Recovery after orthopedic surgery, week by week
After surgery, week by week: what to work on, what is normal, and the warning signs that mean you call your surgeon.
Walking starts on the day of knee replacement or the next day. Several short walks a day beat one long one, and yes, you can overdo it: more swelling, next-morning pain or a returning limp mean cut back.
Sit in a firm chair with arms, hips level with or above your knees, feet apart and toes forward, and never cross your legs. Avoid low sofas and toilets, and get up every 30 to 45 minutes. The rules usually last about six weeks.
Kneeling after knee replacement is safe and does not damage the implant. Most people can start once the wound has fully healed, often around 6 to 12 weeks, on a soft surface and with their surgeon’s OK.
Most people resume sex after knee replacement around 4 to 6 weeks, once the wound has healed and they feel comfortable. There is no dislocation risk; lie on your back or side with the knee supported, and avoid kneeling on or twisting it early.
You can usually climb stairs within a day or two of hip replacement, one step at a time: up with the good leg, down with the operated leg. There is no fixed stair limit, and normal stairs usually return around 4 to 8 weeks.
Most people resume sex after hip replacement once comfortable, commonly around 4 to 6 weeks. Early on, lie on your back with legs slightly apart or on your side with a pillow between your knees, and follow your approach’s precautions.
You can climb stairs from the first days after knee replacement, one step at a time with a rail: up with the good leg, down with the operated leg. Normal step-over-step stairs usually return around 6 to 12 weeks.
Many surgeons advise waiting about six weeks after knee or hip replacement before a long-haul flight, and some say up to 3 months, because of blood clot risk. Short flights are often allowed sooner.
Most people use a shower chair for the first few weeks after hip replacement, set high enough that your hips stay above your knees. A walk-in shower is easiest; for a tub, use a transfer bench.
With a waterproof dressing, many teams let you shower within a day or two of knee replacement; otherwise wait for the wound check. No baths, hot tubs or pools until the wound has fully healed, usually 3 to 6 weeks.