Ask-a-Doc:
Can I Do My Rehab at Home After My Surgery?

Hello, I’m Dr. Adolph V. Lombardi, Jr.

The majority of the hip replacements, knee replacements, and shoulder replacements we perform are performed as an outpatient. Therefore, following surgery, you will be assisted in getting out of bed, mobilizing, and going to the bathroom. Both the nurse and the physical therapist will gauge how you’re doing. 

Our average length of stay in the outpatient facility is approximately 4 hours. At that point, you will go home and be cared for, hopefully by your family or friends. We suggest that they be around for the first several days to perhaps a week or two to assist you with getting up out of bed, getting some food, etc. 

You will also be required to arrange post-operative physical therapy. We suggest you do so for hip, knee, and shoulder replacement about three times a week. It may last up to 3, 4, 5, or even 6 weeks. That will be determined by you and your physical therapist. 

So, the best way to answer this question is that we would anticipate that you would go home the day of surgery. That doesn’t mean you can’t stay if there is a reason that the nurse, physical therapist, anesthesiologist, or orthopedic surgeon feels you have to stay that evening.

Even in the outpatient setting, we have the opportunity to keep you overnight. But I would tell you that 98% of the patients are gone the day of the operation.

If you would like to know more about rehabilitation at home after surgery, contact us at JIS Orthopedics. Our specialists in New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio, can give you the answers you are looking for. Schedule a visit with us today!