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HAS YOUR KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT BEEN CANCELLED OR DELAYED?
by Lauren Brown, Sport Rehabilitator & Massage Therapist
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If your knee or hip replacement surgery has been cancelled or delayed, you’re not alone—and you’re not without options.
Across the UK, many patients are facing long waiting times due to increased demand on the NHS and ongoing surgical backlogs. For those living with chronic joint pain, stiffness, and limited mobility, this can feel incredibly disheartening. But there are ways to take control of your recovery journey while you wait.
Here at Prime Performance Physiotherapy, we work with patients every day who are navigating these exact challenges. Whether you're weeks away from your original surgery date or have been told it’s postponed indefinitely, our goal is to help you move better, reduce your pain, and improve your quality of life; starting now!
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​Why Pre-Surgery Physiotherapy Matters
‘Prehabiliation’:
Even if your surgery isn’t on the immediate horizon, physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to manage symptoms and potentially delay the need for surgery altogether!
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A tailored program can:
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Reduce pain and inflammation
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Improve joint mobility and muscle strength
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Support your ability to walk, sleep, and perform daily tasks
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Prepare your body for a smoother recovery when your surgery does go ahead
Some surgeons will even delay an operation until a joint has a certain amount of movement in it, to prevent further complications. Physiotherapy can help to restore this movement and prevent any further delays!
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What Can Physiotherapy Do Without Surgery?
While joint replacement can be a life-changing option for many, it’s not the only route to better function. Evidence shows that conservative (non-surgical) physiotherapy can significantly improve outcomes for people with knee and hip osteoarthritis. With the right guidance, you may find yourself less reliant on pain medication, more active, and more confident in your movement.
Your physiotherapy plan could include:
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Manual therapy to relieve stiffness or provide relief from pain
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Strength training for surrounding muscles (glutes (buttocks), quads, hamstrings) and so on…
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Targeted stretching and mobility work
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Guidance on pacing, posture, and preventing further injury
What If My Condition Is Getting Worse?
It’s natural to worry that your condition could deteriorate without timely surgery.
BUT, staying as active and mobile as possible is key in preventing this by:
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Minimising further joint deterioration
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Preventing deconditioning (losing muscle and cardiovascular fitness)
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Providing possible pain-relief
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Allowing you to regain control of your health and wellbeing
A structured physio program helps you stay strong, safe, and supported through this waiting period.
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You Don’t Have to Wait to Start Feeling Better!
If your knee or hip replacement has been delayed, don’t wait for surgery to take your next step toward relief. Prime Performance Physiotherapy is here to help you bridge the gap, keep moving, and stay in control of your health.
We offer:
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1-to-1 assessments
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Personalised treatment plans / packages of care
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Prehabilitation programs
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Manual therapy treatments e.g. Soft Tissue Massage, Shockwave Therapy
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Flexible appointment times
Let’s turn this waiting period into a time of meaningful progress. Contact us today to book your first session or to discuss how we can help.
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