A shoulder, knee or hip replacement can be major step toward reducing joint pain and getting back to activities that you love. Preparing for surgery and staying on top of recovery can help you have a smooth and successful joint replacement.
Get Ready for Joint Replacement Surgery
In the weeks before your surgery, take these steps to prep your home and routine for the easiest recovery possible.
- Start prehab – Start exercise therapy at least 6-8 weeks before surgery. This helps you practice the exercises you’ll do after surgery and build strength in your legs and upper body. Orthopedic doctors say prehab helps people recover faster.
- Get a disabled parking permit – Apply for a temporary parking permit. Your orthopedic surgeon may have an application form, or you can contact the Department of Motor Vehicles.
- Set up help – You’ll need help for a while. Arrange for someone to drive you to appointments and stay with you for a week or two after surgery.
- Stock your kitchen – Freeze meals in advance or have a friend bring meals. Stock your pantry and put items you use regularly — dishes, glasses, etc. — at arm level.
- Arrange your home – Borrow a walker or crutches to see if you can get around your home with an assistive device. Rearrange furniture as needed and roll up any rugs that could trip you. Put the phone and TV remote in easy reach at arm level.
- Safeguard the bathroom – Consider getting a shower chair and a raised toilet seat to make the bathroom safer during the first weeks of recovery.
Recover From Joint Replacement Surgery
After your procedure, you might experience some soreness as you heal. Following your doctor’s instructions and being proactive with rehab will help you ease any pain and increase your strength and mobility faster.
- Complete rehab – Your physical therapist will teach you exercises to gradually extend your joint’s range of motion and endurance. Do them faithfully.
- Apply ice packs – Talk with your doctor about placing an ice pack wrapped in cloth on your joint for 15–20 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
- Measure your progress – Following the instructions of your doctor, track how many sets you can do of each exercise and the ease of movement without pain. You should see gradual increased range of motion.
- Take the walk test – If your doctor approves, take the walk test. The 6 Minute Walk Test measures how far and fast you can walk in 6 minutes. Time and measure how far you can walk without pain every few days. Ideally, you should see noticeable improvement over several weeks.
- Eat healthy foods – Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol and eat small meals with healthy foods, such as fruits, vegetables and lean protein. If you take blood thinner medication, your doctor may advise you to avoid foods rich in vitamin K, C and E as well as herbal supplements. Ask your doctor for a list.
While joint replacement recovery looks different for everyone, the goal is to get you back in action — without pain — as quickly and easily as possible. At Sutter, your doctor, surgeon and physical therapist are there to help every step of the way. Whether it’s before your procedure or during recovery, reach out to your care team if you have any questions or need some support.