85%
patients that go home the day of or the day after surgery
Post-op success: Your guide to a smooth recovery after joint replacement
Orthopedic surgeons are dedicated to advancing joint replacement techniques. But you also play a significant role in your recovery. Foster your recovery by knowing what to expect.
A collaborative approach to smooth recovery
A joint replacement, or arthroplasty, replaces damaged parts of a joint, often the knee or hip, with artificial implants designed to restore mobility, strength, and stability. At University of Iowa Health Care, our teams of orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists, post-operative nurses, and physical therapists work together to ensure a smooth procedure and recovery.
What can you expect right after your joint replacement surgery?
Recovery doesn’t happen immediately, but with expert care and support, many patients start feeling relief, increased strength, and mobility within a few weeks.
Right after surgery, you’ll likely spend some time in the hospital, where our teams will monitor your post-operative state by evaluating several factors, including:
- Overall progress and vitals
- Pain control
- Adequate fluid/food intake
- Bladder function
- Ability to begin light movement and basic activities
However, with the latest advancements in joint replacement techniques, more than 85% of our patients go home the day of or the day after surgery.
Our physical therapy team will help you start moving and guide you through low-impact exercises you can continue at home, making sure you feel confident before you leave the hospital.
“Physical therapy is the big one,” says Jacob Elkins, MD, PhD, orthopedic surgeon at UI Health Care. “We must make sure when you do go home that you’re safe to go home.”
Before discharge, your care team will ensure you can safely get out of bed, walk with support, perform basic tasks like getting dressed, and have the support you need to recover. If you do not have people helping you recover at home, the physician may recommend home nursing, a physical therapist that comes to you, or a one- to two-week stay at an inpatient rehab.
What common symptoms will you experience after a joint replacement?
Within the first few days of recovery, it’s normal to experience varying symptoms such as:
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Short-lived nausea or vomiting
- Stiffness
- Fatigue
- Pain at the surgical site
While these symptoms can be frustrating, they will likely subside within a few weeks and continue to improve. Be sure to contact your doctor if you experience concerning symptoms such as:
- Fever
- Unusual redness or drainage at the incision site
- Sudden increase in pain
- Calf pain
- Dislocation
- Chest pain
Dealing with Joint Pain?
Your pain doesn’t have to stay. Take our assessment to see if you’re a good candidate for joint replacement.
What can you expect within the first few weeks after a joint replacement?
The first few weeks after a joint replacement are critical to ensure long-term success and pain-free activity. During this time, you will follow your care team’s instructions, which include:
Taking medications as prescribed
Attending follow-up appointments
Attending physical therapy appointments
Completing your at-home exercises as instructed
Using assisted walking devices, like a walker
At around two weeks post-op, you'll likely have a follow-up appointment where the incision site is analyzed, and any dressings or sutures are removed if they haven't been removed already. This is a great opportunity for you to ask questions regarding your recovery.
How often do you need to do physical therapy after surgery?
Physical therapy begins the day of surgery, where therapists will evaluate several factors, including:
- Muscle strength
- Balance
- Ability to perform activities of daily living
- The way you walk
- Ability to use stairs
Your therapist and care team will have developed a plan of gentle exercises to improve your range of motion, reduce stiffness, and begin rebuilding strength.
“Every patient will have a set of activities to do at home,” Elkins says. “So, this is not a couch potato recovery. You do have some chores.”
For many, on-site physical therapy appointments are scheduled to offer one-on-one attention and supervision of your progress. These appointments may involve introducing new exercises and massage to reduce scar tissue buildup.
How can you support a smooth recovery?
"No two people are the same. It’s important to know that full recovery lasts several months. It really depends on you."
Jacob Elkins, MD, PhD
A smooth recovery doesn’t happen with the snap of your fingers; it takes time and dedication to your care plan. Luckily, there are numerous ways you can foster healing and stay on track with recovery:
- Keep up with physical therapy to give your body the strength it needs to heal.
- Follow medication and pain management instructions to keep you comfortable and active.
- Create a safe space for recovery by removing tripping hazards and using support devices.
- Fuel your body with a balanced diet.
- Listen to your body and rest when needed.
By staying engaged in your recovery and following your care team’s advice, you’ll give yourself the best chance at returning to the activities you enjoy, stronger and more confident than before.
“No two people are the same,” Elkins says. “It’s important to know that full recovery lasts several months. It really depends on you.”
Consult an Expert
Hip pain can stand in your way, but it doesn’t have to. See how an orthopedic specialist can help you find relief.