Joint Replacement Timeline
The Hip/Knee Replacement Timeline
Everything you need to know from scheduling surgery to full recovery.
Whether you’re considering hip or knee replacement, this guide outlines the key stages of care, what happens before and after surgery, typical recovery milestones, and how to optimize your outcomes with evidence-based rehabilitation and support. Knowing what to expect at each step can make your transition to improved mobility and reduced pain smoother and more predictable for you and your family.
✔ Surgery Is Scheduled
- One of our surgery schedulers will reach out to schedule your surgery. Date and location will be confirmed.
- Begin planning time off work and help at home.
✔ 4–6 Weeks Before Surgery
- Visit primary care physician (PCP) for medical clearance
- See other specialists if needed (cardiology, pulmonology, etc.)
- Complete preoperative blood work and testing as ordered
- Complete CT scan (if ordered)
- Begin strengthening (“prehab”) exercises
- Prepare home to reduce fall risk
✔ Preoperative Visit: 1–2 Weeks Before Surgery
- Visit with Dr. Gopinath’s surgical team in clinic
- Review surgical plan, risks, and benefits
- Discuss pain control and blood clot prevention plan
- Review postoperative rehab expectations
- Confirm arrival location and transportation for surgery
- Pre-op education class (if offered)
✔ Day of Surgery
- Arrive at hospital or surgery center
- Anesthesia: spinal or general
- Surgery typically lasts 1–2 hours
- Begin walking the same day
- Most patients go home the same day or the next day
✔ Weeks 0–2 After Surgery: Early Recovery
- Walk with walker or cane
- Manage pain and swelling (ice, elevation, medications)
- Follow 20/20/20 rule
- Incision care and monitoring
Goals: Safe walking, basic self-care, pain control
✔ Weeks 2–6 After Surgery: Regaining Independence
- Transition from walker to cane or no assistive device
- Increase walking distance and activity
- Start outpatient therapy
- Resume light daily activities
- Drive when safe and off narcotic pain medication
✔ Weeks 6–12 After Surgery: Functional Recovery
- Significant improvement in pain and mobility
- Return to most daily activities
- Return to work (job-dependent)
✔ 3–6 Months After Surgery: Advanced Recovery
- Continued improvement in strength and stamina
- Return to low-impact activities (walking, cycling, swimming, golf)
- Mild stiffness or swelling may still occur
✔ 6–12 Months After Surgery: Full Recovery
- Final healing and strength gains
- Most patients feel full benefit of surgery
- Long-term joint protection and routine follow-up
