Total hip replacement (THR) and total knee replacement (TKR) surgeries are among the most commonly performed surgical procedures in Australia. While these surgeries can be highly effective in relieving pain and improving function, it’s important for patients to have realistic expectations about recovery. Recovery timeframes can vary depending on a number of factors, including the patient’s age, health status, and the type of surgery performed. However, understanding typical recovery timelines can help patients plan their post-surgery care and rehabilitation.
At Physio on Patterson, we provide evidence-based rehabilitation and support to help our patients recover as smoothly and efficiently as possible. In this blog post, we’ll explore typical recovery timeframes for total hip and knee replacement surgeries, referencing high-quality contemporary evidence and guidelines to help you better understand the process.
Total Hip Replacement: What to Expect
Total hip replacement (THR) surgery is often recommended for patients with severe hip osteoarthritis (OA), hip fractures, or other joint disorders that cause pain and limit mobility. During the procedure, the damaged hip joint is replaced with a prosthetic implant made of metal, ceramic, or plastic components.
Immediate Post-Surgery Phase (0-2 Weeks)
Hospital Stay: Most patients will often spend 2-4 days in the hospital following a THR. During this time, patients are monitored for any complications, such as blood clots or infections. Pain management, initial mobility, and education on post-surgical care will also begin.
Pain Management and Mobility: Pain is typically managed with medication and, physiotherapy to begin early mobility exercises. Patients are often encouraged to start gentle walking with assistance (such as a walker or crutches) within 24 hours post-surgery, as early mobilisation has been shown to reduce complications and enhance recovery.
Early Recovery Phase (2-6 Weeks)
Increased Activity: By 2-6 weeks post-surgery, most patients will be gradually increasing their activity levels. Many are able to walk independently with minimal assistance, although a walking aid (e.g., crutches or a cane) is often used for stability.
Physical Therapy: Physiotherapy plays a critical role in restoring joint function and strength. Early rehabilitation focuses on restoring the range of motion and strength in the hip, as well as improving balance and coordination. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends regular physiotherapy sessions to optimise recovery and prevent complications, such as stiffness and muscle weakness.
Mid Recovery Phase (6-12 Weeks)
Functional Improvements: By 6-12 weeks post-surgery, many patients experience significant improvement in pain levels and mobility. Most patients can return to basic daily activities, such as light household chores and short walks. However, high-impact activities (e.g., running or jumping) should usually still be avoided.
Return to Work: Patients who have office jobs or work in non-physical roles may be able to return to work around 6-8 weeks post-surgery. More physically demanding jobs may require a longer recovery period.
Full Recovery (3-6 Months)
Continued Strengthening and Endurance: At this point, most patients will continue their physiotherapy program to regain full strength and endurance in the hip. Pain and discomfort from the surgery should significantly decrease, and mobility should be approaching normal.
Full Activity Resumption: By 3-6 months, many patients can resume most normal activities, including driving, walking, and engaging in low-impact exercise like swimming or cycling. Full recovery and achieving the maximum benefits of surgery can take up to a year for some individuals, as the body adapts to the new hip joint.
Total Knee Replacement: What to Expect
Total knee replacement (TKR) surgery is often recommended for individuals with severe knee osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease, or knee deformities that cause significant pain, swelling, and functional limitation. Like THR, the procedure involves removing the damaged bone and cartilage and replacing it with a prosthetic joint made from metal and plastic components.
Immediate Post-Surgery Phase (0-2 Weeks)
Hospital Stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for about 2-4 days after TKR. During this time, the medical team will focus on managing pain, preventing complications such as blood clots, and beginning early mobilisation. Pain medications and physiotherapy may be used to maintain joint movement and reduce stiffness.
Initial Movement: Early movement, including gentle bending and straightening of the knee, will typically be encouraged. Most patients are able to walk short distances with the help of a walker or crutches within 24-48 hours of surgery.
Early Recovery Phase (2-6 Weeks)
Pain Management and Mobility: The pain usually starts to decrease in the first 2-6 weeks, but swelling and discomfort may persist. A walking aid is commonly used during this phase as the patient regains their strength and joint mobility.
Physical Therapy: The first few weeks after TKR are crucial for restoring range of motion and strength. A study published in the Journal of Arthroplasty (2020) emphasises the importance of early rehabilitation to ensure that patients reach optimal knee extension and flexion. Exercises are often focused on knee extension, quad strengthening, and reducing swelling.
Mid Recovery Phase (6-12 Weeks)
Re-gaining Independence: By 6-12 weeks, many patients experience significant improvement in pain relief and knee mobility. Daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of a car become easier. Patients may still need assistance with tasks that require prolonged standing or walking.
Return to Work: For patients with desk jobs, return to work can often occur by 6-8 weeks, while those with more physically demanding jobs may require a longer period of recovery.
Full Recovery (3-12 Months)
Continued Rehabilitation: Full recovery from TKR can take up to 12 months. Over the course of 3-12 months, patients will continue to work on strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving overall functional movement. The American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) notes that long-term rehabilitation is essential for optimising the knee’s range of motion and ensuring lasting results.
Return to Low-Impact Activities: By 6 months, many patients have returned to low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling. However, high-impact activities, such as running or sports that involve jumping, may not yet be recommended.
Factors Affecting Recovery Time
While typical recovery timeframes are outlined above, it’s important to remember that recovery can vary based on individual factors:
Age and General Health: Younger, healthier patients often recover more quickly than older adults or those with additional health conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.
Physical Activity Level Before Surgery: Patients who were more active and had better muscle strength before surgery tend to recover more quickly than those who were less active.
Adherence to Rehabilitation: Following a comprehensive rehabilitation plan, including physical therapy and lifestyle modifications (e.g., weight management), is critical for achieving optimal outcomes and recovery times.
Conclusion: Planning for Recovery After Joint Replacement Surgery
Total hip and knee replacement surgeries can be life-changing procedures that can significantly improve mobility and quality of life. Understanding typical recovery timeframes—ranging from several weeks to several months or even years—can help patients set realistic expectations and plan for a smooth recovery.
At Physio on Patterson, we provide individualised rehabilitation services that focus on optimising your recovery, minimising complications, and helping you achieve the best possible functional outcomes after surgery. If you’re preparing for a hip or knee replacement, or if you have questions about the recovery process, feel free to contact us to learn more about how we can support you during your recovery journey. The information provided in this blog is general in nature and does not constitute specific advice. Always be sure to can thorough discussions with your GPs, Surgeons, and Physiotherapists regarding your specific condition and recovery.
References:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), Hip Replacement Surgery: What to Expect, 2021.
Journal of Arthroplasty, Post-Operative Rehabilitation After Total Knee Arthroplasty, 2020.
American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS), Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery, 2021.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Osteoarthritis: Care and Management, 2020.
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