Post surgery rehabilitation

Physical therapy is recommended for anyone who has had or is planning joint replacement surgery. Common reasons include: 

• Recovering from knee replacement, hip replacement or shoulder replacement surgery
• Managing pain and swelling in the days and weeks after surgery
• Regaining strength and range of motion in the new joint
• Reducing the risk of stiffness, blood clots or infection
• Relearning safe movement patterns, such as walking, climbing stairs or reaching overhead
• Rebuilding balance, endurance and confidence in daily activities 

Your care team tracks your progress and adjusts your plan as needed.

Your recovery plan may include a mix of therapies to support healing and restore function: 

• Supervised physical therapy sessions to gradually improve strength and flexibility
• Home exercise programs designed for your pace and goals
• Pain management through medication, cold therapy and anti-inflammatory measures
• Mobility training with assistive devices such as walkers, canes or crutches
• Education and joint protection strategies for safe daily activities 

Rehabilitation often starts within 24 hours of surgery to encourage circulation and prevent complications. Your team explains each step, answers your questions and adjusts your plan to keep you on track. 

Recovery follows three stages: 

• Early phase (days 1 to 14): Focus is on managing pain, protecting the new joint and encouraging gentle movement. Physical therapy introduces safe positions, exercises to reduce stiffness and walking with support.
• Intermediate phase (weeks 2 to 6): Therapy becomes more active as you regain range of motion and strengthen the muscles around the joint. Exercises target balance, flexibility and endurance while therapists review your movement patterns to help protect nearby joints.
• Advanced recovery phase (weeks 6 to 12 and beyond): Rehabilitation progresses to functional training that simulates daily movements such as climbing stairs, driving or returning to sports. The focus shifts to long-term strength, stability and independent function. Most patients resume normal daily activities within a few months, with continued improvement for up to a year. 

Protecting your new joint supports lasting results. Your specialists will guide you on: 

• Following all exercise and therapy instructions
• Keeping your incision clean and dry
• Using assistive devices until cleared
• Avoiding high-impact activities until approved
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce joint stress 

Every surgery carries some risk, including infection, stiffness, blood clots or implant loosening. Your care team uses careful monitoring, patient education and early action to help reduce these risks. Before and after your procedure, your physicians and rehabilitation team will walk you through what to expect and answer any questions you have.