The first days after knee replacement can feel like a long list of small tasks: getting through the door, reaching the bathroom, taking medicine correctly, keeping the incision plan straight, and finding a safe way to sleep.
Your surgeon’s instructions come first. Every recovery is different, and your home health plan should match the order, your health, and the way your home is set up.
The first days: make the home workable
Clear walking paths, place the items you use within easy reach, and follow the equipment instructions from your care team. Your therapist may practice getting up from a chair, using a walker, turning safely, and managing the steps you actually have.
A nurse may complete skilled assessments, review medication teaching, monitor ordered wound care, and report concerns to the care team. Ask what changes should lead to a routine call and what requires urgent medical attention.
Building a safe routine
Physical therapy focuses on strength, movement, walking, transfers, and the home exercise plan. Occupational therapy may help with bathing, dressing, the bathroom, kitchen routines, and safer ways to do everyday tasks while movement is limited.
Progress is not a contest. Use the plan your surgeon and home health team give you. Keep appointments, do the assigned exercises as directed, and speak up if pain, swelling, medicine effects, or the home setup makes the plan hard to follow.
Preparing for the next step
As recovery moves forward, the team checks progress toward the goals in the plan of care and prepares you for the next setting, which may include outpatient therapy or continued independent exercise.
The Home Stretch is OHH’s focused orthopedic recovery program for eligible patients returning home after knee or hip replacement, fracture, or spine procedures. Call before discharge if you want your care team to consider OHH by name.