APPOINTMENTS
Post-Surgery Recovery
Recovery from orthopaedic surgery is a structured process designed to support your return to daily activities. While every patient heals at a different pace, following a professional rehabilitation plan helps improve your functional outcome.
In The Hospital
Your recovery begins the moment your procedure is complete. During your hospital stay the focus will be on clinical monitoring and early mobility.
- Pain Management: Our clinical team provides a combination of medications to keep you comfortable, which supports your ability to participate in early movement.
- Early Mobilisation: In most cases, a physiotherapist will help you stand or take a few steps within 24 hours of your surgery. Moving early helps maintain circulation and begins the process of joint activation.
- Discharge Planning: You will be ready to go home once your pain is well-controlled, you can move independently with walking aids, and your clinical team is satisfied with your initial healing.
The First 6 Weeks: Healing & Protection
The initial weeks at home are dedicated to wound healing and gradually increasing your activity levels.
Wound Care
Keep your dressings clean and dry. Dr David Kitchen will provide specific instructions on when dressings can be removed or when a follow-up wound check is required.
Physiotherapy
Your physiotherapist will guide you through specific exercises to improve your range of motion and strengthen the muscles supporting your new joint.
Activity Levels
You will likely use walking aids (such as crutches or a walker) during this time. Focus on short, frequent walks around your home rather than long periods of standing.
Medication
Continue your prescribed medications as directed, for pain relief and particularly the prevention of blood clots.
From 2 to 6 Months: Functional Strength
As the initial surgical swelling subsides, your rehabilitation shifts toward regaining your independence and returning to lifestyle activities.
Increasing Mobility
Most patients transition away from walking aids during this period. Your step will become more natural as your strength improves.
Driving
You may return to driving once you are no longer taking strong pain medications and have regained enough strength and reaction time to operate a vehicle safely. Dr David Kitchen will advise you when it is appropriate to resume driving.
Return to Work
This depends on the nature of your job. While desk-based work may be possible after a few weeks, physically demanding roles may require a longer period of recovery.
Long-Term Recovery
Full recovery from a major hip or knee procedure can take up to 12 months. During this time, the bone continues to bond with the implant, and the surrounding soft tissues become stronger and more flexible.
Low-Impact Activity
Activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling are excellent ways to maintain your joint health in the long term.
Ongoing Reviews
Periodic follow-up appointments with Dr David Kitchen allow us to monitor the long-term performance of your joint and address any questions you may have.
When to Contact Us
While most recoveries proceed without issue, please contact our rooms promptly if you experience:
- A sudden increase in pain that is not relieved by medication.
- Significant redness, heat, or new discharge from your incision site.
- Unexpected calf pain or swelling.
- A high fever or chills.
Frequently Asked Questions
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