Summer Activity Planning After Joint Replacement

Your joint replacement surgery doesn’t have to ruin your summer activity plans.

Within a few weeks of your procedure, you may be able to enjoy the nice weather and summer activities you love.

Our guide helps you understand everything you need to know about planning an active summer after joint replacement, including which activities are safe, when you can return to them, and how to make the most of Chicago’s warmest months while protecting your new joint.

Understanding Your Recovery Timeline

Joint replacement recovery depends on your overall health, which joint was replaced, and how consistently you’ve been doing your physical therapy. 

That said, most patients follow a general progression:

• Weeks 1-2: Managing pain and swelling, starting gentle movement, often still using a walker or crutches
• Weeks 3-6: Transitioning off assistive devices, increasing walking distance, returning to light daily tasks
• Weeks 6-12: Low-impact activities cleared for most patients, including swimming, cycling, and short golf outings with a cart
• 3-6 months: Most normal activities resume; noticeable improvement in strength and stamina
• Up to 1 year: Full recovery 

Research shows that many patients achieve a full range of motion by 12 weeks following total knee replacement when physical therapy is consistent. However, complete recovery can take longer depending on individual factors.

Weeks 1–2

Managing pain and swelling. Gentle movement with a walker or crutches.

Weeks 3–6

Off assistive devices. Increasing walking distance and light daily tasks.

Weeks 6–12

Low-impact activities cleared: swimming, cycling, and short golf outings with a cart.

3–6 Months

Most normal activities resume. Noticeable improvement in strength and stamina.

Up to 1 Year

Full recovery. Individual timelines based on health and therapy consistency.

Summer Activities That Are Safe After Joint Replacement

Orthopedic surgeons widely recommend the following activities as low-impact and joint-friendly. 

Always ask your surgeon before starting any activity, as you may have additional restrictions that affect your summer plans.

Swimming

Swimming is one of the best and most gentle activities after joint replacement.

The water supports your body weight, reducing stress on your new joint while still delivering a full cardiovascular workout.

Most patients can begin pool activities 3–6 weeks after surgery, once the incision has fully healed. 

Start with water walking and gentle flutter kicks before moving on to full-lap swimming. 

One note for hip replacement patients: avoid breaststroke for the first 2–3 months, as the frog-kick motion can stress the hip joint before full coordination returns.

Before going into the water, your wound needs to be completely closed with no scabs, abrasions, or openings.

Cycling

Cycling, stationary for the first six months, is consistently recommended by orthopedic surgeons after joint replacement. 

It builds knee and hip strength without the jarring impact of running or walking on hard pavement. 

Many patients begin physical therapy on a stationary bike before transitioning to outdoor rides.

It’s important to gradually introduce gentle inclines as your strength builds over several months.

Golf

Great news for golfers: most patients return to the course after joint replacement, often sooner than expected. A typical return-to-golf progression looks something like this:

• 4 weeks: Putting and short chip shots
• 6 weeks: Hitting balls off a mat at the range
• 3 months: Nine holes with a cart
• 3-4 months: Full 18 holes, possibly without a cart depending on strength and stamina

Walking

Walking is the cornerstone of recovery after joint replacement, and the good news is that it’s also one of the best long-term activities for joint health. 

Summer in the Chicago suburbs offers endless opportunities: forest preserve trails, neighborhood sidewalks, lakefront paths, and outdoor shopping districts.

Start with shorter walks and build gradually. 

The 10% rule applies here: increase your weekly walking distance by about 10% at a time rather than jumping to longer distances. 

If you notice significant swelling or discomfort after a walk, ice the joint and rest before pushing further.

Activities to Approach with Caution

Not all summer fun is equal when it comes to joint stress. 

High-impact activities that involve running, jumping, abrupt lateral movements, or a high risk of falling are generally discouraged after total joint replacement.

Activities to discuss carefully with your surgeon before attempting:

• Running or jogging because of the high impact on both hip and knee implants
• Basketball or soccer are high-impact, high-collision sports with significant joint stress
• Waterskiing or jet skiing due to the risk of falls and high-torque movements
• High-impact aerobics or jumping exercises
• Extreme hiking with steep, uneven terrain increases your risk of falling
• All water sports

That said, orthopedic thinking has evolved. 

Many surgeons now allow patients more leeway than in previous decades, particularly those with hip replacements or younger, highly active patients with good implant positioning. 

The key is to have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your specific goals before simply ruling out activities.

Struggling with Joint Pain? Call CORE Orthopedics Today!

Worried about joint pain this summer? The doctors at CORE Orthopedics have everything you need to get you living pain-free, including physical therapy, non-invasive surgical procedures, and more.

To learn more and start your road to recovery, call CORE Orthopedics at (847) 690-1776 today.