Joint Replacement Prep Checklist

Preparing Your Home and Your Body for Hip, Knee or Shoulder Replacement

If you’re scheduled for a hip, knee or shoulder replacement, congratulations, you’re taking a major step toward moving with comfort again and saying goodbye to chronic joint pain.

At Burlington County Orthopaedic Specialists, we’ve found that patients who prepare ahead of time often recover faster and feel more confident after surgery. Here’s a simple, practical checklist to help you get both your body and home ready for a smooth recovery.

Step 1: Get Your Body Ready

Your body is about to do some important healing work, and a little preparation goes a long way.

• Exercise (if your doctor says it’s safe):
  • • Do your “prehab.” Follow the exercise plan your doctor or physical therapist gives you.
    • Focus on the muscles around your joint. Strong legs, hips and shoulders help you move safely after surgery.
    • Stretch daily. Staying flexible makes recovery smoother.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle:
  • • Eat balanced meals with lean protein, fruits and vegetables.
    • Avoid excess sugar and “empty calories.”
    • Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol or smoking, as both can slow healing.
    • Get plenty of sleep to boost your immune system.
• Review your medications:
  • • Our team will tell you which medicines, vitamins or supplements to stop before surgery to prevent complications.
• Plan for physical therapy:
  • • Rehab starts soon after surgery. Schedule your appointments early and learn what to expect so you’re ready to go.

Step 2: Prepare Your Home

Setting up your space now can make your recovery much easier later.

• Clear your pathways:
  • • Move cords, rugs and furniture so you can walk safely without tripping.
• Create a recovery station:
  • • Choose a sturdy chair with armrests, and keep essentials like your phone, TV remote, snacks and medications close by.
• Stock up on supplies:
  • • Ice packs or cold therapy system
    • Non-slip shoes or socks
    • A grabber or reacher tool
    • Long-handled sponge or shoehorn
    • Easy-to-reheat meals or frozen dinners
• Adapt your bathroom:
  • • Install grab bars near the toilet and shower.
    • Use a non-slip mat and a shower chair for stability.
    • Consider a raised toilet seat to make sitting and standing easier.
• Prepare your bedroom:
  • • If your bedroom is upstairs, consider moving temporarily to the first floor.
    • Keep a nightstand stocked with water, phone, and medications.
    • Use firm pillows or wedges to support your leg or arm comfortably.

Step 3: Know What to Expect

Understanding your surgery and recovery helps reduce stress and sets you up for success.

• Go to your pre-op appointment:
  • • Your care team will check your health, go over your surgery plan and explain what recovery will look like. Invite a family member or friend to attend so that they can understand what to expect after surgery.
• Ask questions:
  • • Bring a list of anything you’re unsure about. No question is too small.
• Practice with equipment:
  • • If you’ll use a walker, crutches or sling, learn how to use them safely before surgery day. For shoulder surgery, imagine your arm will be in a sling, and practice using your other arm for simple daily activities like bathing, eating, etc.

Step 4: Prepare Your Mindset

Recovery takes patience, but you’ve got this!

• Set realistic goals:
  • • Every week brings progress, even if it’s small. Celebrate your wins along the way.
• Lean on your support team:
  • • Ask a family member or friend to help with meals, rides or daily tasks for the first week or two.
• Commit to your healing:
  • • Plan to stick to your exercise and therapy schedule, and don’t skip follow-up appointments. These steps are key to long-term success.

You’re Ready!

Preparing both your body and home before joint replacement can make your recovery smoother, safer and less stressful.