Your Questions, Answered.

You can sign up for Joint Recovery at any stage—but the earlier you join, the more benefit you’ll get from the program. Most people find it helpful to start as soon as they know surgery is being considered or have a surgery date, even if your operation is months away. Here’s why:

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Prehab: Get ahead before surgery

Our pre-surgery exercises and education help you build strength, improve mobility, and feel mentally prepared. Patients who start early often recover faster, with less pain and more confidence.

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Anytime during your recovery

If you’ve already had your surgery, it’s never too late. Joint Recovery guides you through every stage — from early mobility and walking technique to rebuilding strength and returning to everyday activities safely.

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Join even if you’re still deciding about surgery

Not everyone is ready for surgery right away. Joint Recovery gives you clear, trustworthy advice on what to expect, how to manage pain and stiffness, and how to stay active while planning your next steps.

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This is a program that meets you where you are. Whether you’re preparing, recovering, or somewhere in between, Joint Recovery adapts to you. You’ll get daily guidance, videos, check-ins, and a structured routine that keeps you accountable and supported.

Don’t worry if you skip a day. Simply pick up where you left off and continue the program. Try not to make it a habit, as consistency is key to recovery.

Yes, your calendar will mark on each day you’ve completed and let you know if you have any outstanding tasks to complete, making it easy to track your progress. For example Recovery day 2 is a wellness video, the physio session that should be repeated 5 times and a lifestyle video.

Absolutely, As long as you feel good, it is recommended that you do the physio session multiple times a day. However, it is important to listen to your body and complete what you can. There is a percentage dial to show you how much of the day's recommended program you have completed.

You can start the pre-habilitation program as soon as you want. The more preparation you can do prior to your surgery the better your recovery journey will be. If you don't have a surgery date yet choose a date well in advance that can be changed later.

Going back to the office often requires a little more planning. Consider your ability to travel, manage stairs, sit comfortably, and continue your exercises during the day. A phased return is often helpful, allowing you to balance your recovery with your work responsibilities.

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Returning to work from home depends on how you are feeling and your ability to focus comfortably. Many people find it helpful to wait until they are no longer taking stronger pain medications and can sit for periods without significant discomfort. Gradually building work back into your routine alongside your recovery activities can make the transition easier.

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Walking backwards can sometimes be used later in recovery to improve balance and muscle control. It should only be introduced when you feel steady on your feet and confident walking forwards. Always start slowly, in a safe environment, and use support if needed.

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In the first couple of weeks after surgery, the focus is usually on rest, managing swelling, and gentle movement. As you progress, the emphasis gradually shifts towards building strength, improving mobility, and increasing activity levels. It’s normal for this balance to change over time, and your program is designed to guide you through each stage.

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Walking is an important part of recovery, but it should complement your exercises, not replace them. In the early stages, shorter and more frequent walks are usually better than long distances. Your exercises help rebuild strength and control, while walking helps restore function. Finding a balance between the two is key.

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Stretching can play an important role in improving flexibility and reducing stiffness. During prehab, it helps prepare your body for surgery, and after surgery it can support your return to movement. Stretching should always feel gentle and controlled, not forced or painful. If you feel sharp pain, it is best to ease off.

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Try to keep your breathing steady and relaxed during exercises. A helpful guide is to breathe out during the effort part of the movement and breathe in as you return to the starting position. Avoid holding your breath, as this can increase tension and make exercises feel more difficult.

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Recovering on your own can feel challenging, but with some planning it is manageable. Preparing your home in advance, keeping essentials within easy reach, and setting up a comfortable recovery space can make a big difference. For tasks like washing and drying your leg or foot, using a long-handled sponge or asking friends, family, or community services for occasional support can be helpful in the early stages. Many of the patients in the videos lived alone and offered some great tips.

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It’s very common to experience more discomfort at night during recovery. This can be due to swelling, increased activity during the day, or simply being more aware of your symptoms when resting. Using ice before bed, elevating your leg, and taking pain relief as advised can help. Gentle movement during the day and sticking to a consistent routine can also reduce night pain over time.

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Time! That’s the biggest healer. The deep, aching arthritis pain is usually gone right after surgery—what you’ll feel now is a different kind of discomfort: bruising around the incision and some stiffness when you start to move.

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Many people describe it as feeling like they’ve had a “good kick around the butt.” This soreness improves day by day. Gentle stretching, strengthening, and paying attention to your walking pattern help you recover faster.

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Follow along with the JointRecovery.com program for safe, guided exercises that build strength and confidence step by step.

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If your hip pain is sharp, worsening, or disrupting your sleep, check in with your surgeon or physiotherapist. Most of the time, it settles naturally as your movement evens out.

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When to Contact Your Surgeon or Physiotherapist. Get in touch if:

• Pain becomes sharp or constant.
  
• It interferes with your sleep or daily movement.
  
• You notice new redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound.
  

Otherwise, trust the process—your hip will keep getting stronger and more comfortable over time. If this brought you clarity, we can guide you even further. Join Joint Recovery to feel steadier, supported, and more in control.

Everyone’s journey is a little different, but here’s a general guide from experience after many years of doing knee replacements.

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First Month:

• This is the toughest phase—but also the most important. Stay consistent with your daily rehab, such as the JointRecovery.com program, to keep your progress on track.
• Most people need regular pain medication during this time—often a few days of stronger medication (like morphine-type painkillers), along with Tylenol, an anti-inflammatory (such as Celebrex), and aspirin (to help prevent blood clots and ease pain).

One to Three Months:

• Pain continues to improve, though more gradually. You’ll notice each week feels better, even if progress seems slow. Keep moving and stay patient—healing is happening.

Around Three Months:

• Something “clicks.” Many people suddenly notice a big improvement—walking feels easier, daily tasks become smoother, and the knee feels more like yours again.
• There may still be mild swelling or stiffness, but discomfort is much lower.

Around Eight Months (and Beyond):

• Most people feel fully comfortable around the 8-month mark, though some recover faster and others take up to two years for all mild swelling and clicking to settle.
• This is a marathon, not a sprint—but it’s absolutely worth it.

When to Contact Your Surgeon. Call your care team if:

• Pain suddenly worsens or stops improving.
• You develop new swelling, redness, or warmth around the knee.
• You’re unsure about medication or ongoing symptoms.

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Otherwise, keep going—steady, daily effort leads to lasting recovery.

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If this brought you clarity, we can guide you even further. Join Joint Recovery to feel steadier, supported, and more in control.

It’s not unusual to feel some hip pain/ discomfort after a knee replacement. 

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Surgery of course causes swelling. The swelling causes pain. So doing everything you can to minimize swelling is the goal of pain management.

• Ice with compression is a big part of that process.
• Keeping your leg elevated will help. 
• Wearing compression socks can also be helpful. 

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Remember your body has been walking differently for a long time, and now that your knee is straighter, your hip muscles are adjusting to the new alignment.

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Gentle stretching, strengthening, and paying attention to your walking pattern can help ease this pain. Over time, as your movement improves, your hips usually settle and feel more balanced.

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If hip pain is sharp, worsening, or affecting your sleep, check in with your surgeon or physiotherapist — they can review your movement pattern and make sure nothing else is contributing.

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Healing is easier when you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join Joint Recovery and get the structure and support you deserve.

Walking promotes circulation and helps your body manage swelling but too much, too soon can make it worse. Start with short, frequent walks, then gradually increase your distance.

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If your knee swells significantly after activity, rest, elevate, and ice it. Always follow your physiotherapist’s or surgeon’s instructions.

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Ready for guidance that takes the guesswork out of recovery? Join Joint Recovery and feel supported every step of the way.

Yes, The program is design for you to follow along at home. Ensure your environment is safe and you are feeling well before you begin each session.

Absolutely, it is important that you listen to your body. Take breaks when you need to. You can pause, rewind and replay any session at any time.

Some swelling after knee surgery is completely normal—it’s part of the healing process. Rest with your leg slightly elevated, use ice for 15–20 minutes at a time, and keep up gentle ankle movements to help circulation. Avoid sitting still for too long; short, gentle walks actually help clear swelling.

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Here’s a general timeline many people experience:

• 0–4 weeks: Most swelling — it slowly improves week by week.
  
• 1 month: Noticeable improvement, but progress becomes slower.
  
• 3 months: Big difference — most people feel much better.
  
• Up to 9 months (sometimes longer): Mild swelling can persist — that’s normal.
  

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Everyone’s body heals differently. Some recover quickly, others take longer. Don’t stress—improvement continues for many months.

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Ready for guidance that takes the guesswork out of recovery? Join Joint Recovery and feel supported every step of the way.

Post-surgery swelling can last for weeks or even months. You can help reduce it by:

• Alternating rest and gentle movement.
• Using ice for 15–20 minutes a few times a day.
• Elevating your leg when possible.

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If one leg suddenly becomes much more swollen, red, or painful, contact your surgeon to rule out complications.

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If this brought you clarity, we can guide you even further. Join Joint Recovery to feel steadier, supported, and more in control.

Waiting for hip surgery can be tough, but gentle movement—the kind that doesn’t cause pain—can actually help. Staying active keeps your muscles strong and reduces discomfort. Try some or all of the following as your joint allows:

• Walking, swimming, or stationary cycling if it feels comfortable.
• Regular exercise not only maintains strength but often lessens pain by improving joint stability. You can explore programs like GLAD or try the JointRecovery.com Prehabilitation (Prehab) exercises to get started safely.
• Use heat to relax tight muscles and plan your day so you’re not doing too much at once. If your current pain medication isn’t working, speak with your doctor—there are often safer or more effective options before surgery.

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Avoid opioid painkillers (like morphine, hydromorphone, or oxycodone) for arthritis pain. They can be addictive and are linked to poorer recovery after surgery.

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Remember—every bit of movement and preparation helps your recovery go more smoothly. Surgery is around the corner, and JointRecovery.com is here to support you ever.

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Ready for guidance that takes the guesswork out of recovery? Join Joint Recovery and feel supported every step of the way.

You can help manage knee pain before surgery by:

• Doing simple strengthening exercises (ask your physiotherapist for safe ones).
• Using ice or heat for comfort.
• Spacing your activities through the day.

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Always check with your healthcare team before starting new exercises or supplements.

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Ready for guidance that takes the guesswork out of recovery? Join Joint Recovery and feel supported every step of the way.

Missing a day is not a problem and is a normal part of recovery. It’s best not to try to make up for it by doing extra the next day. Simply return to your routine and continue as planned. Consistency over time is more important than perfection.

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Some pain with exercise is expected and not harmful. We use a simple three-rule check:

Intensity — Pain up to about 4 out of 10 during or after exercise is acceptable. Anything sharper or above 4–5/10 is a signal to ease off.

Duration — Any flare should settle within a few hours and be back to your usual baseline by the next morning.

Trend — From week to week, pain should be stable or improving — never progressively worse.

If all three are met, you are loading the joint appropriately. If any one is breached repeatedly, scale back the exercise

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Floor-based exercises are usually introduced once you are able to move comfortably and safely with good control. This often comes a little later in recovery, when getting up and down from the floor feels manageable and does not increase your pain. If you are unsure, follow the guidance in your program or check with your physiotherapist before progressing.

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It’s important to stay active during recovery, but more is not always better. A steady, consistent approach is key. Mild discomfort during or after exercises can be normal, but if you notice increasing pain, swelling, or fatigue that lasts into the next day, it may be a sign to scale back. Listening to your body and allowing time for rest and recovery is just as important as completing your exercises.

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Call your surgical team right away if:

• Your knee becomes suddenly red, hot, or more swollen,
• You feel feverish or generally unwell,
• Or pain increases sharply.

Otherwise, steady improvement—even if slow—is completely normal. You’re doing great.

This one really varies from person to person. Some patients are pain-free within just a few days—lucky them! Others may have mild, grumbling discomfort for up to six weeks.

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For most people, though, the pain settles quickly—usually within two to four weeks. By then, many are walking comfortably without a cane or walker and are surprised at how good the new hip feels.

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You might still notice a bit of stiffness or tightness, but that’s normal and continues to improve with time and movement.

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So more than likely, you’ll be feeling pain-free and moving well somewhere between that two to four week window.

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If this brought you clarity, we can guide you even further. Join Joint Recovery to feel steadier, supported, and more in control

Mild swelling can continue for several months as tissues heal. To help:

• Elevate and ice daily.
• Keep moving within comfort.
• Avoid sitting too long.

Contact your surgeon if swelling suddenly increases, becomes painful, or your calf feels tender. Healing is easier when you don’t have to figure it out alone.

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Join Joint Recovery and get the structure and support you deserve.

Typical swelling lasts 6–12 weeks, though mild puffiness can persist for a few months. Consistency with rest, ice, elevation, and movement helps it settle. Seek medical advice if swelling increases suddenly or you notice redness, warmth, or pain.

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Healing is easier when you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join Joint Recovery and get the structure and support you deserve.

Mild discomfort is normal as you work through your recovery, but sharp or intense pain is not. If you experience significant pain during any exercise, stop immediately and rest. You can revisit the exercise later or modify it to a more comfortable level. Always consult your healthcare provider if the pain persists or worsens.

The exercises are designed specifically for hip and knee replacement patients. However, always follow the advice of your healthcare provider, especially if you have unique health conditions.

If you feel your progress is not on track, remember everyone's recovery journey is different but please contact your surgeon's office for guidance. We cannot address individual concerns but your healthcare provider is the best resource for personalized advice.

It’s common to feel some nerve pain or tingling after knee replacement—the nerves around your knee have been stretched or irritated during surgery and need time to heal.

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You might notice burning, sharp “zaps,” or pins-and-needles sensations. Gentle massage around, not on, the scar and regular, pain-free movement can help calm the nerves. Use a small amount of lotion once or twice a day to make this more comfortable.

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If your surgeon recommends it, medications such as gabapentin or pregabalin may help nerve pain, but these can cause drowsiness or dizziness. Always check before starting anything new.

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Healing takes time—usually several months—but it does improve. Keep moving gently and be patient with yourself. Healing is easier when you don’t have to figure it out alone. Join Joint Recovery and get the structure and support you deserve.

The wellness videos focus on supporting your overall recovery, including topics such as sleep, nutrition, and mental wellbeing. The lifestyle videos are more practical and focus on day-to-day activities, such as getting dressed, moving safely, and returning to normal routines. Together, they are designed to support both your physical recovery and your confidence in everyday life.

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Once you've watched your first physiotherapy session of the day you will be able to complete your journal entry. Do your best to keep it up to date so you're able to track your progress through your recovery journey.

Yes, you can access the program on your phone, tablet, or computer, and you also have the option to cast sessions to smart TVs like Apple TV for a more comfortable viewing experience. This flexibility allows you to follow your sessions wherever and however you prefer.

The program is designed for patients, but caregivers can also follow along to better support recovery at home.

Yes, the program includes tools to track your progress and daily activity, helping you stay motivated and on course.

Don’t worry, you have access to the program for as long as you're subscribed and you can cancel at anytime.