How to Mobilise After Your Knee or Hip Replacement?
Recovering from knee or hip replacement surgery is a careful process that demands close attention to ensure a full and successful outcome.
Why Mobilise After Having Your Hip or Knee Replaced?
Mobilising is a crucial aspect of recovery. At Orthophysio, we believe that walking is by far the best exercise you can do after a hip or knee replacement. Walking helps to:
Regain your ability to move safely and confidently
Increase the range of motion in your hip or knee
Strengthen muscles around your newly implanted joint
Improve balance and proprioception (your awareness of joint position)
Here's a detailed guide to help you mobilise effectively after surgery, with practical tips and progressions to get you off your mobility aids and back on your feet.
For a more comprehensive guide, consider using the Orthophysio Guide here, a 50-page resource covering everything you need to know about recovering from your joint replacement. It includes instructions on mobility progression, a 12-week exercise programme and answers to common patient questions. The guide also features pictures and over 40 exercises to support your recovery.
Right, let’s dive into how to mobilise after your surgery! Follow these 10 walking tips:
1. Follow Your Consultant's Advice
Your surgeon and physiotherapist will give you specific instructions on when and how to start mobilising after surgery. It’s crucial to follow these closely, as every recovery is unique. You’ll likely be encouraged to start moving within 24 hours post-surgery to help prevent complications like blood clots or muscle weakness. In most hospitals, patients typically begin mobilising after the anaesthetic wears off, about 3-6 hours post-surgery.
2. Start with Supported Walking
Whether you've had a knee or hip replacement, you'll begin with mobility aids such as a wheeled zimmer frame, crutches, or a walking stick. Your physiotherapist or nurse may start you on a wheeled zimmer frame if you were already using one before surgery, or two elbow crutches if you didn’t need a frame beforehand. These aids help reduce pressure on your new joint and provide stability as you regain strength. Early movement is essential for improving circulation, preventing stiffness, and strengthening the muscles around the joint.
3. Know Your Weight-Bearing Status
Your surgeon will advise on how much weight you can place on your operated leg, whether it's partial, full, or non-weight-bearing. It's rare to be non-weight-bearing after hip or knee replacement, but it’s always worth confirming with your healthcare team before taking your first step.
Image illustrating a detailed step-by-step guide on how to safely and effectively use your elbow crutches for the processes of standing up, walking and sitting down comfortably.
4. Maintain Good Posture While Sitting and Standing
Getting in and out of a chair can be challenging after surgery. Using the correct technique is essential to avoid unnecessary strain on your new joint.
Orthophysio Tips for Sitting:
Knee Replacement: Avoid low chairs. Choose chairs with armrests to help you push yourself up with minimal pressure on your knee.
Hip Replacement: Avoid bending your hip beyond 90 degrees for the first few weeks, and sit in higher chairs to reduce the risk of excessive flexion.
Orthophysio Tips for Standing:
Use your walking aids for support.
Distribute your weight evenly to avoid stressing the operated leg.
Move your feet when turning instead of twisting your body at the waist.
Orthophysio Tips for Walking:
Maintain an upright posture. Avoid leaning forward or hunching over your walking aid, as this could lead to lower back pain and dependence on walking with poor posture over time.
Follow a walking sequence: move the walking aid first, then your operated leg, followed by your non-operated leg. The Orthophysio Guide offers further tips and visual guidance on how to sit, stand, and walk safely.
5. Physiotherapy is Essential
Physiotherapy is the cornerstone of recovery, helping to restore strength and improve your joint’s range of motion. Your physiotherapist, or the Orthophysio Guide, will guide you through tailored exercises to promote flexibility, build muscle strength, and reduce swelling. The guide includes over 40 exercises, each with clear instructions and illustrations, which you can tick off daily as you complete them. Alternatively if you want a free physiotherapy consultation after your surgery click the button below.
This shows two of the 40 exercises in the knee replacement guide. For more information on your guide, click here.
6. Pain Management
Pain is expected after surgery, but it shouldn't prevent you from mobilising. Your doctor will prescribe pain relief to help manage your discomfort, making it easier for you to exercise and walk comfortably. Be sure to take your medication as prescribed and keep an eye on your pain levels. If the pain becomes sharp or severe, stop your activity and speak to your healthcare provider.
7. Be Aware of Red Flags
While mobilising, stay alert for signs that something might be wrong:
Worsening pain that doesn’t improve with rest or medication
Increasing swelling or redness in your leg
Difficulty breathing
If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical attention promptly.
8. Gradual Progression
As you recover, you’ll gradually increase your walking and activity levels. Progress from using a wheeled Zimmer frame to elbow crutches, and then to a single crutch before walking unaided. Your pace should depend on how comfortable and strong you feel.
Orthophysio Walking Tip:
Start slowly and gradually increase your activity level. The Orthophysio Guide provides a detailed progression plan, showing you how to move from crutches to walking unaided. Get your free hip or knee replacement guide here
9. Returning to Daily Activities
Most people can return to their regular activities within 3 to 6 months post-surgery, but patience is key. Continue your physiotherapy exercises even after you feel better to maintain joint health. Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping, which could harm your new joint.
10. Celebrate Small Wins
Recovery is a journey, and every step toward regaining mobility is an achievement. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, and remain patient as your body heals. With time, your new knee or hip will allow you to return to pain-free movement and the activities you enjoy.