Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Hip & joint replacement # 8 questions before returning to pickleball, golf, hiking, or cycling after joint replacement Returning to an activity you enjoy is a good goal after replacement. The decision depends on the demands of that activity, your preparation and the guidance for your particular joint and operation. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 21, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Describe the version of the sport you mean](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/#guide-section-1) 2. [Ask what the implant and surrounding tissues need](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/#guide-section-2) 3. [Use functional checks alongside time](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/#guide-section-3) 4. [Discuss impact and fall risk separately](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/#guide-section-4) 5. [Plan a progression you can actually follow](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/#guide-section-5) 6. [Make equipment and environment part of the discussion](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/#guide-section-6) 7. [Know what would make you stop and seek advice](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/#guide-section-7) 8. [Discuss the long view](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/#guide-section-8) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/#consultation-questions) ## 1. Describe the version of the sport you mean A short flat bicycle ride differs from mountain biking, and casual doubles pickleball differs from a competitive tournament. Tell the clinician about speed, duration, terrain, falls and sudden changes of direction. Mention how much experience you had before surgery. A sport name alone leaves too much hidden. Ask which part of the activity is most concerning for your joint and whether a modified version could meet your goal while you build strength and confidence. Sources: [Playing Sports after Knee or Hip Replacement: What to Expect](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/move-better/sports-after-knee-hip-replacement) ## 2. Ask what the implant and surrounding tissues need Pain relief does not mean every tissue is ready for unrestricted demand. Ask how the operation, healing and any complications affect your activity plan. A hip replacement and a knee replacement may have different considerations, and additional procedures can change the advice. Request the reasons for any restriction rather than treating it as an arbitrary ban. Understanding the purpose makes it easier to plan an activity that is satisfying and compatible with your recovery. Sources: [Playing Sports after Knee or Hip Replacement: What to Expect](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/move-better/sports-after-knee-hip-replacement) ## 3. Use functional checks alongside time Ask how the team will assess walking, balance, strength and control before a return to the activity you want. A date helps with planning but cannot stand in for those observations. Ask whether your therapist can evaluate the specific demands, such as stepping over uneven ground or getting on and off a bicycle. If one task still feels unreliable, bring that information to the decision rather than trying to compensate by moving faster or avoiding discussion. Sources: [Surgery-Specific Rehabilitation Guides](https://www.hss.edu/patient-care/rehab-guides) ## 4. Discuss impact and fall risk separately An activity may involve little repetitive impact but still carry a substantial chance of falling or collision. Ask the clinician to explain both dimensions. The advice may differ for an experienced participant and someone learning a new activity after replacement. Think about the setting too: traffic, wet courts, crowded trails and fatigue can change the demands. A good plan identifies the particular risk you can modify instead of classifying every version of a sport as identical. Sources: [Playing Sports after Knee or Hip Replacement: What to Expect](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/move-better/sports-after-knee-hip-replacement) ## 5. Plan a progression you can actually follow Ask how to build duration, intensity and complexity without changing everything at once. The treating team should choose the progression, including any exercise or technique work. Keep track of the response during the activity and afterward, using the measures they recommend. Do not turn a pleasant first session into an unplanned endurance test. If symptoms persist or change, ask whether to adjust the activity or arrange a clinical review before the next increase. Sources: [Surgery-Specific Rehabilitation Guides](https://www.hss.edu/patient-care/rehab-guides) ## 6. Make equipment and environment part of the discussion Bring questions about footwear, bicycle setup, walking poles, court surface or other equipment relevant to your activity. The answer should match your operation and abilities; an item that helps another person may not be appropriate for you. Ask about transport to the activity and how you will manage getting up from a low seat or carrying equipment. The preparation surrounding a sport can be as demanding as the sport itself, especially early in the return. ## 7. Know what would make you stop and seek advice Ask which pain, swelling, instability or movement change should end a session and prompt a call. A fall or sudden new inability to bear weight deserves assessment rather than a trial of playing through it. Keep the team's contact instructions available when traveling. Also discuss what a gradual plateau means. You should be able to request reassessment without feeling that doing so invalidates your goal or means the replacement has automatically failed. Sources: [Playing Sports after Knee or Hip Replacement: What to Expect](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/move-better/sports-after-knee-hip-replacement) ## 8. Discuss the long view Ask how repeated high demands could affect the joint over time and what uncertainty remains. The decision can involve balancing enjoyment, health, function and possible future surgery. We encourage an honest discussion of the activities that make life meaningful to you. Patient accounts may describe a satisfying return, but they cannot guarantee the same result or establish that a particular sport is suitable for every implant. Agree on follow-up that continues beyond the first successful return. Sources: [Playing Sports after Knee or Hip Replacement: What to Expect](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/move-better/sports-after-knee-hip-replacement) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - What demands matter most in my version of this activity? - Which restrictions follow from my exact operation? - What functional checks should I meet first? - How do impact and fall risk affect your advice? - How should duration and intensity progress? - Would equipment or terrain changes help? - Which symptoms should stop a session? - What should we consider about longer-term joint demands? ## Sources & further reading - [Playing Sports after Knee or Hip Replacement: What to Expect](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/move-better/sports-after-knee-hip-replacement) Hospital for Special Surgery - [Surgery-Specific Rehabilitation Guides](https://www.hss.edu/patient-care/rehab-guides) Hospital for Special Surgery We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/sports-after-hip-knee-replacement/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Allyson Estess, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [More about Allyson Estess ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/allyson-estess-m-d/) [**Andrew Wassef, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [More about Andrew Wassef ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [**Brett Pugh, PT, DPT** Licensed Physical Therapist](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) [More about Brett Pugh ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) [**Christopher Combs, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [More about Christopher Combs ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [**Eric S. Millstein, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [More about Eric S. Millstein ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [**Mina Sidarous, PT** Licensed Physical Therapist](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/mina-sidarous-pt/) [More about Mina Sidarous ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/mina-sidarous-pt/) [**Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [More about Prem N. Ramkumar ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Meet the clinician. *Hear the experience.* Read how patients describe their care, then bring the questions that matter to your own visit. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s accounts. [![Brett Pugh, PT, DPT](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/brett-pugh-pt-dpt.png)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) ## [Brett Pugh, PT, DPT](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) Licensed Physical Therapist [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) Excerpt > Brett was thorough, educated, and very helpful throughout my appointment R. Linkletter Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 13, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110424359455991114296/place/ChIJC7Md4zy7woARHntayl0pcvM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brett Pugh, PT, DPT The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/eric-millstein.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) ## [Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Excerpt > Great office, staff are excellent, doctor is excellent L. Chemel Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: February 11, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117002359100256713243/place/ChIJt04grlG5woARykBaakD_dF8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Eric S. Millstein, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) ## [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Excerpt > I knew I was in good hands as he made me feel very comfortable and explained all aspects of the procedures thoroughly. T. Meckes Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: January 10, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/106954685022578079872/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/allyson-estess-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) ## [Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/allyson-estess-m-d/) Excerpt > Friendly and knowledgeable staff I would recommend Dr. Estess move M. D. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Zocdoc · Date: February 8, 2025 [Zocdoc profile](https://www.zocdoc.com/doctor/allyson-estess-md-526861) Source link type: listing Attributed clinician: Allyson Estess, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/christopher-combs-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) ## [Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Excerpt > The entire office staff and nurses are very helpful. Dr Combs is a nice and informative person. L. Formoso Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 22, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/110787672771463142751/place/ChIJH2XhMeQy3YARbezZye2vIhY) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Christopher Combs, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) ## [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Excerpt > The Torrance office staff and PT were pleasant and professional too. I highly recommend him and his team R. Violence Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 29, 2022 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109713138477197309654/place/ChIJqeNILuQy3YAR9WA5ym3pGLU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Andrew Wassef, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. 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[Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/allyson-estess-m-d.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine ### [Allyson Estess, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) Marina del Rey · Torrance · Long Beach – Bixby Knolls [Meet Allyson Estess](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/allyson-estess-md/) [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints ### [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Andrew Wassef](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [![Brett Pugh, PT, DPT](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/brett-pugh-pt-dpt.png)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) Licensed Physical Therapist ### [Brett Pugh, PT, DPT](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) Santa Monica [Meet Brett Pugh](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) [![Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/christopher-combs-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Christopher Combs](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [![Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/eric-millstein.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Santa Monica [Meet Eric S. Millstein](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [![Mina Sidarous, PT](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/mina-sidarous-pt.png)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/mina-sidarous-pt/) Licensed Physical Therapist ### [Mina Sidarous, PT](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/mina-sidarous-pt/) Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Mina Sidarous](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/mina-sidarous-pt/) [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Prem N. Ramkumar](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. This website is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Google, Zocdoc, or Yelp. Google, Google Maps, and Google Business Profile are trademarks of Google LLC. Zocdoc and the Zocdoc logo are trademarks of Zocdoc, Inc. Yelp and the Yelp logo are registered trademarks of Yelp Inc. All third-party names and logos belong to their respective owners and identify the original review sources. © 2026 Commons Clinic. All rights reserved.