Will I Be Able to Return to My Favorite Sports After Joint Replacement Surgery?

If you’re considering a knee- or hip-replacement surgery to get back to your active lifestyle, you’re likely wondering when you’ll be able to return to your favorite sports. Whether you enjoy running, skiing, hiking, golfing, tennis, pickleball, basketball, hockey or anything else, you’re hopeful that on the other side of surgery is a return to mobility.

The joint replacement recovery journey is unique to each individual, but there are some general guidelines to keep in mind. Read on to learn more.

Expect to Go Slow

In most cases, patients are up and walking shortly after surgery. Rehab starts with those first steps as you relearn balance and your body’s movement and orientation. It goes slowly — and that’s normal.

Expect rehabilitation to be a gradual process. Progress will build on slow increases in load and speed. When you’re ready, your physical therapist will show you how to slowly mimic some of the moves you’ll be returning to.

Expecting that you’ll increase activity gradually helps manage emotions and impulses when you feel like going faster than recommended. It will also help you resist the urge to push yourself too hard, which can lead to a setback. It may take a year or more to fully return to your former activities.

When you do return to your favorite sport, you might make modifications to reduce wear and tear on your new joint. For example, for tennis or pickleball, you may opt for doubles rather than singles. If you’re a skier, be intentional about going out on a powder day rather than an icy one. And if golf is your game, don’t be afraid to take a cart or head back to the clubhouse after a few holes if things feel achy.

Know That Everybody Heals at Their Own Pace

Maybe you heard someone in the clubhouse boasting about golfing again two months after their knee replacement surgery. The reality is that everybody (and every body) is different; it’s important to focus on your own progress.

Stay in Touch With Your Team or Activity Buddies

Having to sit out games or decline invitations from your hiking/biking/running buddies can be mentally tough. If you’re missing your people, go hang out with them, even if you can’t play. It’s important to take care of your mind and spirit as well as your body.

Support Your Body With Good Nutrition — Before and After Surgery

What you eat has a direct effect on the healing process. Make sure your diet includes the nutrients your body needs for maintenance and tissue repair.

Talk to Your Care Team

The guidelines above are general and are intended to help patients understand what to expect after knee or hip replacement surgery. They don’t replace medical advice. We’re here to help you feel confident about your surgery and recovery journey. Talk to your CJR specialists for personalized recommendations on safely returning to the activities you love.

To schedule an appointment, call 720-524-1367.