Fast-track recovery after joint replacement, from your first steps to going home
Fast-track recovery helps you regain movement and independence from the early stages after hip or knee replacement.
Your orthopaedic surgeon, anaesthetist, nurses and physiotherapist coordinate each step.
Knowing what to expect helps you and the people supporting you prepare for your return home.
Before surgery.
At your preoperative assessment, we review your health and current medication, plan pain relief and explain how to use walking aids.
We also discuss practical issues, such as stairs at home and who can help in the first few days.
Your first steps.
When your condition allows, you may be able to sit up, stand and start walking with assistance on the day of surgery or the following day.
Pain relief is adjusted to help you rest and do your exercises.
Going home.
You can go home when your condition is stable, your pain is manageable and you can move around safely.
Before leaving, make sure you know how to take your prescribed medication, care for your wound, continue your exercises and contact the team if you need help.
Recovery continues over the following weeks, with goals adjusted to your progress.
Rehabilitation. You can arrange your recovery with a physiotherapist you trust, following the plan agreed before discharge.
If you need more support, we can discuss a stay at a local rehabilitation centre or, in selected cases, rehabilitation at the hospital itself.