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HIP & KNEE REPLACEMENT EDUCATION · FRANKLIN, TN

Patient Resources — Hip & Knee Replacement Education | Dr. Cory Calendine

Everything you need to prepare for surgery, recover with confidence, and return to the life you love.

This page provides patient education resources for every stage of the hip and knee replacement journey with Dr. Cory Calendine at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee in Franklin, TN. Whether you are considering surgery, preparing for a scheduled procedure, or recovering at home, the resources below are organized to meet you where you are. For personalized guidance, call (615) 791-2630 or schedule a consultation online.

Stage 1 — Considering Surgery: Understanding Your Options

If you are researching hip or knee replacement for the first time, the most important thing to know is that surgery is not your only option — and Dr. Calendine will never recommend it before conservative treatments have been exhausted. The resources in this section are designed to help you understand what joint replacement involves, how to evaluate whether you are a candidate, and how to choose the right surgeon for your situation.

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When Do I Need Joint Replacement? — Dr. Cory Calendine 

If you are researching knee or hip replacement for the first time, the most important thing to know is that surgery is not your only option — and Dr. Calendine will never recommend it before conservative treatments have been exhausted. The resources in this section are designed to help you understand what joint replacement involves, how to evaluate whether you are a candidate, and how to choose the right surgeon for your situation.

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Choosing the Right Joint
Replacement Surgeon

Guidance from the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons on what to look for when selecting a surgeon for hip or knee replacement.

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Setting Expectations with Your
Surgeon (AAHKS)

What to discuss at your first consultation, how to communicate your goals, and what questions to ask before committing to surgery.

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Quit Smoking Before Joint Replacement
A Surgeon’s Guide

Practical advice and discussion about minimizing your surgical complication risk by elimating smoking before surgery.

Stage 2 — Preparing for Surgery: What to Do Before Your Procedure

Preparation begins weeks before your surgery date. At your pre-operative appointment, Dr. Calendine’s team will provide written instructions covering medications, dietary restrictions, and home preparation. The resources below supplement those instructions with practical guidance on what to expect in the days and weeks leading up to your hip or knee replacement at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee.

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Hip Replacement Patient Education Class — Williamson Medical Center

A pre-surgical education class for hip replacement patients preparing for their procedure at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, TN.

Knee Replacement Patient Education Class — Williamson Medical Center

A pre-surgical education class for knee replacement patients preparing for their procedure at Williamson Medical Center in Franklin, TN.

PDF

The Ins & Outs of Joint Replacement — A Patient’s Handbook (Williamson Health)

A comprehensive patient handbook
covering what to expect before, during,
and after joint replacement surgery.
Download and bring to your pre-
operative appointment.

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Preparing for Joint Replacement
Surgery — AAOS

A detailed preparation checklist from the American Academy of Orthopaedic
Surgeons covering medications, home
preparation, and surgical logistics.

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Quit Smoking Before

Joint Replacement Surgery

Why smoking significantly increases
surgical risk and what resources are
available to help you stop before your
procedure.

Stage 3 — Recovering from Surgery: Your Path Back to Activity

Recovery from hip or knee replacement with Dr. Calendine typically moves faster than patients expect. The anterior approach for hip replacement and the subvastus technique for knee replacement are both designed to minimize tissue disruption — which translates directly into earlier mobilization and faster return to daily activities. Most patients are walking on the day of surgery and performing basic home activities within the first week. The resources below provide guidance on pain management, physical therapy, blood clot prevention, and going home safely after your procedure.

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How to Relieve Pain After Hip or Knee Surgery

Evidence-based guidance on managing post-operative pain at home, including medication use, ice application, elevation, and when to call your surgeon.

PDF

Going Home After Joint Replacement Surgery

A practical guide to home preparation, caregiver responsibilities, mobility aids, and what to watch for in the first days after discharge.

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Before and After Joint Replacement (AAOS)

A practical guide to home preparation, caregiver responsibilities, mobility aids, and what to watch for in the first days after discharge.

Physical Therapy At Bone & Joint Institute of Tennessee

Why physical therapy at Bone and Joint Institute after hip and knee replacemetn? Director of Rehabilitation Services Dave Kempfert spells out a few of the advantages for you and steps to optimize your joint replacement recovery.

Physical Therapy After Knee Replacement (AAHKS)

Demonstrates early recovery exercises and physical therapy milestones for knee replacement patients in the first weeks after surgery.

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Activities After Hip Replacement

Guidance on what activities are safe, recommended, or restricted following hip replacement — including walking, driving, travel, and return to exercise.

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Activities After Knee Replacement

A practical guide to activity progression after knee replacement — from early mobility to return to sports and recreation.

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Playing Sports After Joint Replacement

A practical guide from the Arthritis Foundation to activity progression after joint replacement — from early mobility to return to sports and recreation.

Stage 4 — Life After Joint Replacement: Staying Active for the Long Term

The goal of hip and knee replacement is not simply to relieve pain — it is to give you your life back. Most patients describe a meaningful transformation: returning to
walking without a limp, resuming activities they had given up, sleeping through the night without joint pain. The resources in this section address long-term
rehabilitation, returning to sports and travel, and getting the maximum longevity and performance from your joint replacement implant.

PDF

Hip Rehabilitation Exercises — Long-Term Program (AAOS)

A downloadable PDF program from the AAOS covering long-term hip strengthening and conditioning exercises for patients beyond the initial recovery period.

PDF

Knee Rehabilitation Exercises — Long-Term Program (AAOS)

A downloadable PDF program covering long-term knee strengthening and conditioning exercises to maintain implant function and joint health.

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Resuming Sports After Joint Replacement (HSS)

Evidence-based guidance on returning to recreational sports, low-impact exercise, and physical activity after hip or knee replacement — including which activities are recommended and which to avoid.

Airport Security with a Metal Joint Implant (AAHKS)

What to expect when traveling through airport security with a hip or knee implant, including TSA procedures and documentation options.

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Getting a Good Night’s Sleep After Joint Surgery

Positioning guidance, pain management strategies, and sleep hygiene tips for patients recovering from hip or knee replacement

PDF

How to Get the Most Out of
Your Joint Replacement (AAHKS)

Long-term strategies for implant longevity, weight management, activity modification, and follow-up care to maximize the performance and lifespan of your joint replacement.

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Depression After Joint Replacement Surgery: What to Expect?

Long-term strategies for implant longevity, weight management, activity modification, and follow-up care to maximize the performance and lifespan of your joint replacement.

VIDEO PATIENT EDUCATION · DR. CORY CALENDINE, MD

Video Resources for Hip & Knee Replacement Patients

When Do I Need Joint Replacement?
— Dr. Cory Calendine

Dr. Calendine discusses the key indicators that joint replacement may be appropriate, what to expect at a consultation, and how the decision is made together with each patient.

Hip Replacement: The Parts Explained — Dr. Cory Calenidne

A comprehensive pre-surgical class for hip replacement patients preparing for their procedure at Williamson Medical Center, covering what to expect on surgery day and during recovery.

Knee Replacement: The Parts Explained — Cory Calendine, MD

A comprehensive pre-surgical class for knee replacement patients, covering surgery day logistics, anesthesia, recovery expectations, and physical therapy milestones at Williamson Medical Center.

FRANKLIN, TN · SERVING ALL OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE

Ready to Take the Next Step?
Dr. Calendine Is Here to Help.

Schedule a consultation at the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, 3000 Edward Curd Lane, Franklin, TN 37067. Our team is here to guide you from your first questionto your first post-operative walk. Dr. Cory Calendine — fellowship-trained at the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute and board-certified in orthopedic surgery — performs more than 700 joint replacements annually…

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Call (615) 791-2630

COMPLETE JOINT REPLACEMENT GUIDE · 100% FREE

Your Free Guide to Hip & Knee Replacement in Nashville

Not sure where to start? Dr. Calendine’s free patient guide covers everything you need to know about hip and knee replacement — what to expect before, during, and after surgery, how robotic technology improves outcomes, and how to choose the right surgeon for your situation. Download your free copy instantly.

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YOUR RECOVERY WITH DR. CALENDINE

What to Expect: Your Hip or Knee Replacement Journey

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FROM DR. CALENDINE’S HIP & KNEE BLOG

Patient Education — Recent Articles

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COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT PREPARATION & RECOVERY

Frequently Asked Questions — Patient Resources

How long does recovery from hip or knee replacement take? 

Recovery timelines vary by patient, procedure, and individual health, but most patients with Dr. Calendine follow a similar arc. Week 1: walking with a walker, managing stairs, handling basic home activities. Week 2–3: transitioning to a cane as strength returns. Week 4–6: driving typically resumes once off narcotic medication and walking steadily. By 3 months, most patients are doing virtually everything they were doing before surgery. By 6 months, full recovery — including return to more demanding physical activity — is typical. The anterior approach for hip replacement and the subvastus approach for knee replacement are both designed to accelerate this timeline by minimizing disruption to surrounding muscle.

Driving typically resumes 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, once two conditions are met: you are no longer taking narcotic pain medication, and you are walking steadily without assistive devices. For right-side hip or knee replacement, the right leg must be strong enough to operate the brake with full confidence. For left-side procedures, recovery for driving may be faster. Dr. Calendine’s team will confirm at your post-operative visit when it is safe for you specifically to return to driving. Do not drive until you have received that clearance. 

Physical therapy begins on the day of surgery — most patients take their first steps in the recovery area before leaving the facility. In the first weeks at home, a home physical therapy program is followed to maintain mobility and begin building strength. Outpatient physical therapy at the Bone and Joint Institute’s rehabilitation center or a provider of your choice typically begins 1–2 weeks after surgery and continues for 6–8 weeks. The BJIT Rehabilitation Services team offers extended hours including Saturdays for patient convenience.

Home preparation is one of the most important steps in a smooth recovery. Before your surgery date: arrange a recovery area on the main floor to avoid stairs where possible; remove fall hazards such as loose rugs and cords; stock medications, ice packs, and healthy food for the first week; prepare a raised toilet seat and shower bench if needed; and arrange for a family member or caregiver to stay with you for at least the first 48–72 hours. Dr. Calendine’s pre-operative appointment — typically 2–4 weeks before surgery — includes detailed written instructions covering these steps and more. 

Travel is generally possible after joint replacement, with timing depending on the length and mode of travel. Short car trips are typically manageable within the first few weeks. Air travel requires additional consideration: most surgeons recommend waiting at least 6 weeks before flying due to elevated blood clot risk during the early post-operative period. Compression stockings and walking the aisle regularly are recommended for any flight after joint replacement. For international or long-haul travel, discuss specific timing with Dr. Calendine at your post-operative visit. You should also carry a medical card documenting your implant for airport security screenings.

Incision care instructions are provided in writing at your pre-operative appointment and reinforced on surgery day. In general: keep the incision clean and dry for the first 2–3 weeks; avoid submerging in water (baths, pools, hot tubs) until the incision is fully closed and Dr. Calendine’s team confirms it is safe; monitor for signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, or fever above 101°F) and contact the office immediately if any occur. Most incisions from anterior hip and subvastus knee replacement heal cleanly and leave a minimal scar. Staples or sutures are typically removed at your 2-week post-operative appointment.