BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.
BOSS ORTHOPAEDICSPatrick Pallitto, M.D.
Article
By Patrick Pallitto, M.D.
Physical therapy is one of the biggest factors in how well — and how quickly — you recover from hip or knee replacement. Here's what to expect at each stage.
Day of Surgery
Physical therapy begins the day of surgery. Most patients are up and walking with assistance just a few hours after their procedure — early movement is one of the best predictors of a smooth recovery, and it's a key reason most patients go home the same day or after just one night in the hospital.
At Home
Once you're home, in-home physical therapy begins — a therapist comes to you in the days following surgery to continue building strength, range of motion, and safe mobility around your own home. In-home PT typically runs for about 2 weeks after surgery before transitioning to outpatient therapy.
Outpatient PT
Outpatient physical therapy is added based on your specific recovery path — not every patient needs the same amount, and your therapist and surgical team will tailor the plan to how you're progressing. This phase is typically where patients build toward the bigger recovery milestones: driving, returning to work, and eventually higher-level activities like golf, tennis, or pickleball.
Good to Know
It varies by patient and by the specifics of your surgery, but 6 to 12 weeks of physical therapy is common.
Patients recover at different paces, and that's normal. Your physical therapist and Dr. Pallitto will make sure you're hitting milestones as appropriate along the way and adjust your plan as needed.