Preparing for a Hip or Knee Replacement

A joint replacement is a significant undertaking, but this article will outline a few ways you can prepare for an upcoming knee or hip replacement operation and ensure you achieve the best outcome with your new joint.

Before Your Surgery

See a physiotherapist 

Physiotherapists are trained to help prepare you for joint replacement surgery, by providing information on the procedure (just like this!) and providing suitable exercises to strengthen important muscle groups to ease the process of returning to walking after the operation. For best results, talk to your physiotherapist at least two to three months before your operation to allow time for your strength to improve. You might feel that your pain is too strong to even think about exercising, but physiotherapists are able to provide suitable exercise options for any level of pre-operative function. This includes lying or seated exercises, relaxation techniques to increase flexibility, aquatic exercise, and more.

Prepare your home

There are many activities we do every day without thinking that may be quite challenging after a joint replacement - preparing your home environment can help with these tasks after your operation;

  • Pin down or preferably remove rugs or mats to prevent trip hazards

  • If you live in a split-level or two-storey house, consider shifting your sleeping area downstairs, as stairs will be an effort for a few weeks after your operation

  • If necessary, temporarily rehome any cats and/or dogs with a trusted friend or family member to prevent them from getting underfoot

  • Rails in the bathroom may assist with toileting and showering, though installing these can take some time to organise. Allow plenty of time to get a contractor in to get these set up - You may benefit from assistance of an occupational therapist in coordinating home modifications if they are indicated or required.  

  • Organise a driver or taxi service, as you won’t be able to drive yourself to and from appointments until you have recovered the necessary flexibility, strength and reflexes in your operative leg; this can take a few weeks to a couple of months depending on recovery speed.

Borrow, rent or buy required equipment

Depending on your particular situation, level of function, home setup, and type of surgery, different equipment may benefit you. In all situations we recommend having at least a pair of  crutches (the ones with the c-shape that end at the elbow are most suitable) and a reasonably high chair to sit in, but other devices that can help include;

  • Reaching/grabber tool

  • Over-toilet frame

  • Long-handled shoehorn

  • Extra ice packs

Your physiotherapist or occupational therapist can help you determine what equipment is best for your situation - this is a good topic to raise during a pre-operative, preparatory appointment with these professionals.

Practice walking with crutches

Having two extra limbs to concentrate on coordinating is tricky at the best of times, let alone immediately after a joint replacement surgery. Practicing with your crutches while walking in a straight line, turning, standing up and sitting down before your surgery will help simplify your recovery. You will likely use at least one crutch for a number of weeks after your operation. Your physiotherapist can advise you on specific crutch walking techniques.

What To Expect During Your Hospital Stay

Your physiotherapist will see you each day you’re on the ward, usually in the morning. In most situations you will be able to bear some weight on your operative leg the very next day after your operation, though you might need some more assistance such as a walking frame or a nurse’s assistance for the first couple of days.

Exercise

Your physiotherapist will provide some simple exercises to promote muscle reactivation, flexibility and swelling control. Doing these exercises regularly is important to maximise your recovery. The author usually advises doing them just before or after each meal (breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner).

Swelling Control

Excessive swelling can get in the way of free movement after a knee replacement, so using an ice pack on your knee for 20 minutes, then taking it off for 20 minutes helps keep this swelling to a minimum. Your nurse can swap your ice pack out for you if it gets too melted.

Going Home

After a few days in hospital gradually increasing your mobility on flat ground and on stairs using your crutches, you will be discharged from hospital to continue your recovery at home. It’s important to know that this isn’t the end of the journey just yet; get back in touch with your usual community physiotherapist after a couple of days at home to continue to develop your strength and mobility further.

We’re here to help and answer any of your questions

A joint replacement can be a scary undertaking, but by asking lots of questions of your surgeon, your nursing staff, and your physiotherapist, you can help allay a lot of these fears and aid your recovery; Active Physiotherapy therapists are more than happy to answer any questions you might have regarding joint replacements on (02) 6925 7734 or mail@activephysiowagga.com.au

Cristy Houghton