A successful joint replacement offers a second chance at movement. But implants don’t last forever without proactive care. At MidAmerica Orthopaedics’ Total Joint Clinic we help patients maximize implant life and quality-of-life through practical lifestyle adjustments, targeted rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up.

The phases of recovery—and what to expect

• Immediate (first 2 weeks): Focus on wound care, pain control, safe transfers, and walking short distances. Your therapy team will teach safe movement patterns and basic strengthening.
• Early recovery (2–12 weeks): Gradual increase in walking distance, stair training, and progressive strengthening. Return to many daily activities occurs in this window.
• Late recovery (3–12 months): Continued functional gains, higher endurance, and return to many recreational activities. Ongoing strength and balance work are crucial to long-term success.

Practical exercise guidance

• Short walks multiple times per day are more valuable early on than long sessions.
• Strength training for hip abductors, quadriceps, glutes, and core reduces stress on the implant. Examples include seated leg raises, mini-squats, bridges, and straight-leg raises—progressed under a therapist’s guidance.
• Range-of-motion work preserves mobility; gentle hip and knee flexion/extension exercises should be part of daily routine.
• Balance training reduces fall risk—single-leg stands, tandem walking, and guided balance drills are especially helpful.

Activities: what’s encouraged and what to discuss

• Encouraged: Walking, stationary cycling, swimming, elliptical, low-impact aerobics, and golf.
• Use caution / discuss with your surgeon: Tennis, singles pickleball, downhill skiing, and running—these can accelerate wear or increase risk of sudden injury. Your activity history, implant type, and surgical approach will guide recommendations.

Weight, nutrition, and bone health

Maintaining a healthy weight reduces mechanical load on implants and decreases long-term wear. A balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D supports bone health and recovery. If you have osteoporosis or other metabolic bone conditions, we’ll coordinate care to optimize outcomes.

Fall prevention and home safety

Falls are a prominent threat to joint longevity. Simple home modifications—secure rugs, grab bars, adequate lighting, and removing trip hazards—can make a big difference. Good footwear and assistive devices when needed also lower risk.

Infection prevention and medical procedures

Surgical wounds heal in weeks, but infection risk remains a long-term concern for prosthetic joints. Promptly report wound drainage, redness, fever, or unexplained joint pain. For some invasive procedures (certain dental work, for example), your surgeon may recommend specific precautions—always check before undergoing other procedures.

Long-term follow-up and when to call us

Routine clinic visits allow us to monitor implant position, wear, and function. Contact us if you experience:

• New or worsening pain around the joint
• Swelling or warmth that doesn’t resolve
• A change in how the joint feels—instability, grinding, or new limitations
• Early evaluation often leads to simpler, more effective interventions.

Mental health and realistic expectations

Recovery isn’t always linear. Some patients feel anxious during slower phases of recovery. Our care teams help set realistic milestones, provide reassurance, and connect patients to support services when needed.

The role of the Total Joint Clinic

Our Total Joint Clinic offers a coordinated, long-term approach: prehab and rehab programs, education about activity modification, weight-management support, and routine surveillance to protect your investment. We partner with patients to keep them active, independent, and confident in their new joint.