Pain Management During & After Total Joint Replacement Surgery
Most patients will experience some temporary pain in the replaced joint as you heal. Throughout your surgery, our team works to reduce pain by using multimodal analgesia – combining different types of medication for pain relief. The most commonly combined medication groups include local anesthetics, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen. The goal is to keep opiates to a minimum.
Recovery Time After Minimally-Invasive Surgery
Dr. Gondusky and his team combine cutting-edge surgical techniques and technology to provide patients with an accelerated recovery process. Most patients should plan to take 3-4 weeks off work after surgery.
You should be able to resume most normal, light activities of daily living within 3-6 weeks following surgery. Some discomfort with activity and at night is common for several weeks.
Surgical Wound Care
Dr. Gondusky almost always uses absorbable sutures and waterproof dressings, so early showering is possible and no sutures or staples need to be removed. You will want to avoid soaking the wound in water until it has thoroughly sealed and dried.
Physical Therapy
Exercise is an important part of the recovery process. Our surgical team will provide you with specific exercises to help restore movement and strengthen the joint.
Knee Replacement Recovery Exercises
- Walking – initially inside your home, then advancing outside and embarking on longer distances.
- Resuming your daily activities that include the motions of sitting, standing, and climbing stairs.
- Specific exercises performed several times a day to restore movement and strengthen your knee.
Most people are able to resume driving approximately 2-6 weeks after surgery. You will need to be sure your knee bends enough that you can enter and sit comfortably in your car and your muscle control provides adequate reaction time for braking and acceleration. This varies significantly between patients and generally right knees take a little longer than left knees.
Hip Replacement Recovery Exercises
- Walking – initially inside your home, then advancing outside and traveling longer distances. You should use a cane, crutches, a walker, or handrails, or have someone help you until you improve your balance, flexibility, and strength. Your physical therapist will help you decide which assistive aides will be required following surgery and when those aides can safely be discontinued.
- Resuming your daily activities that include the motions of sitting, standing, and bending.
- Specific exercises performed several times a day to restore movement and strengthen your hip.
Long-Term Outcomes
After a time of recovery, most patients find they are able to perform daily activities more easily, and enjoy an improved quality of life with less pain and improved strength and mobility. The technology and procedures used in replacement surgeries have advanced so that most patients can expect a joint replacement to last for many years.
