Once a decision for hip or knee replacement is made, the weeks beforehand are an opportunity — not just a waiting period. Some preparations clearly help recovery. Others create noise without much benefit. This is a practical guide to what is usually worth your effort.
What genuinely helps
- Medical optimisation — blood pressure, diabetes control, anaemia, smoking cessation and medication review. These reduce complications more than any gadget.
- Strength and mobility work — physiotherapy focused on the muscles you will need after surgery (quadriceps, gluteals, core, upper body for crutches if needed). You do not need to “overtrain” a painful joint; you need better capacity within safe limits.
- Home setup — clear walkways, a stable chair with arms, thoughtful bedroom/bathroom arrangements, and help lined up for the first days home.
- Practical logistics — transport, time off work, who can collect medications, and a realistic plan for stairs if you have them.
- Skin and infection risk — treat active skin infections, dental issues if advised, and follow pre-op washing instructions carefully.
- Questions written down — implant choice, approach, expected length of stay, pain plan, and warning signs after discharge.
Things that matter less than marketing suggests
- Buying every possible recovery product “just in case”
- Extreme diets in the final week that leave you underfuelled
- Trying to become an athlete overnight on a joint that already limits you
- Comparing your plan line-by-line with someone else’s social media recovery
Useful equipment is simple: good footwear, ice packs, a raised toilet seat if recommended, and whatever walking aid your team advises. Everything else is optional.
Medications and hospital instructions
Follow the pre-assessment guidance on blood thinners, anti-inflammatories, herbal supplements and diabetes medicines. Do not stop or start prescription medicines without advice. Bring an up-to-date list on the day of surgery.
Mindset that helps recovery
Expect progress in stages. The first days are about safety, pain control and early mobility. The first weeks rebuild confidence and range. Improvements often continue for months. Patients who do best usually combine patience with consistent, guided effort — not heroics on day three.
If you are not yet booked
Even before a date is set, the same principles apply: get stronger within comfortable limits, optimise health, and understand the pathway. Preparation is not a commitment to a particular week of surgery; it is an investment in a smoother recovery whenever the time is right.
A note on this article
This is general information written for patients and does not replace an individual clinical assessment. Recommendations depend on your history, examination and imaging.