📅Recovery diary: the first 4 weeks after surgery
Proper rehabilitation is half the battle. Here is a tentative plan (but always consult with your surgeon and physiotherapist):
📌Week 1
• Getting out of bed with help.
• Light exercises: moving the toes, bending the knee.
• Learning to walk with crutches or a walker.
📌Week 2
• Increase walking.
• Muscle strengthening exercises.
• Correct sitting and standing.
📌Week 3
• First attempts at walking without crutches.
• Exercises with a rubber band (as directed).
• Climbing and descending 1–2 steps.
📌Week 4
• Gradually increase walking distance.
• Continued exercises.
• If necessary — plan with a rehabilitater.
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⚠️Common patient mistakes and how to avoid them
❌Too much load too quickly.
✅Increase the load gradually, monitor the body’s signals.
❌Skipping exercises.
✅Laziness is the enemy of recovery! Even light gymnastics is more effective than expensive medications.
❌Weight lifting.
✅The first few months — no heavy bags or lifting children.
❌Slippery floors and carpets.
✅Organize your home safely — remove carpets, clean carefully.
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🏠How to prepare your home for returning after surgery
• Bed — high enough to get up easily.
• Handrails or toilet seats.
• Shower chair and non-slip mat in the bathroom.
• Cleaned floor — no slippery rugs or obstacles.
• Everything you need (phone, charger, remote) — at hand.
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💪Living actively means living long
Once the pain subsides, it’s easy to be tempted to “forget” about the joint. But to avoid re-wearing:
✔️Regular exercise therapy or yoga with an instructor.
✔️Swimming — water is gentle on the joints.
✔️Get up and move around every 40 minutes.
✔️Annual shots and checkups with an orthopedic surgeon.
✔️If you have pain — see a doctor immediately.
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