Following a relatively short period of recovery after surgery, patients undergoing joint replacement surgery typically return to a high level of activity. Speed of recovery following surgery depends on your level of activity before surgery, general health and overall physical fitness, degree and duration of physical impairment before surgery, the type of surgery you had, and your expectations and motivation. Physical therapy and occupational therapy after joint replacement are very important.
Long term physical limitations after surgery are nearly always due to other orthopedic or rheumatologic problems (significant arthritis in other joints, chronic low back pain) or major health problems (heart, breathing, other chronic illnesses) rather than due to any limitations of the joint replacement. In general, those undergoing hip and knee replacements can return to unlimited low impact activities such as swimming, water exercise, walking, biking, low impact aerobics, golf, and doubles tennis.
Most orthopedic surgeons advise against high impact and joint overloading activities that involve heavy lifting, running, and jumping. However, many patients resume their normal activities of daily living following hip or knee replacement without limitation.
Although patients typically obtain a functional amount of motion following hip replacement surgery, occasionally the limits of motion of a total hip replacement can be exceeded, resulting in dislocation out of its normal position. Patient education and an understanding of the limitations of total hip replacement, especially regarding the potential for dislocation and range of motion restrictions, can help minimize the occurrence of this complication. Patients should be encouraged to discuss specific limitations, precautions, and activity restrictions following total joint replacement with their surgeons.