As a Physical Therapist, I see many patients who have a desire to return to golf after a Total Hip Replacement or Total Knee Replacement. In fact, many of the these patients have the Joint Replacement surgery to extend their ability to play. Many of them are avid golfers and have found increased difficulty with walking a course, driving the ball, or even just playing 18 holes and have had to limit their play time. Most, if not all, of these patients can return to playing golf.

In 1999, Jack Nicklaus, winner of 18-major golf championships and considered by many the games greatest golfer, brought the total joint surgery into the spotlight.  A long history of severe osteoarthritis made it difficult for Jack to finish his golf swing, walk on uneven surfaces or even get out of a chair.  After years of conservative management, including physical therapy, Jack elected to have his left hip replaced. After successful rehabilitation, Jack returned to competitive golf.

Below, I have outlined a general description of the rehab/recovery process after joint replacement from a physical therapy perspective.