You’ve scheduled your joint replacement surgery, a life-changing step toward reducing pain and restoring mobility. But what happens next?
Will you bounce back quickly, or will recovery feel slow and difficult?
Here’s the truth: recovery isn’t just in your surgeon’s hands—it’s in yours, too. The stronger and more prepared you are before surgery, the better your outcome afterward.
At AquaPhysio, we work with patients both before and after joint replacement surgery. One thing we hear time and again? Those who prepare ahead of time—especially in our warm hydrotherapy pool—consistently recover faster, stronger, and with more confidence.
And the research backs this up:
- A Harvard Medical School-affiliated study found that patients who completed six weeks of prehabilitation, including water-based exercises, reduced their need for inpatient rehab by 73%.
- Another study in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery reported shorter hospital stays, fewer complications, and better mobility in patients who exercised before surgery.
If you’re counting down the weeks until your procedure, this is the time to take control. Here’s how to get started:
1. Begin Prehab in a Warm Hydrotherapy Pool
If your joint is painful, stiff, or swollen, exercising on land may feel daunting. But inactivity before surgery can lead to more post-op complications. Hydrotherapy offers a safe and gentle alternative.
Why choose hydrotherapy before surgery?
- Warm water eases pain and stiffness, making movement more comfortable.
- Buoyancy offloads up to 90% of your body weight, reducing joint stress.
- Water naturally resists movement, helping you build strength without strain.
- Even those who struggle with land-based movement can exercise effectively in water.
The result? Patients tell us they feel more confident, fitter, and better prepared for surgery and they recover faster.
2. Strengthen Key Muscle Groups Without Pain
You may think it’s best to wait until after surgery to get active but going into surgery stronger gives you a clear head start on recovery.
Focus on:
- Lower body strength: Stronger legs help support your new joint.
- Upper body strength: You'll likely use crutches or a walker, your arms and shoulders need to be ready.
- Core stability and balance: A strong core aids mobility and prevents falls.
How hydrotherapy helps:
- You can build leg strength without stressing painful joints.
- Resistance exercises in water help prep your upper body for crutch use.
- Water supports your body, enabling movement that would be too painful on land.
A study in Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research showed that patients who strengthened their legs before surgery experienced faster recovery and less pain post-op.
3. Educate Yourself About Surgery and Recovery
Understanding your procedure and recovery plan empowers you to make informed decisions and approach surgery with confidence.
Ask your medical team:
- What type of anaesthesia will I receive?
- What will recovery look like in the first 24–48 hours?
- When can I start walking again?
- What does rehab involve in the early weeks?
Patients who know what to expect are often more motivated and committed to their rehabilitation.
According to a study in the Journal of Arthroplasty, patients with a clear understanding of their surgery and recovery plan were more likely to stick with physiotherapy and achieve better outcomes.
4. Clear Your Schedule and Prioritise Recovery
After surgery, rehab is your top priority. The first few weeks are critical, and how you spend them can influence your long-term success.
Before surgery, take time to:
- Clear your calendar of avoidable obligations.
- Arrange for support with meals, errands, and childcare.
- Set up your home environment to make movement safer and easier.
- Understand that recovery includes rest, but also consistent rehab exercises.
A 2020 study in Rehabilitation Science found that patients who committed to structured rehabilitation early recovered faster and returned to normal activities sooner than those who delayed.