What can I expect after my hip or knee replacement?

Once scheduled for surgery it can be a daunting task preparing for what to expect afterwards. Keep in mind, no two surgeries, nor their recovery process, are the same. These are generalizations and your experience may be different based on Consultant’s orders.

Please discuss with your Consultant and Physiotherapist in order to best prepare for your individual surgical procedure and road to recovery.

• Following surgery you will wake up in your room. Generally, you can expect to get out of bed with a Physiotherapist in the afternoon on the day of surgery.

• The first few times out of bed you may get up and walk with a frame, progressing to crutches. The amount of weight you can put on your operated leg will be based on Consultant guidelines.

• You can expect a large dressing placed over the incision to protect from infection. In some cases you may notice some spots of blood on the dressing. The dressing will stay on for 10-14 days at which time the dressing will be removed by your consultant or one of their team members.

• Following surgery many people find a pair of shorts more comfortable than pants as pressure on the incision can occasionally be uncomfortable. Trousers that are loose fitting tend to be comfortable as well.

• Slip-on shoes with a heel are often most comfortable and accommodating due to swelling in your foot and calf.

• Throughout the first week after surgery you may notice more bruising and discoloration in the thigh and calf. This is not uncommon though it is good to make your Physio or Consultant aware if you notice any significant pain, redness or swelling occurring.

• Most commonly, it is recommended by your consultant that you sleep on your back as a precaution and to avoid pain caused by some other positions.

• Climbing stairs- In the case of surgery being performed on 1 side, you will ascend the stairs leading with your non-surgical side. On descent, you will lead with your surgical leg. You will be instructed to use 1 crutch and 1 handrail where available. In the case of surgery on both sides, you will initially find that one leg will feel stronger than the other and able to perform more efficiently with managing the stairs.

• Getting in/out of the car can be accomplished usually easily by sitting your bottom directly onto the seat and then swinging your legs into the car. Often sitting in the front seat with the seat reclined and all the way back is easiest for getting in and out of the car.

Let us help you

Each day following surgery will slowly show improvement in your mobility. Remember, recovery after surgery is not always linear and somedays you will feel better than others. Don’t lose sight of your goals and don’t feel discouraged along the way.

Please feel free to contact us with any further questions you may have about surgery and how we can help you. Call us on 07525913801 or email sean@physioremedies.com.