Life After Joint Surgery: Your Path to Recovery and Restored Mobility

Authored by Yehuda “Yudi” Kerbel, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon, Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Associates (OSRA) at Redeemer Health

Stepping Into Recovery—What to Expect After Surgery 

Each year, thousands of people reclaim pain-free movement through hip or knee replacement surgery. Recovery plays a crucial role in this journey, requiring time, patience, and the right guidance. Whether you’re about to have surgery or just starting recovery, knowing what to expect can help you get moving again and enjoying life to the fullest.

Recovery Timelines: Steps to a Stronger You

Recovering is a step-by-step process, with each milestone bringing you closer to confidence, mobility, and a pain-free future. At Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Associates (OSRA) at Redeemer Health, we use the most cutting-edge research to design the smoothest, easiest recovery protocol after your joint replacement. 

Here’s what the timeline typically looks like:

• First 4 Weeks: You’re able to get up and walk right away, but we spend the initial period after surgery focusing on reducing swelling and inflammation, getting your range of motion back, and keeping pain well controlled. For this period, you’ll spend most of your time taking it easy—in fact, we limit how much activity you can do each day to help keep your pain low! This is different than most other joint replacement practices, but it’s based on the latest evidence and makes the recovery much easier for you as a patient.
• Weeks 4-8: Now we start getting you back to more activities and working on your strength. This is when recovery really starts to take off—you’ll be amazed at how much you’re already back to doing by this point.
• Weeks 8-12: At this stage, you should be back to doing most things you enjoy and starting to return to normal. Building full strength and mobility can take 3-6 months or longer, depending on individual progress. 

The Role of Physical Therapy in Recovery

Physical therapy plays a critical role in helping you regain strength, mobility, and balance after joint replacement surgery. It often begins within the first 24 hours with gentle exercises that you do on your own at home to ease stiffness and improve range of motion. Gradually, you'll move on to more advanced exercises that build endurance and prepare you for daily activities. For the first few weeks, you’ll be doing this by yourself at home. We’ll create a personalized therapy plan with exercises that are safe, effective, and fit your long-term goals for staying active.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery Journey

Recovering smoothly from joint replacement surgery starts with managing pain. Use tools like ice packs, prescribed medications, and proper rest to stay comfortable. Make your home recovery-friendly by adding grab bars, clearing walkways, and keeping essentials within easy reach.

Recovery Tips to Remember on Your Journey

Recovering from joint surgery takes time, effort, and the right support. With the right recovery plan, practical guidance, and a caring support system, you’re on your way to regaining strength and independence. Take each step with patience and determination and celebrate each win along the way. Your active, pain-free future is closer than you think!

Dr. Yudi Kerbel specializes in comprehensive hip and knee arthritis care, offering non-surgical treatments, full and partial hip and knee replacements, second opinions, and complex revision procedures. He also performs general orthopedic surgeries, including knee arthroscopy and fracture repair. Dr. Kerbel believes in creating personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs and goals, ensuring a truly customized approach to care and helping patients get back to the life they love. Dr. Kerbel sees patients at Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Associates at Redeemer Health, with offices in Rockledge and Abington.

Learn More—Take the Next Step 

If you are experiencing hip or knee pain, you should see your doctor or consider an evaluation by an orthopedic surgeon or joint specialist. Call 215-745-4050 or visit osraorthopedics.com to find an orthopedic specialist near you.