So you’re getting a hip or knee replacement. Or maybe you’ve just had one. Either way, you’re probably wondering about the physio side of things.
Let’s talk about what usually goes on, based on what Australian physios generally see. Just remember – this is general stuff. Your surgeon knows your specific situation way better than any blog post.
The Research Bit
Look, there’s heaps of Australian research on this. Most of it says the same thing – people who do their physio tend to do better than those who don’t. Makes sense, right?
But here’s the thing. “Better” means different things to different people. For some, it’s getting back to bowls. For others, it’s hiking again. Your recovery depends on loads of factors – your age, how fit you were before surgery, which exact procedure you had… you get the idea.
How Recovery Usually Rolls Out
Most physios follow a rough timeline, but honestly? Some people are walking laps at week 3 while others are still finding their feet. That’s normal.
The First Couple of Weeks
This bit’s usually pretty gentle. You might:
- Practice getting in and out of bed (harder than it sounds with a new hip!)
- Do some ankle pumps to keep the blood moving
- Take a few steps with a frame or crutches
- Ice the area when it’s cranky
Nothing heroic. Just basic stuff to get things moving.
Weeks 3 to 6-ish
Things usually pick up a bit here. Maybe you’re:
- Walking further each day (to the letterbox, around the block)
- Bending the knee or hip a bit more
- Starting to ditch the walking aids
- Getting back to normal-ish daily stuff
Some days are better than others. That’s totally normal.
After 6 Weeks
This is when many people start feeling more like themselves. The exercises might get a bit harder:
- Proper strengthening work
- Balance exercises (because nobody wants to stack it)
- Getting back to hobbies and activities
- Maybe some squats if you’re feeling brave
But again – everyone’s different. Your 6 weeks might look nothing like your neighbour’s.
Random Bits That Might Help
Based on what Australian physios generally recommend:
The obvious stuff: Do what your surgeon tells you. Seriously. They’ve seen inside your joint.
Little and often beats heroic efforts: Five minutes of exercises three times a day usually works better than one massive session.
Ice is your friend: But follow the rules about how long and how often. Frostbite on top of surgery? No thanks.
Your home program matters: Yeah, it’s boring. Yeah, you’ll forget sometimes. But it actually does help.
Swelling’s normal: Knees especially can look like rockmelons for weeks. Attractive? No. Normal? Usually.
What Happens in Physio Sessions
Every physio’s different, but sessions often include:
- Checking how you’re going
- Some hands-on work if needed
- New exercises when you’re ready
- Answering your “is this normal?” questions (spoiler: it usually is)
- Adjusting the plan based on how you’re travelling
Sometimes it’s exciting. Sometimes it’s repetitive. That’s rehabilitation for you.
Stuff That Affects Recovery
Why does Joan from book club bounce back in 6 weeks while you’re still struggling at 12? Could be:
- Different surgery types (partial vs total replacement, for example)
- General health stuff
- How much you can do your exercises
- Just plain luck sometimes
- What you’re trying to get back to
Comparing yourself to others? Path to madness, that one.
Getting Good Help
In Adelaide, lots of physios work closely with the local surgeons. They know each other’s approaches, which helps.
Interstate, places like PJS Orthopaedics Melbourne do similar integrated stuff between surgeons and physios. (Just to be clear – there’s no connection between Walkerville Physiotherapy and PJS. They’re just an example of how this works in other states.)
Red Flags
Most recovery quirks are normal. But ring your surgeon if you get:
- Pain that’s getting worse, not better
- Fever or feeling properly unwell
- Wound looking angry or leaking
- Can’t weight bear when you could before
- That feeling that something’s just not right
Trust your gut on that last one.
The Reality Check
Recovery from hip or knee surgery? It’s a journey. Sometimes boring. Often frustrating. Occasionally painful. But for most people? Worth it in the end.
Just remember – your mate’s recovery, that blog you read, your cousin’s miracle story? That’s their journey. Yours will be different. And that’s completely fine.
Work with your team. Do your exercises (mostly). Be patient with yourself. You’ll get there.
This is just general information based on common experiences – not medical advice. Your surgeon and physio know your specific situation. Always check with them about what’s right for you. What works for one person might not suit another.
