Immediately after the procedure, the patient is taken to a recovery room for one or two hours while the anesthesia wears off. Vital signs are monitored, and the patient is watched for alertness, pain, comfort level and need for medication. From here, the patient is moved to a hospital room to remain for several days.

Depending on the procedure, the physician may issue precautions to limit weight bearing, range of motion or other activity. For example, patients undergoing a hip replacement will typically be instructed not to bend forward or cross the legs. The physician may prescribe immobilization devices (e.g., splints, casts), crutches or a walker, a continuous passive motion device (a machine that slowly moves the joint while the patient lies in bed) and, if the legs or hips are involved, compression stockings, which improve circulation and reduce the risk of blood clots.

Analgesics and nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to control the pain. Painkillers are usually given intravenously or through the epidural space in the beginning.  The patient may be taught to self-administer these. Antibiotics to prevent infection and anticoagulants to prevent blood clots are typically prescribed immediately after the procedure.

Patients are monitored for complications (e.g., hypovolemic shock due to blood loss, infection) after the procedure. The patient is taught to recognize certain symptoms (e.g., increased pain, swelling, stiffness) and report them immediately to a physician.

Physical therapy is typically employed while the patient remains at the hospital and after the patient returns home. The joint is maintained in proper alignment, and immobilization devices, if used, are inspected for pressure. Care is taken to prevent dislocation of prostheses while the soft tissues heal around the joint. Therapists check the extremity beyond the operative site (e.g., foot for knee or hip arthroplasty, hand for elbow or shoulder arthroplasty) for circulation and nerve function, and motion of that extremity is encouraged.

Patients may be walking with an assistive device during therapy the day after knee or hip surgery. At the joint heals, it can tolerate more exercise therapy. Usually physical therapy is required for months after total arthroplasty.

Patients may be referred to occupational therapy to increase their independence with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, cooking and driving.

The patient can typically resume some normal activities after a month or two. However, depending on the joint treated and extensiveness of the arthroplasty, function may not be fully normal for the three to six months after the total arthroplasty. High-impact activities typically need to be avoided because they increase the risk of damaging the prosthesis damage and stressing the joint.

Follow-up appointments are important to ensure that the joint is healing properly. Some studies suggest that acupuncture after arthroplasty may help to increase the treated joint’s range of motion, but it may also increase the risk of infection and should not be considered without a physician’s advice.