the free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Michelle discusses safer starting positions, keeping a child close, modifying floor play, and deciding when stairs or heavier lifting require more preparation. The Episode also offers ways to remain involved and affectionate when carrying is not yet a safe choice. Listeners will learn how to treat the activity as a progression rather than a single milestone. Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Have a question we can answer on the podcast? Click here for Ask Michelle Support the podcast 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.

E98

Aug 14, 2026

14:24

Episode 97: Getting Back to Gardening After Knee Replacement (How to Bend, Kneel, Lift, and Work Without Overdoing It)

Episode 97 opens the four-part Returning to Meaningful Activities series with a practical guide to gardening after knee replacement. Michelle explains how kneeling, bending, lifting, carrying, balance, uneven ground, and time in one position can be reintroduced in stages. The Episode also covers raised beds, stable supports, long-handled tools, smaller loads, position changes, and signs that a gardening session may have exceeded your current capacity. Listeners will learn how to adapt the activity without treating gardening as an all-or-nothing goal. Read the Episode 97 article and resources Gardening Tools for Easier Bending, Kneeling, and Carrying Free Total Knee Success Insider Newsletter Free 2-Week Launch Book! (Prehab) Knee Replacement Game Plan Free Top 5 Products for the First Two Weeks Free Guide: Less Pain, More Gain Book! Making Sense of Pain After Knee Replacement Free Top Ten Walking Tips Book! Walking Like Yourself Again After Knee Replacement Browse products on Amazon to make your life easier Resources at totalkneesuccess.com Support the podcast 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.

E97

Aug 11, 2026

15:45

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