Can I Play Sports Again After a Knee or Hip Replacement? The Answer Might Surprise You!
By Dr. John Mishock, PT, DPT, DC
Why Have a Joint Replacement in the First Place? Total hip and knee replacements relieve debilitating pain and reclaim mobility lost to osteoarthritis, helping patients regain the ability to swing a club, walk up stairs, and rediscover their active lifestyle.
What the Evidence Says About Returning to Sports?
Most patients return to low- to moderate-impact sports within 4–6 months, with 82% resuming activity by around 6 months (Johns Hopkins University review). Low-impact sports are encouraged; intermediate sports are permitted for experienced patients. High-impact sports are typically not recommended unless carefully evaluated. (Physiotutors.com, Springer (2023), Johns Hopkins University)
Hip Replacement (THA) Patients often return to full activity by 4–6 months. Modern surgical techniques and implants have improved outcomes. Studies show high participation in low-impact sports like pickleball, cycling, baseball, softball, and golf, with more caution around high-impact sports. (HipKneeInfo.org, Springer (2020), AtlasOfScience.org)
Knee Replacement (TKA) Approximately 50% of patients return to sport by 3 months, and over 90% within 4 years. Running may be resumed cautiously at 6–8 months with proper surgical techniques and rehab. Surveyed athletes maintained cycling/swimming but reduced high-impact activities. Sources: ShahpunwarOrtho.com, UWO.ca, Springer (2024).
Sport-Specific Guidance: Golfers return in ~5 months with modifications to the swing. Doubles tennis and pickleball are generally acceptable post-op, while singles, baseball, and basketball require more caution. (Verywellhealth.com, SportsSurgeryNewYork.com, TheAustralian.com.au)
What Does Rehab Look Like?
Phase 1 (Weeks 1–4): Pain control, swelling reduction, early movement, gait training.
Phase 2 (Weeks 4–10): Strengthening, balance, light cardio.
Phase 3 (Weeks 10–16+): Sport-specific drills, agility, endurance.
Post-rehab: Continued maintenance of strength and mobility.
Goal: Return to sport confidently without overstressing the implant.
Setting Realistic Expectations: Patients may not reach pre-surgery intensity, but often enjoy pain-free activity more. Success depends on surgical technique, rehab, implant choice, and prior fitness. (Springer, Johns Hopkins, ShahpunwarOrtho.com)
Final Thoughts
Don’t Sit on the Sidelines. Modern implants and smart rehab make returning to active life possible. Golfing, biking, swimming, pickleball, baseball, softball and even light tennis or basketball are often within reach in 6 months. Mishock PT tailors rehab in conjunction with your doctor to support a safe, confident return to the sports you love.
We can help!
If pain is limiting you from doing the activities you enjoy, give Mishock Physical Therapy a call: locations in Gilbertsville (610-327-2600), Skippack (610-584-1400), Phoenixville (610-933-3371), Boyertown (610- 845-5000), Limerick (484-948-2800) at www.mishockpt.com or request your appointment by clicking here.
Dr. Mishock is one of only a few clinicians with doctorate-level degrees in both physical therapy and chiropractic in the state of Pennsylvania. He has also authored two books; “Fundamental Training Principles: Essential Knowledge for Building the Elite Athlete”, “The Rubber Arm; Using Science to Increase Pitch Control, Improve Velocity, and Prevent Elbow and Shoulder Injury” both can be bought on Amazon or train2playsports.com.
