Recovery and Rehabilitation

Part of The Joint Replacement Guide — Phase 5: Recovery and Rehabilitation · Article 35 of 42 · Hip & Knee Key Points Most patients report significant improvement in pain and function after joint replacement, but “significant improvement” is not the same as “perfect” or “pain-free.” Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) allow satisfaction and function to…

Part of The Joint Replacement Guide — Phase 5: Recovery and Rehabilitation · Article 34 of 42 · Hip & Knee Key Points The great majority of patients can return to a wide range of recreational activities after joint replacement. Low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling and golf are generally well supported by evidence and…

Part of The Joint Replacement Guide — Phase 5: Recovery and Rehabilitation · Article 33 of 42 · Hip & Knee Key Points Most recoveries are straightforward, but knowing the warning signs of the less common complications matters. Signs of infection, blood clot, dislocation, and fracture each have recognisable features worth knowing in advance. When…

Part of The Joint Replacement Guide — Phase 5: Recovery and Rehabilitation · Article 31 of 42 · Hip & Knee Key Points Most patients go home within one to three days after surgery, depending on the joint replaced and their individual recovery. Pain, swelling and fatigue typically improve steadily but unevenly over the first…

Part of The Joint Replacement Guide — Phase 5: Recovery and Rehabilitation · Article 30 of 42 · Hip & Knee Key Points Surgery Builds the Joint; Rehab Builds the Function It’s a useful way to think about it: your surgeon’s job is to give you a well-positioned, mechanically sound new joint. Your job —…

Part of The Joint Replacement Guide — Phase 5: Recovery and Rehabilitation · Article 29 of 42 · Hip & Knee Key Points ERAS is a structured, evidence-based approach to surgical care spanning from before your operation to after discharge, not just a single step during recovery. It has been directly responsible for the shift…

Part of The Joint Replacement Guide — Phase 5: Recovery and Rehabilitation · Article 28 of 42 · Hip & Knee Key Points Pain, drowsiness and some swelling are normal and expected in the first day, and are actively managed by your team. Most patients are helped to sit up and often stand within hours…