Knee & Hip Replacement Recovery

The recovery timeline after joint replacement

Most surgeons want gentle movement started within a day or two of surgery, progressing from bed exercises to standing, then to walking with a frame, then a stick, over the following weeks. Physiotherapy visits at home keep this progression on track without the discomfort of travelling to a clinic while the joint is still healing.

What our knee and hip replacement care includes

• Early bed exercises and range-of-motion work to prevent stiffness
• Progressive strengthening for the muscles around the new joint
• Guided walking practice with the walker or frame the surgeon has advised
• Wound and dressing checks alongside pain and swelling monitoring
• Stair and bathroom transfer training suited to hip precautions where applicable
• Clear milestones shared with the family so progress is visible week to week

Hip precautions and knee-specific considerations

Hip replacement patients often have specific movement precautions in the early weeks - avoiding certain bending or crossing positions - which our team follows strictly based on the surgeon's advice. Knee replacement recovery instead focuses heavily on regaining full bend and straighten range, which can be uncomfortable and needs steady, encouraging supervision rather than being left to the patient alone.

When to expect independent walking

Most patients progress from a walker to a stick within three to six weeks, and to unsupported walking within two to three months, though this varies by age, fitness before surgery, and how consistently rehab exercises are followed.