Physiotherapy for Joint Replacements in London
Joint Replacement Recovery
Whether you’ve had a hip, knee, shoulder, or ankle replacement, recovery begins when surgery ends. Recovering from a joint replacement is a big step, and it’s all about rebuilding not only your strength and movement functionality, but also rebuilding your confidence in yourself and your body.
Physit’s at-home physiotherapy is tailored to the surgery you had and your current struggles as you navigate recovery, bringing expert, hands-on care right to your door.
What Is Joint Replacement?
A joint replacement (whether it’s your hip, knee, shoulder, or ankle) involves replacing worn or damaged parts of the joint with smooth, artificial components that are specially designed to reduce pain and improve your range of movement. It’s often recommended when joint damage makes daily life difficult, and other treatments haven’t worked well enough.
If you’ve reached the point where you’re considering surgery, the benefit of pain relief likely outweighs any risks or challenges posed by recovery.
While surgery is a big milestone, it’s just the beginning of the recovery journey. The real progress happens in the weeks and months that follow, and that’s where physiotherapy plays a very important role.
Recovery isn’t only focused on healing the surgical site. It’s also about gradually rebuilding your strength, improving flexibility, restoring balance, and learning to move with comfort and confidence again. With expert support, regular movement, and a plan that fits your body and pace, it’s possible to feel stronger, steadier, and more independent every step of the way.
Common Post-Surgical Challenges After Joint Replacement
Recovering from joint replacement takes time and patience, and it’s completely normal to face a few bumps along the way. Most people find it takes them up to six to twelve months to feel “normal” again. Part of finding that normal includes getting movement support as soon as possible.
Some of the most common challenges people experience after surgery include:
- Pain or stiffness around the surgical site: It’s completely normal to feel sore or tight as your body heals. Gentle movement and the right support can make a big difference.
- Swelling and reduced mobility: Swelling can limit how easily the joint moves, especially in the early days after surgery. Managing this with proper care helps improve comfort and flexibility over time.
- Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, dressing, or reaching: Everyday tasks might feel harder than usual at first. That’s where personalised physiotherapy can help you gain back your strength and independence.
- Hesitation with movement: It’s normal to feel a bit unsure about using the joint again. Recovery takes energy, and support helps you safely move again.
- Reduced balance or confidence with activity: Many people feel unsteady or extra cautious after surgery. Balance work and movement training are important for rebuilding your confidence level with each step.
Risk Factors for a Delayed Recovery After Joint Replacement
Every recovery journey looks a little different, and some people find it takes longer to bounce back after a joint replacement. This doesn’t mean that something’s gone wrong. It’s just a sign that your body might need a bit more time, support and encouragement along the way.
Here are a few common reasons why recovery may slow down, and why having the right support can make all the difference:
- Pre-surgery muscle weakness or mobility issues: If the joint wasn’t moving well before surgery, the surrounding muscles may already be weak. Gentle, guided physiotherapy can help rebuild your strength safely from day one.
- Long hospital stays or bed rest: Time spent resting is important, but too much inactivity can lead to stiffness, fatigue, and reduced mobility in the affected area. Gradual, guided movement helps you regain your confidence and momentum.
- Fear of falls or re-injury: It’s perfectly normal to feel cautious after surgery, but fear can sometimes hold you back. Proper rehab builds both your physical stability and gives you a great deal of peace of mind.
- Poor balance or coordination: Challenges with balance can make you feel uncertain about performing your daily activities. Customised exercises that are focused on coordination and posture will help restore your steadiness.
- Limited access to timely rehab: Waiting too long to get started with your rehabilitation can make your recovery feel tougher than it needs to be. That’s why Physit brings expert care right to your door, eliminating the delays and the hassle of having to travel.
What Causes Ongoing Discomfort After Surgery?
It’s completely normal to feel a bit off after joint replacement, but if progress feels slower than expected, a few common culprits could be at play. The good news? Most of these challenges can be addressed with the right support.
- Muscle tightness or joint stiffness: After surgery, it’s natural for muscles to tighten up or your joints to feel less mobile. Without regular movement and stretching, that stiffness can stick around longer than it needs to.
- Scar tissue restricting range of motion: As the body heals, scar tissue forms, and sometimes it limits how freely the joint can move. Gentle manual therapy and specific exercises can help break up these restrictions over time, reducing your discomfort and allowing you to regain your range of motion.
- Weakness in supporting muscles: Muscles around the joint may have weakened before or during your recovery. When they’re not doing their part, other areas have to pick up the slack. This can often lead to soreness or imbalance.
- Postural changes or compensatory movement patterns: When one area hurts, we naturally shift how we move in order to feel more comfortable. But over time, these small compensations can cause discomfort in other areas, like the back, opposite leg, or shoulders.
How Physit Helps With Joint Replacement Recovery
Recovery doesn’t end when you leave the hospital. In fact, it’s only just the beginning. Your healing journey continues at home, where your comfort matters the most. That’s why Physit brings expert physiotherapy right to your door, helping you regain your strength, confidence, and independence with personalised, thorough care that works around your pace, your home, and your struggles and goals throughout recovery.
Here’s what your at-home recovery journey with Physit may include.
- Gentle manual therapy to reduce stiffness and pain: Hands-on techniques can help ease tight muscles, improve circulation, and gently loosen the joint, so movement becomes smoother and more comfortable.
- Strength and mobility exercises to support function: We focus on gradually rebuilding strength in the muscles that support your new joint. The goal is to help you move more freely, safely, and confidently in your day-to-day life.
- Gait and balance training: Walking can feel unfamiliar and unsteady after surgery. We’ll help you retrain your gait, improve your balance, and reduce your risk of falls, all with your specific space and needs in mind.
- Education on pacing, safe movement, and home setup: From stairs to sofas, we’ll give you the right guidance on how to move safely at home. You’ll learn how to pace your activities without overdoing it, and get tips to make your space more recovery-friendly.
- Progress tracking with personalised, evolving care plans: Your body and goals are unique, and so is your recovery plan. We’ll track your progress and adjust your programme as you get stronger, ensuring steady progress as time goes on.
Whether you’ve had a hip, knee, shoulder, or ankle replacement, Physit is here to make your recovery journey feel less overwhelming and more empowering, one visit, one step, and one day at a time.
Conditions We Treat
Our London home and work visit physiotherapists are highly experienced in assessing and treating a wide range of conditions, including but not limited to:
0204 570 2391- Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, shoulder, and spinal surgeries, as well as general surgical recovery)
- Age-related mobility issues, including falls prevention and balance training
- Chronic pain management (back pain, arthritis, and joint stiffness)
- Neurological conditions impacting mobility and coordination
- Post-hospital deconditioning and general rehabilitation to restore strength, balance, and independence
- All musculoskeletal realted injuries or pain
Frequently Asked Questions About Joint Replacement Recovery
1. How soon after surgery can I start physio at home?
In most cases, you can begin gentle physiotherapy from day one. Early movement (when done safely and with professional support) helps reduce stiffness, boost circulation, and set the stage for a smoother recovery. At Physit, we customise each session to your body’s pace and comfort level.
2. What if I’ve already started rehabilitiation in hospital?
That’s a great foundation to build on. Hospital rehab usually focuses on getting you up and moving safely, but the real progress often happens once you’re home. Physit picks up where hospital care leaves off, offering consistent, personalised support as you navigate the next phase of recovery in your own space.
3. Can I work with Physit after a second joint replacement?
Absolutely! Whether it’s your first replacement or your second (or even third), we’ll meet you where you are. We understand that each surgery and each body is different. We’ll adjust your care plan to suit your history, needs, and goals.
4. Do I need a referral to get started with Physit?
No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to book your home assessment. We’ll work closely with you (and your GP or surgeon if needed) to ensure your care is safe, well-informed, and perfectly matched to your unique recovery journey.
Your New Joint Deserves Great Support
You’ve taken a big step by having joint replacement surgery. Now let’s make sure you get the most from it. With Physit, you don’t have to worry about travelling to appointments or figuring it all out on your own. We bring expert, hands-on physiotherapy right to your living room, with a strong focus on your goals, your comfort, and your unique pace.
Whether you’re just home from hospital or a few weeks into recovery, we’ll help you move with more ease, strength, and confidence, one session at a time.
