If you’re an avid golfer considering a hip or knee replacement, it’s hard not to feel some separation anxiety. Will your group find another fourth? Will your 9 iron be OK without you?
But most of all: How long before you can play golf after joint replacement?
For answers, we turned to orthopedic surgeon (and fellow golfer) Ryan Charette, MD, of Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute.
A good starting guess: Six weeks.
Most people begin walking or using a stationary bicycle immediately after a joint replacement. But for golf, you’ll have to be more patient. Six weeks is a decent starting estimate.
Why so long?
“With walking and biking, there’s very little side-to-side force and twisting force,” says Dr. Charette. “Golf causes a more specific kind of stress on the joints than a lot of other activities.”
Keep in mind: Your personal recovery time may be longer or shorter than six weeks, based on several factors. Your doctor can give you a more precise estimate.
“It depends which surgery we’re doing, which side it’s on and the handedness of the golfer,” says Dr. Charette.
> Related: 4 Common Golf Injuries and How to Avoid Them
Does a hip or knee replacement take longer to return to golfing?
You’ll wait longer after a hip replacement. That’s because a golf swing basically turns you into a human corkscrew, and your hips absorb a lot of that force. Your knees, not as much.
“If you’re putting twisting force on the hip, theoretically, it could cause it to pop out,” says Dr. Charette (emphasis on theoretically). “After knee replacement, there’s not as much danger from that torque force, but it can still cause a lot of pain.”
> Related: 3 Exercises for Hip Health in Golfers
Does it matter which side my joint replacement is on?
It sure does. If your joint replacement is on the same side as your dominant golfing hand, you’ll probably be cleared sooner.
If it’s opposite, your doctor will likely proceed with extra caution, because that side bears the brunt of your golf swing.
“For example, for a right-hander having a left joint replacement, I hold them back a little bit longer because there’s a lot of stress and pivoting on the left leg,” says Dr. Charette. “But if we’re doing surgery on the right side, they may be able to take full swings a little earlier.”
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Can’t I at least practice putting?
Obviously, long drives put the most pressure on your joints, short drives less so, and putting least of all.
Your doctor can let you know when you’re ready for each phase.
“Often, chipping and putting are OK after a couple weeks, as tolerated. But we’ll wait six weeks for full swings,” says Dr. Charette.
What else impacts my return to golf after joint replacement?
For one, there are different approaches to joint surgery. Your surgeon will explain how yours may affect your recovery time.
For another, there’s your health and fitness going into the surgery, and after. The more diligently you follow doctor’s orders for preparation and recovery, the sooner you’ll be reunited with your beloved 9 iron.
“Soon, you can go live your life and get back to your golf game,” says Dr. Charette.
Time to tee up that joint replacement.
