Joint replacement: before and after a new knee or hip

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Get stronger before, not just after

   This is the step most people miss and it changes everything. The stronger your legs going in, the faster and better you come out, because recovery is largely about rebuilding what you already had. Weeks of sit-to-stands and gentle strength work before surgery are worth more than the same work afterwards.

   Learn more: Muscle strength and ageing
2. 2

   Step 2: Sort the house out in advance

   You will not want to be arranging things on crutches. Clear the floors, move what you need to waist height, sort the bathroom rails, decide where you will sleep if stairs are a problem, and arrange who is helping in the first fortnight.

   Learn more: Home safety checklist
3. 3

   Step 3: Follow the physiotherapy exactly, especially when it hurts

   The exercises you are given in the first weeks decide your range of movement for years. They are uncomfortable and they are not optional. Do the prescribed ones rather than substituting anything you read elsewhere, including on this page.

   Learn more: Movement as a community habit
4. 4

   Step 4: Expect the mood dip and plan company for it

   Weeks of limited movement, disturbed sleep and dependence flatten most people, and nobody warns them. Arrange visitors, phone calls and something to look forward to. Getting back among people as soon as you safely can is part of the recovery, not a reward for it.

   Learn more: Meaning and belonging in healthy ageing
5. 5

   Step 5: Come back to activity gradually, and keep going

   A new joint is an opportunity, not a repair that finishes. Seated and supported movement is usually possible early, with your surgeon's agreement, and building strength around the new joint is what makes it last and keeps the other one from following it.

   Learn more: Chair dance fitness: what it actually does for you

All topics in this guide

• Muscle strength and ageing
• Home safety checklist
• Movement as a community habit
• Meaning and belonging in healthy ageing
• Chair dance fitness: what it actually does for you

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