Can You Exercise After Joint Replacement Surgery?

Is Regaining an Active Lifestyle Possible?

One of the most common questions patients ask after undergoing hip or knee replacement surgery is: “Can I return to sports?” In the past, individuals with joint prostheses were often advised to avoid physical activity. However, with advancements in surgical techniques, high-quality implants, and structured rehabilitation programs, leading an active lifestyle after joint replacement has become a realistic and safe goal for many patients.

That said, returning to sports after a joint replacement must be approached carefully and individually, based on the patient’s recovery status, joint type, and activity goals. In this article, we’ll explore which sports are considered safe, which should be avoided, and how to safely return to an active routine after joint replacement surgery.

What Is the Primary Goal of Joint Replacement?

The main purpose of hip or knee replacement is to relieve pain and restore functional joint movement. It’s not meant to limit physical activity but to enable a pain-free, mobile, and active lifestyle. With proper rehabilitation, most patients regain the ability to walk, climb stairs, and participate in daily life.

The next step in this process is returning to sport. However, not all sports are equal—some place minimal stress on the joint, while others can be risky due to high impact, frequent twisting, or sudden directional changes.

Which Sports Are Safe After Joint Replacement?

Low-impact activities that minimize stress on the joint while promoting mobility, strength, and cardiovascular fitness are generally recommended. These include:

• Swimming – excellent for cardiovascular fitness without joint load
• Stationary cycling – improves knee mobility with minimal impact
• Walking on soft surfaces – safe and beneficial when done regularly
• Modified Pilates – strengthens core and improves stability
• Gentle yoga – enhances flexibility and body awareness
• Golf – typically well-tolerated if done cautiously
• Table tennis, recreational doubles tennis – light impact and slower pace

These sports can usually be reintroduced 8–12 weeks post-surgery, but always under the guidance of your orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist.

Which Sports Should Be Avoided?

While modern implants are durable, they are still mechanical devices. High-impact or high-risk activities can lead to implant loosening, wear, dislocation, or early failure.

The following activities are generally discouraged:

• Running or jogging, especially on hard or uneven surfaces
• Basketball, football, or handball – due to jumping and contact
• Singles tennis – intense lateral movements and quick changes in direction
• Skiing or snowboarding – fall risk and joint stress
• Heavy weightlifting – especially squats and deadlifts with heavy loads
• Marathons or triathlons – prolonged and repetitive joint loading

These activities can significantly increase the risk of complications and reduce implant lifespan.

Key Considerations Before Returning to Sport

Returning to exercise after joint replacement requires careful planning and adherence to specific principles:

• Do not resume activity until cleared by your surgeon
• Complete a full rehabilitation program to restore strength and balance
• Begin with low-intensity, short-duration sessions
• Avoid slippery or uneven surfaces to reduce fall risk
• Pay attention to warning signs (pain, swelling, stiffness)
• Progress gradually under professional supervision

The goal is not just to return to sport—but to return safely and sustainably, preserving the longevity of your prosthesis.

What Does the Research Say?

Recent studies confirm that physical activity after joint replacement can improve both physical and mental well-being. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Arthroplasty found that patients who engaged in walking, swimming, or cycling after knee replacement experienced better pain relief and higher quality of life scores compared to sedentary patients.

Similarly, those who exercised after hip replacement maintained better muscle strength and had a lower risk of prosthesis loosening over time.