Joint Replacements: What to Expect, How to Recover, and Supporting Your Nervous System

"Hip, knee, or shoulder replacement? Learn how surgery works, what to expect during recovery, and how to safely regain strength and mobility."

Introduction: Life After Joint Replacement

Hip, knee, and shoulder replacements are becoming increasingly common, offering life-changing relief from chronic pain and joint degeneration. But the surgery is just one step in your healing journey.

After replacement, many patients struggle with limited mobility, muscle imbalances, lingering stiffness, or compensatory pain in surrounding areas.

At Electric Life Chiropractic, we specialize in supporting your body’s natural recovery process — restoring balance, improving nervous system communication, and helping you get back to the activities you love.

What It Is

A joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) involves removing a damaged or diseased joint and replacing it with an artificial one, usually made of metal, plastic, or ceramic. Common types include:

• Hip Replacement: Ball-and-socket joint of the hip

• Knee Replacement: Hinge joint of the knee

• Shoulder Replacement: Ball-and-socket joint of the shoulder

Key Structures Involved:

• Bones: Femur, tibia, humerus, scapula, pelvis

• Cartilage: Removed damaged tissue replaced by prosthetic

• Ligaments & Tendons: Often preserved but may be repaired or reconstructed

• Muscles: Surrounding stabilizers like quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, rotator cuff

• Nerves: Peripheral nerves around the joint and spinal segments controlling movement

Neurological Implications:

• Surgery and pain can create nervous system overload, heightening pain perception and sensitivity to movement

• Immobilization can weaken muscle memory and proprioception, requiring retraining

• Nervous system may adapt to pain signals, making gentle rehab essential to re-establish normal movement patterns

How It Happens / Why Surgery Is Needed

Joint replacement is usually recommended when:

1. Severe osteoarthritis causes persistent pain and stiffness

2. Rheumatoid arthritis damages cartilage

3. Trauma or fractures irreparably damage joint surfaces

4. Failed conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or injections

Common Contributing Factors:

• Chronic degeneration due to aging

• Repetitive strain over years (athletics, physical labor)

• Previous injuries that weakened the joint

• Obesity increasing joint load

• Genetic predisposition to arthritis

How Chiropractic & Rehabilitation Care Can Help

While the joint itself is replaced, chiropractic and rehabilitative support is vital:

1. Postural & Spinal Alignment: Reduces stress on adjacent joints and supports nerve function

2. Nervous System Regulation: Gentle mobilizations, soft tissue work, and proprioception training

3. Muscle Activation: Strengthening surrounding muscles to protect the new joint

4. Pain & Edema Management: Ice, heat, topical salves, kinesiology taping, gentle manual therapy

Rehabilitation Program: Mobility, Stability & Self-Care

Mobility Exercises (After Surgeon Clearance):

• Ankle Pumps & Circles: Improve circulation and reduce swelling

• Gentle Passive Joint Movements: To maintain range of motion without stressing the joint

• Shoulder Pendulum Swings: After shoulder replacement

• Heel Slides & Hip Flexion: After hip replacement

Stability & Strengthening Exercises:

• Quad Sets & Straight Leg Raises: Support knee and hip

• Bridges & Clamshells: Strengthen glutes and stabilize pelvis

• TheraBand or Light Resistance Bands: Retrain arm or shoulder muscles

• Core Activation with Breath Control: Protect spine and lower body

Self-Care Strategies:

• Rest: Adequate sleep and joint support

• Ice / Heat: Reduce swelling and relax surrounding muscles

• Topical Salves / BioFreeze: Temporary pain relief

• Kinesiology Taping: Support muscles during early rehab

• Epsom Salt Baths: Relax muscles and improve circulation

• Assistive Devices: Canes, walkers, or braces as recommended

Recovery Time

Typical Healing Timeline

Phase	Timeline	What to Expect
Hospital Stay	1–4 days	Initial wound care, pain management, and mobility training
Early Recovery	Weeks 1–6	Walking with assistive devices; beginning physical therapy
Mid-Term Healing	2–6 months	Regaining strength, mobility, and balance
Long-Term Recovery	6–12+ months	Full functional recovery; return to normal activity

Note: Healing varies by joint type:

• Hip replacements often recover faster, with many patients walking independently within 4–6 weeks.

• Knee replacements typically require longer rehab, averaging 3–6 months for full function.

• Shoulder replacements can take 6–12 months to regain optimal mobility and strength.

Risks & Complications After Replacement

While joint replacements are generally successful, there are risks to be aware of:

Early Post-Surgical Risks

• Infection at the surgical site

• Blood clots (DVT)

• Anesthesia-related complications

• Delayed wound healing

Mid- to Long-Term Risks

• Scar tissue buildup: Can limit range of motion

• Implant loosening or wear: Especially in active individuals

• Adjacent joint stress: Surrounding joints may overcompensate

• Nerve irritation: Numbness, tingling, or altered sensation near the surgical area

These risks are significantly reduced when the nervous system is balanced and surrounding tissues are properly supported.

Risks / Warning Signs

Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Increasing swelling or redness around the joint

• Persistent or severe pain not relieved by medication

• Signs of infection (fever, drainage)

• Numbness or tingling in extremities

• Inability to bear weight or move the joint safely

At-Home Support Tips

• Ergonomic Adjustments: Chairs, beds, and daily activity setups

• Gradual Movement & Weight Bearing: Avoid overloading new joint

• Tracking Progress: Pain, range of motion, and activity levels

• Safe Lifting & Daily Activities: Follow post-op precautions

• Nutrition & Hydration: Support healing, reduce inflammation

• Mindfulness & Stress Reduction: Helps nervous system recovery

Takeaway

Joint replacement surgery can restore mobility, reduce pain, and improve quality of life. Combining gentle chiropractic care, nervous system support, and targeted rehabilitation ensures the best long-term outcomes. Early attention to posture, safe movement, and surrounding muscle strength is essential to protect your new joint and prevent future injuries.