A joint replacement doesn’t necessarily mean saying goodbye to the gym. For many active people, getting back to strength training is an important part of returning to the lifestyle they enjoy.
The key is knowing when and how to progress. Your new joint needs time to recover, while your muscles also need to rebuild strength after surgery. The right exercises and progression will depend on your surgery, recovery and individual goals.
Tips for returning to the gym
- Follow your surgeon’s early restrictions: Your initial rehabilitation should take priority.
- Start with control: Focus on technique, movement quality and rebuilding basic strength before chasing heavy weights.
- Progress gradually: Increase resistance and exercise difficulty as your strength and confidence improve.
- Train for your goals: Whether you want to return to golf, tennis, hiking or general gym training, your program should eventually reflect those activities.
When should you seek help?
See a physio if you’re unsure what exercises are appropriate, struggling to regain strength, experiencing ongoing pain or swelling, or aren’t confident progressing your gym program.
Ready to get back to training? Emma can help you safely progress from rehabilitation exercises back towards the gym and the activities you enjoy. Book online.
