If this is a life-threatening emergency, call 911 immediately.
Chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, major bleeding, or loss of consciousness require emergency medical services. This page describes non-emergency care delivered at home by skilled nurses.
Understanding Joint Replacement Recovery
What you should know
Joint replacement (arthroplasty) involves removing a damaged joint and replacing it with an artificial one made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. Hip and knee replacements are the most common, but shoulders, elbows, and ankles can also be replaced. The goal is to eliminate pain, restore mobility, and get you back to the activities you love.
Recovery after joint replacement is where the real work begins. The surgery fixes the structural problem, but regaining strength, range of motion, and confidence in the new joint requires weeks of dedicated rehabilitation. Most patients go directly home after surgery, and home health provides the intensive therapy needed during those critical first weeks.
Our physical therapists guide you through progressive exercises to restore range of motion and rebuild strength. Our nurses manage surgical wound care, monitor for infection and blood clot signs, and coordinate pain management with your surgeon. Our occupational therapists help you safely navigate daily activities while observing post-surgical precautions (like hip precautions after hip replacement).
Warning signs
You may need care if…
Your care plan
How we help at home
Expert care for joint replacement recovery,
delivered to your home
Our clinicians bring hospital-level expertise to the comfort and safety of where you live.
Common questions
Joint Replacement Recovery — Common Questions
Most patients progress from walker to cane within 2–4 weeks after hip or knee replacement, and from cane to no device within 4–8 weeks. Your physical therapist assesses your strength, balance, and gait pattern to determine when it's safe to progress. Rushing this timeline increases fall risk.
Home health after joint replacement typically lasts 3–6 weeks, depending on your progress and whether you transition to outpatient therapy. Many patients are strong enough to drive and attend outpatient therapy within 3–4 weeks of surgery.
Related services
Services involved in your care
These are the clinical services our team may use when managing joint replacement recovery at home.
Orthopedic Care
Post-surgical and rehabilitative care for joint replacements, fractures, and musculoskeletal conditions.
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Physical Therapy
Our licensed physical therapists help restore activity, strength, and motion following illness, injury, or surgery with personalized treatment plans.
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Occupational Therapy
Helping patients of all ages regain independence in everyday activities through therapeutic techniques and adaptive strategies.
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Skilled Nursing Care
Our registered nurses provide comprehensive medical care in the comfort of your home, ensuring safety, comfort, and optimal health outcomes.
Learn moreGet help with joint replacement recovery at home
Our experienced clinicians provide expert musculoskeletal care in the comfort of your home. Contact us today to discuss your needs.
For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911.