The Road to Recovery: Our Patient-First Approach to Hip & Knee Replacement

Deciding to undergo joint replacement is a big step—but it’s one you don’t have to take alone. At Orthopedic ONE, our team is here to help you make an informed decision with central Ohio’s most trusted experts and a patient-first approach. Many people have found relief through hip or knee replacement, and reading their stories of recovery and renewed mobility can be a great source of comfort and confidence.

When is Joint Replacement the Right Choice?

One of the most important decisions in orthopedic care is determining when surgery is the best option. According to Dr. Joel Politi, a fellowship-trained hip and knee surgeon at Orthopedic ONE, most patients don’t actually need surgery right away. “Roughly ninety percent of patients who show up to our practice do not get surgery,” he says. “Much of what we do is non-surgical orthopedic care, and we don’t push people inappropriately to have surgery.”

Instead, Orthopedic ONE doctors typically start with non-surgical treatments such as:

• Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles supporting the joint
• Weight management to reduce stress on the affected joint
• Medications like anti-inflammatories to alleviate pain
• Injections (such as corticosteroids) to manage inflammation and prolong the need for surgery

However, when a patient has tried these methods and their quality of life is still suffering, joint replacement becomes a viable option. “The decision to have surgery is based on quality of life,” Dr. Politi explains. “If someone’s pain and function are impacted enough that they’re losing quality of life, then they move into the decision of having surgery.”

Common Misconceptions About Joint Replacement Surgery

For many people struggling with joint pain, the idea of hip or knee replacement surgery can feel daunting. It’s completely natural to feel hesitant—especially when navigating the unknown. That’s why having a supportive, experienced team by your side makes all the difference.

One of the biggest fears patients have is: “Will I actually feel better after surgery?” Many individuals suffering from conditions like arthritis worry that the surgery might not provide the relief they’re hoping for. Dr. Politi acknowledges this concern, as some patients are hesitant because they’ve heard stories about post-surgical pain, stiffness, or limited function. However, he emphasizes that, when done correctly and with proper rehabilitation,joint replacement significantly improves mobility and reduces pain for the vast majority of patients. In fact, many patients (like Mary and Karen) express regret in delaying or postponing the procedure after experiencing the relief and restored mobility following surgery.

Another major concern is pain after surgery. While some discomfort is expected during recovery, modern pain management techniques have greatly improved. Doctors now use a combination of medications, nerve blocks, and physical therapy to help patients stay comfortable while they heal.

Rehabilitation is often cited as a potential barrier to surgery. “A lot of people worry about the effort involved in physical therapy afterward—how much work it’s going to be and whether they can do it,” Dr. Politi explains. “It’s true that rehab is a crucial part of the recovery process, but the physical therapy team at Orthopedic ONE is dedicated to meeting patients where they are in their fitness and comfort level while motivating them to stay engaged. We find that patients who are committed to following their physical therapy plan typically see significant improvements in their mobility and quality of life.”

The Key to a Successful Joint Replacement: Preparation

If there’s one piece of advice Dr. Politi stresses for patients, it’s this: “Preparation is key.” Much of the anxiety surrounding surgery comes from the fear of the unknown, and the best way to combat that is with education and preparation.

Preoperative planning includes:

• Understanding what the procedure involves
• Knowing what to expect during recovery
• Making necessary adjustments at home (such as arranging for mobility aids or clearing pathways)
• Ensuring you have a strong support system of friends and family to assist during the initial recovery period

By addressing these factors before surgery, patients set themselves up for a smoother recovery and a better overall experience. In fact, Orthopedic ONE provides a comprehensive ‘step-by-step’ guide and video resource covering what to expect and common questions related to joint replacement surgery.

What Affects Recovery Time After Joint Replacement

Recovery from joint replacement surgery varies from patient to patient, but several key factors influence the timeline. According to Dr. Politi, a well-executed surgery is the foundation for a successful recovery, so careful selection of a qualified and experienced surgeon is an important first step. Beyond that, the following elements play a major role:

• Pain Management: Post-surgical pain is often tied to tissue swelling. Controlling this swelling through medication, ice therapy, and early mobility is crucial.
• The Right Level of Activity: Patients need to find the balance between too much movement (which can cause swelling and discomfort) and too little movement (which can slow down rehab progress). A structured physical therapy plan ensures that patients stay on track without overexerting themselves.
• Comprehensive, Coordinated Care: A seamless recovery process requires good communication between the surgical team, physical therapists, primary care, and the patient. This ensures that progress stays on track and any potential issues are addressed quickly.

What Sets Orthopedic ONE Apart

Choosing the right orthopedic practice can make all the difference in a patient’s experience with joint replacement surgery. At Orthopedic ONE, the focus is not just on the surgical procedure itself, but on delivering top-tier, patient-centered care from start to finish.

Here’s what makes our approach to joint replacement different:

• Expert Surgeons: Our physicians are highly skilled in joint replacement surgery and are committed to executing every procedure with precision. (See the full list of Orthopedic ONE knee and hip surgeons.)
• Personalized Patient Care: The entire team, from doctors to physical therapists, is dedicated to providing individualized treatment plans that cater to each patient’s unique needs.
• Specialized Facilities: Orthopedic ONE’s high-volume joint replacement centers ensure efficient, high-quality care, leading to better outcomes. In fact, it’s becoming increasingly more common for these procedures to be performed in an outpatient surgery center where patients return home within the same day.

Ultimately, “what makes patients feel comfortable having surgery is trust in the surgeon and trust in the process,” says Dr. Politi. “Knowing that thousands of patients have successfully undergone these procedures—and that they’re supported by an experienced, dedicated team—gives people the confidence they need to take the next step toward a pain-free life.”