Recovery
Your recovery starts before you leave the OR
Dr. Stefanski's muscle-sparing approach and smart implant technology mean most patients are up and moving the same day as surgery. Here's what to expect — and how to make the most of every milestone.
OUR APPROACH
Recovery redefined
Traditional joint replacement often meant weeks of inpatient rehab and months of limited mobility. At Modern Orthopedics, we've changed that equation. By protecting the muscles and soft tissue around your joint, your body has far less to repair — so healing begins earlier, pain is lower, and you return to daily activities sooner.
RECOVERY TIMELINE
What to expect, week by week
Every patient heals differently, but here is a general roadmap for a muscle-sparing knee or hip replacement.
Day of surgery — Standing and walking with support
Most patients are on their feet with a walker within hours of surgery. Pain is managed with a multimodal, opioid-minimizing regimen — no patient-controlled morphine pumps.
Days 2–7 — Home with confidence
Most patients go home the day of or day after surgery. You'll have clear written instructions, 24/7 access to the care team, and the myMobility app to guide your daily exercises.
Weeks 2–4 — First follow-up and milestone check
Your first office visit typically happens around two weeks out. Most patients are walking independently and weaning off any assistive devices. Smart implant data is reviewed to track gait and motion patterns.
Weeks 4–8 — Back to daily activities
Driving, light household tasks, and short walks are typical by this stage. Many patients no longer require formal physical therapy — app-guided home exercises are usually sufficient.
3–6 months — Return to the activities you love
Golf, hiking, travel, grandchildren. Dr. Stefanski's goal is to get you back to the life your joint pain was limiting. Full strength and range of motion continue to improve for up to a year.
TECHNOLOGY IN YOUR RECOVERY
Smarter tools, better outcomes
Dr. Stefanski integrates two technologies that put real-time data behind your recovery.
myMobility app by Zimmer Biomet A personalized recovery guide on your phone. Daily exercise videos, milestone tracking, pain check-ins, and direct messaging with Dr. Stefanski's team — so you're never navigating recovery alone.
Smart implant technology Select implants contain embedded sensors that capture gait, step count, and range of motion. Dr. Stefanski reviews this data at your follow-up visits to catch any concerns early and celebrate measurable progress.
PATIENT TIPS
Setting yourself up for success
Prepare your home before surgery Move frequently used items to counter height. Clear walkways, add grab bars near the toilet and shower, and arrange a recovery area on your main floor to avoid unnecessary stair use early on.
Stay hydrated and nourished Adequate protein and hydration are critical for tissue healing. Aim for protein-rich meals and at least 64 oz of water daily in the weeks before and after surgery.
Walk — early and often Short, frequent walks are more beneficial than one long one. Movement prevents blood clots, reduces swelling, and rebuilds strength faster than resting in bed.
Follow your medication schedule Take prescribed anti-inflammatories and blood thinners as directed — even if you feel well. Staying ahead of pain and swelling is easier than catching up once they escalate.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Recovery FAQs
Will I need inpatient rehabilitation?
Most patients go directly home. Dr. Stefanski's muscle-sparing techniques mean you typically have enough strength and stability to recover safely in your own environment with app-guided therapy.
How much physical therapy will I need?
Many patients do not require traditional outpatient physical therapy. The myMobility app provides a guided home exercise program, and Dr. Stefanski evaluates your progress at each follow-up to determine if additional PT is warranted.
When can I drive?
For right-sided procedures, many patients resume driving within 2–3 weeks once they are off narcotic pain medications and can respond quickly in an emergency. Dr. Stefanski will clear you individually based on your progress.
What are the warning signs I should call about?
Contact our office if you notice increasing redness, warmth, or swelling around the incision; fever above 101°F; calf pain or sudden swelling (possible blood clot); or unusual discharge from your wound.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Stefanski to discuss your joint and your goals. Call us at or request an appointment online.
