Recovering from a knee or hip replacement is a journey that begins the moment you return home. For many patients, home health physical therapy after knee or hip replacement provides the structure, safety, and clinical support needed to recover confidently—without the stress of traveling to appointments.
Home health services offer physician-ordered care delivered in the comfort of your own home. This guide explains what to expect from home health physical therapy, how to prepare for your visits, and how recovery often progresses week by week.
Every recovery is unique. Your surgeon and therapy team will tailor your care plan based on your procedure, overall health, and personal goals.
Why Home Health Physical Therapy After Knee or Hip Replacement?
After joint replacement surgery, movement is essential, but so is safety. Home health physical therapy may be recommended when:
- Leaving home requires significant effort or assistance
- Pain, swelling, or balance issues make outpatient therapy difficult early on
- The patient’s physician has issued an order for physical therapy services
Understanding Eligibility: A Physician’s Order Is Required
To receive home health physical therapy, patients must have a physician’s order and meet specific home health eligibility criteria. Generally, this means the patient must be considered “homebound”—meaning that leaving home requires a considerable and taxing effort. A home health agency will conduct an intake assessment to confirm eligibility before services begin. If you’re unsure whether you or a loved one qualifies, your surgeon or primary care physician can help determine the appropriate level of care.
With home health, a licensed physical therapist comes to your home, evaluates your environment, and designs a personalized plan focused on restoring mobility while reducing fall risk.
Learn more in our blog What Skilled Care at Home Includes (Nursing, Therapy, and More)
Getting Started: Preparing for Your First Home Health Physical Therapy Visit
The early phase of recovery often begins within a few days of returning home. Preparing ahead of time helps you get the most benefit from your therapy sessions.
Tips to prepare:
- Dress for success: Wear loose, comfortable clothing (shorts or sweatpants) that allows easy movement and helps your therapist assess your knee or hip. Choose closed-toe shoes with a heel, such as sneakers, for walking stability.
- Time your medication: If prescribed, taking pain medication about 30 minutes before therapy can help you tolerate movement more comfortably.
- Clear the way: Create a safe space for therapy—an open area for standing exercises or a made bed for exercises performed lying down.
- Prepare your questions: Many people experience information overload before surgery. Write down any new questions or concerns to review with your therapist.
Weeks 1–2: Building the Foundation
Focus: Pain control, basic mobility, range of motion, and safety
In the first days and weeks after surgery, home health physical therapy focuses on restoring basic movement while protecting your new joint.
Your therapist may help with:
- Safe transfers (bed, chair, toilet)
- Walking short distances with a walker or cane
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises
- Swelling management and positioning
- Home safety adjustments to reduce fall risk
Common Early Exercises
According to guidance from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) and rehabilitation experts, early exercises often include:
- Ankle pumps and calf raises to support circulation
- Quad sets to activate thigh muscles
- Heel slides to improve knee flexibility
- Straight leg raises to build strength
- Short arc quads to support knee control
These exercises are usually performed in short, frequent sessions. Your therapist will guide repetitions and progression based on your tolerance and surgeon’s orders.
Weeks 3–4: Improving Strength and Endurance
Focus: Functional movement and activity tolerance
As pain and swelling become more manageable, therapy often shifts toward improving strength and endurance for daily tasks.
You may begin:
- Walking longer distances inside the home
- Practicing stairs if appropriate
- Standing exercises to improve balance
- Light endurance activities such as walking or stationary cycling (as approved by your care team)
Endurance helps you perform daily activities, like cooking, bathing, and moving around the house, without excessive fatigue.
Weeks 6–8: Advanced Strengthening and Balance
Focus: Stability, coordination, and confidence
By six to eight weeks after surgery, many patients are ready for more challenging exercises under professional supervision.
These may include:
- Step-ups using a low step to build strength and balance
- Mini squats to improve overall lower-body function
- Continued gait training to refine how you walk
Not everyone progresses at the same pace. Your therapist will assess readiness and modify exercises to keep recovery safe.
Safety Essentials During Home Recovery
Home health physical therapy after knee or hip replacement isn’t just about exercises, it’s also about preventing setbacks. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, but they are not an inevitable part of aging and can be prevented with the right home modifications.
Fall Prevention at Home
- Ensure hallways, stairs, and bathrooms are well-lit
- Remove throw rugs or secure them with non-slip backing
- Use non-slip mats and consider grab bars or a shower bench
- Wear supportive, non-slip footwear instead of socks
Infection Prevention
- Wash hands frequently, especially after handling medical equipment
- Clean walkers, commodes, and other reusable equipment after use
- Monitor your surgical site and report redness, warmth, drainage, or fever
A Team-Based Approach to Recovery
Your Eden Home Health team may include physical therapy, skilled nursing, occupational therapy, and home health aides. This interdisciplinary approach ensures your care plan evolves as you heal.
Contact your home health provider or physician if you experience:
- Sudden increase in pain or swelling
- New balance issues or a fall
- Signs of infection (fever, redness, drainage)
Recovering at Home, With Support
Recovering from joint replacement takes time, patience, and the right support. Home health physical therapy after knee or hip replacement meets you where you are, helping you move safely, rebuild strength, and regain confidence in your own home.
If you’re preparing for or recovering from joint replacement surgery, Eden Health’s home health team is here to guide you every step of the way.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and reflects general rehabilitation guidelines. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon and physical therapist to determine what is appropriate for your individual recovery.
About the Author:
Content developed by Eden Health’s interdisciplinary team of nurses, therapists, and healthcare professionals. Articles are created using evidence-based guidelines and reviewed for clinical accuracy before publication. This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
