Resuming Normal Activities

• Work: Depending upon the physical demands of the job, work may be resumed any time you feel comfortable. It takes four to six weeks to be able to return to a relatively sedentary job and longer if your job has physical requirements.
• Driving: Driving may be resumed four to six weeks following surgery when you feel you have the strength to meet the demands of controlling the vehicle. We would recommend that you drive the car up and down the driveway and practice moving your feet from accelerator to brake. Make sure you are able to do this quickly and safely.
• Marital Relations: Sexual incercourse may be resumed at any time.
• Sports Activities: Remember that your new joint is artificial and although made of extremely durable materials, is subject to wear and tear. We encourage you to be active in order to control your weight and muscle tone. This will help prolong the life of the prosthesis. You should not begin any exercises, other than those prescribed, for several months, and then you should limit them to low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming or bicycling. Jogging, high-impact aerobics, and sports that may result in a joint injury should be avoided. Golf may be gradually resumed. Although tennis is discouraged, a number of patients have successfully returned to doubles play.

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