Joint Replacement Recovery
After surgery, our team will make sure your pain is managed through the use of pain medications when needed. They will lead you through deep breathing and coughing exercises to help your lungs stay healthy. You will wear support stockings and do ankle pump exercises to help prevent blood clots. Sometimes blood thinning medications are used as well.
If being discharged the day of surgery, you will work with physical and occupational therapists before going home.
If staying in the hospital, you may get out of bed with a physical therapist or nurse the day of surgery depending on what time you arrive on the unit.
Your physician and therapists will send you home with a book that includes all the exercises you should perform at home. These exercises will help strengthen the muscles around your new joint and will ensure that you gain maximum mobility.
Why do I have to wear elastic stockings (TEDS) and how long do I have to wear them?
You will need to wear the TED stockings to help prevent blood clots in your legs. These are long, tight fitting socks that keep mild pressure on the legs. Your surgeon will specify how long you should wear them, but typically they are worn four to six weeks after surgery. If you have a history of poor circulation, you may be required to wear them for a longer period of time.
What are hip precautions and how long do I need to maintain them?
Hip precautions are instructions about which positions the leg should be kept in order to prevent the artificial hip from becoming dislocated. Your surgeon will advise you on how long you need to maintain hip precautions, but it is typically six to eight weeks after surgery. Further instructions will be given during your educational classes. Hip precautions do not apply if your surgeon uses an anterior approach to surgery. Your physician will determine if you are a candidate for the anterior approach.
When can I start driving?
Your surgeon will advise you on when you will be able to drive. Typically, you will be able to drive six weeks after surgery. You should never operate a motor vehicle if you are taking pain medications.
How long should I continue to do the exercises?
The exercises should be done until you have met the goals set by you and your physical therapist. Regular exercise should be a lifetime commitment for everyone.
