Ask-a-Doc:
How Will I Negotiate Stairs After My Surgery?

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

Patients who undergo a hip replacement, knee replacement, or shoulder replacement can certainly go up and down stairs. 

As a matter of fact, as soon as you’re up and about right after the operation, within hours, the physical therapist will instruct you on how to negotiate stairs—how to go up and how to go down. They have little catchy terms that they’ll go over with you to help you remember how to do this. 

Now, remember, we suggest that when you first go home, that you try to limit this to maybe one time a day, at least, perhaps for the first week. 

If you have an absolute requirement to go up and down the steps more than one time a day because of perhaps sleeping arrangements, then we can discuss the possibility of obtaining a hospital bed at home that can be placed, perhaps on the first level or wherever it is convenient for you. But that is the rare occasion.

If you would like to know more about whether or not you can go up and down stairs after surgery, contact us at JIS Orthopedics. Our specialists in New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio, can give you the peace of mind you are looking for. Schedule a visit with us today!