How to Plan for a Joint Replacement Surgery
The first step to relieving hip or knee pain is to consult an orthopedic specialist. You might try options like exercise and injections, yet your doctor may recommend a joint replacement surgery. That’s a big decision.
You might wonder how long you'll be out of work, unable to complete chores at home or do things you love. Our orthopedic specialists explain what the recovery process is for a joint replacement and a few things you can do ahead of time to help things along.
“Facing surgery can be scary,” said surgeon Travis Liddell, MD, Avera Orthopedics Sioux Falls. “We have technology and techniques that make it less overwhelming and also make recovery easier.”
How Long Does Joint Replacement Recovery Take?
If you opt for joint replacement, you won’t ever be bedridden. You’ll start physical therapy right away.
Here’s what to expect:
- Right after surgery: You’ll get up and walk with assistance
- One day after surgery: You’ll go home from the hospital and start physical therapy
- One week after surgery: You should get help with driving, but you’ll be more and more mobile each day.
- Up to four weeks later: You'll likely still need help for balance, using walkers, canes or crutches, but you should notice improvements. Each person will work with a physical therapist to determine the best assistive equipment for specific needs.
Recovery from an elective procedure is most often measured in weeks, not months. Knee replacement recovery times average around six weeks, for example.
“The goal is to get people moving as soon as possible because that aids in the healing process,” Liddell said. “We work closely with the physical therapy team to help each patient meet their goals.”
Physical therapy will be an important part of your recovery. Your team will create an exercise plan that works for you and strengthens muscles before and after surgery. This plan will depend on your activities and goals following joint replacement.
The Importance of Pre-Hab Before Joint Surgery
Motivated, educated patients with clear-cut goals do best, which can mean preparing ahead of your surgery.
“We encourage patients to do what’s sometimes called ‘pre-hab’ where they get more active prior to treatment or procedures,” said surgeon Benjamin Walters, DO, Avera Orthopedics Sioux Falls. You pre-hab might include steps like:
- Meeting with a physical therapist before surgery to ensure good strength and range of motion, which helps your recovery.
- Losing weight if recommended. A higher weight can increase surgical risk. Work with your provider and available services to meet these recommendations.
- Talking to family members and friends who can help you make meals or run errands during your recovery.
- Learning about home health support, such as the programs Avera@Home offers, that could help you with needs like physical therapy, daily living activities and medications.
- Planning ahead to work with your employer, family and friends so you have the time off you need to recover. Ask for help with meals, errands or transportation.
- Following the instructions of your primary care provider. You’ll get a complete list of instructions, pain medications, physical therapy exercises and other steps. Make sure you follow these guidelines and attend your follow-up appointments. Ask in any situation where you don't understand part of your recovery plan.
Give yourself some grace and understand your reality: your natural capacity and strength won't return overnight.
Learn About Joint Replacement Surgery
Schedule an appointment or download our guide.
