Mr Sujit Agarwal Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon in Edgbaston

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Published: 02/09/2026
Edited by: Odette Sotillo on 09/09/2026

Recovery after joint replacement usually takes several weeks to several months, with progress depending on the joint replaced, the type of surgery, general health and individual circumstances.

Hip and knee replacement patients are generally encouraged to begin moving soon after surgery, with physiotherapy playing an important role in restoring strength, mobility and independence.

What happens immediately after joint replacement surgery?

My patients are usually encouraged to stand and walk within a few hours of joint replacement surgery, often with support from a physiotherapist. Crutches, walking sticks or a frame may initially be needed, while pain relief and measures to reduce the risk of complications are provided.

The length of the hospital stay varies according to the procedure and individual recovery. For the majority of my patients who have undergone a hip replacement or knee replacement, discharge has been possible within 24 hours. Some patients stay for an additional day or two to allow the wound to dry and to gain confidence in moving around safely.

How does physiotherapy help recovery after joint replacement?

Physiotherapy helps restore movement, muscle strength, walking ability and independence following joint replacement. Rehabilitation may include specific exercises, gait training and practising everyday movements such as getting in and out of bed, using stairs and managing personal care.

The rehabilitation programme is often adapted to the individual. Some people can manage their exercises independently, while others may benefit from supervised physiotherapy if they have ongoing difficulties with everyday activities or are not meeting their rehabilitation goals.

What symptoms are normal during joint replacement recovery?

Some pain, swelling, stiffness and tiredness are common during the early stages of recovery and should gradually improve. It is normal for discomfort to persist for several weeks, particularly after activity, although the pattern and duration of symptoms varies between individuals.

When can you return to normal activities after joint replacement?

Most people gradually return to everyday activities over 4-6 weeks, but a complete recovery can take 9-12 weeks or longer. Driving, work and exercise should be resumed only when sufficient strength, movement and control have returned and the surgical team considers it safe.

Recovery times can also differ between procedures. For example, partial knee replacement generally has a shorter recovery than total knee replacement, while the demands of a person's job or usual activities can affect when they can return to them.

What can you do to support recovery after joint replacement?

Following the rehabilitation programme and gradually increasing activity are among the most important ways to support recovery. Activity should be increased progressively rather than pushing through significant pain or fatigue.

Practical measures include:

Complete prescribed exercises regularly and follow physiotherapy guidance.
Walk little and often, gradually increasing distance as strength and confidence improve.
Take prescribed pain relief as directed so that discomfort does not prevent necessary movement.
Look after the surgical wound according to the instructions provided by the healthcare team. Avoid unnecessary dressing changes.
Prepare the home environment to make everyday activities easier.
Follow restrictions on lifting, twisting or particular movements until the joint has sufficiently healed.

When should you seek medical help after joint replacement?

Medical advice should be sought promptly if pain or swelling is worsening, the wound becomes increasingly red or painful, or there is discharge or pus from the wound. A high temperature, chills or feeling generally unwell can also indicate an infection and should be assessed.

Sudden leg swelling or pain can be a sign of a blood clot. Difficulty breathing or chest pain alongside leg swelling requires emergency medical attention, as it may indicate a pulmonary embolism.

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