Ms. (Dr.) Samantha Tross
Consultant Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgeon
First Black Female Orthopaedic Consultant in the UK
One of the most common questions after joint replacement is: "When can I get back to normal life?" The answer depends on the type of surgery, the demands of your job and how quickly you regain strength and control.
For most hip and knee replacements, patients return to driving after around six weeks, provided they can perform an emergency stop confidently and are no longer taking strong pain medication. Your physiotherapist or surgeon will help assess your readiness.
Returning to work varies more widely. Office or desk-based roles can often resume within 4–6 weeks. Jobs involving standing, lifting or manual labour may require 8–12 weeks or more before it is safe to return. Your body will guide you — pushing too hard can set back recovery.
The key is to pace yourself. Start with shorter days or hybrid working if possible, and gradually increase activity as your strength and stamina improve. Planning ahead with your employer ensures a smoother transition back into routine.
A successful return to normal life relies on listening to your body, following physiotherapy guidance and recognising that recovery is a gradual, steady process — not a race.