Preparing for joint surgery: prehabilitation and going home

Preparation for joint surgery starts before admission to hospital. Building a practical plan for exercise, general health and support at home can help you approach the operation with clearer expectations and fewer last-minute arrangements.

What is prehabilitation?

Prehabilitation is preparation intended to support recovery after surgery. It may include exercises, education and attention to general health. The programme should suit your current ability and the operation being planned, rather than pushing through severe pain.

A physiotherapist can help identify useful goals, such as improving strength for getting out of a chair or practising with a walking aid. Discuss any exercise restrictions with your treating team before starting.

Use the lead-up to review general health

Tell the surgical team about medical conditions, medications and any recent illness. Follow their instructions about medicines before surgery; do not stop prescribed treatment without advice. Smoking, alcohol intake and nutrition are also useful topics to discuss during preparation.

If changes to activity or weight are recommended, ask for an achievable plan and suitable support. Preparation should address your circumstances, including limits imposed by the painful joint.

Make home recovery practical

Think through an ordinary day at home. Can you get safely between the bedroom and bathroom? Who can help with meals, shopping or transport? Are there stairs to practise or tripping hazards to remove?

Arrange the help you are likely to need before admission. Your team can advise whether equipment, physiotherapy or additional support would be useful. Keeping appointment and contact details together makes it easier for family or carers to help.

Going home depends on readiness

A shorter hospital stay is suitable for some patients, but discharge should follow an assessment of safety and support. Pain control, mobility, wound care needs and general health all contribute to the decision.

The team may check that you can manage essential tasks, use the recommended walking aid and understand the care plan. Some people need more hospital time or a different recovery setting. There is no single discharge date that everyone should aim to match.

Set goals and know how to get help

Useful early goals may include walking short distances, managing steps and following the exercise programme. Digital recovery tools may be available in some care pathways, but the essential point is having clear instructions and a way to ask questions.

Before leaving hospital, confirm your follow-up arrangements, medication instructions and the symptoms that should prompt contact or urgent care. A written plan helps keep recovery consistent when you are tired or relying on others for support.

Preparing for recovery before surgery

Dr Darren Waters discusses prehabilitation, individual recovery goals and planning for discharge after joint surgery.

See our surgery preparation information and learn about hip replacement recovery.