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.
Most golfers get back to the course after a shoulder replacement, usually playing a full round around six months after surgery. How anatomic and reverse replacements differ, the stage-by-stage return, and swing changes that protect the shoulder.
Most people go back to a desk job two to six weeks after orthopedic surgery, while standing jobs take six to twelve weeks and heavy manual work three to six months or more. Your surgeon sets the earliest date, and a phased return makes the first weeks back easier.
About 9 in 10 golfers get back to the game after a hip replacement, usually putting within weeks and playing a full round by around 3 to 5 months. The stages, lead vs trail hip, precautions by approach, and shoes, carts and walking the course.
Most people can drive again two to twelve weeks after orthopedic surgery, depending on the operation, which leg it was and whether your car is automatic or manual. The real test is a pain-free emergency stop with no drowsy painkillers on board, and your surgeon’s advice comes first.
A stiff shoulder after breaking the top of the upper arm is normal. It loosens noticeably after the first 4 to 6 weeks and keeps improving for up to a year, and here is what to do in each phase and when it’s something more.
Most people who played before can return to doubles tennis or pickleball 3 to 6 months after a knee or hip replacement, with their surgeon’s clearance. Singles is more debated. Timelines, shoes, courts and what we know about wear.
After a broken ankle, the first job is getting the ankle moving, especially bending it up, then rebuilding the calf, then balance and a normal walk. Stiffness and swelling are normal for months, and a daily home program is what brings the ankle back.
After back surgery, walking is the first and most important exercise, starting the day of surgery or the next. Gentle core and hip work usually follows from about two weeks, and proper strengthening from around six weeks, later after a fusion. Your surgeon’s limits on bending, lifting and twisting come first.
After a tibial plateau fracture most people keep little or no weight on the leg for about 6 to 12 weeks, and full recovery often takes around a year. Protecting the joint surface while keeping the knee bending is what matters most.
After a broken kneecap most people are back to normal daily activities in about 3 to 6 months. The knee is held straight in a brace for the first weeks, the bend is unlocked gradually, and rebuilding thigh strength takes the longest.