Recovery Guides
Know exactly what to expect.
At every stage.
Clear, practical recovery guides written for UK patients — covering surgery milestones, physiotherapy, flying home, UK aftercare, and what to prepare before you travel.
Hip Replacement Recovery Guide
What to expect week by week after a total or partial hip replacement — from day one of physiotherapy to returning to normal activities.
Recovery Timeline
Physio begins. Standing and walking with support. Pain is managed. You will be mobile sooner than you expect.
Walking unaided with frame or crutches. Stairs introduced. Discharged from hospital to hotel recovery.
Daily outpatient physiotherapy continues. Increasing mobility and confidence. Most patients walking short distances independently.
Return to UK. Continue exercises at home. Short walks, light daily activities. Follow-up with UK GP.
Driving usually possible (consult surgeon). Return to office work. Increasing activity with guidance.
Full recovery for most patients. Swimming and gentle cycling permitted. Golf and active lifestyle typically resumed.
Practical Tips
Bring comfortable, loose-fitting clothes — easy to put on over bandaging
Slip-on shoes with no bending required for first 6 weeks
Arrange a raised toilet seat and grab rail at home before you leave
Arrange transport from the airport — you will not be able to take the Tube
Stock your fridge before you travel — cooking standing up is limited initially
Knee Replacement Recovery Guide
A week-by-week guide to recovering after total or unicondylar knee replacement — including what physiotherapy involves and when to expect milestones.
Recovery Timeline
Physio starts on the day after surgery. Leg raises, ankle pumps, and sitting to standing. Walking with frame begins.
Improved range of motion exercises. Walking increasing. Stairs practiced under supervision before hotel discharge.
Continued outpatient physio. Stationary cycling may begin. Walking distances increasing daily.
Return to UK. Continue home exercise programme. Short walks and light activities. No driving yet.
Driving usually possible at 6 weeks (automatic car, consult surgeon). Return to office. Gradual activity increase.
Full recovery for most patients. Walking distances normal. Return to golf, swimming, cycling.
Practical Tips
Ice the knee regularly for first 6 weeks — 20 minutes every 2 hours reduces swelling
Elevate the leg above heart level when resting
A long-handled shoe horn prevents bending below the knee
Compression socks reduce DVT risk — wear on the flight home
Ask your Budapest surgeon for a compression stocking prescription before flying
Pre-Surgery Preparation (Prehab)
What to do before your surgery to improve outcomes, reduce recovery time, and arrive in Budapest in the best possible condition.
Recovery Timeline
Begin gentle daily exercise if able — even short walks. Stronger muscles mean faster recovery.
Optimise nutrition — high protein diet supports tissue healing. Consider iron-rich foods if anaemic.
Stop smoking if applicable — significantly improves healing and reduces complication risk.
Stop certain supplements and medications as directed (aspirin, fish oil, vitamin E — confirm with your GP).
Arrange home for your return: raised seat, grab rails, items at waist height, clear walkways.
Rest well. Eat a good meal. Pack light. Confirm all your documents and appointment details with Maria.
Practical Tips
Complete your UK GP pre-assessment before travelling
Bring a list of all current medications
Bring any recent scans or X-rays — or ask Maria to arrange transfer digitally
Organise someone to collect you from the airport on your return
Pre-authorise someone to manage your affairs if a longer stay is needed
Flying After Surgery — What You Need to Know
Everything you need to know about flying home after orthopaedic surgery — timing, DVT risk, compression, and what documentation to carry.
Recovery Timeline
Most patients fly home at days 7–10. Short-haul flight to the UK is well tolerated at this stage.
Most patients fly home at days 7–10. Compression socks essential. Request aisle seat for leg extension.
Can fly the following day in most cases. Avoid very hot or cold food and drink for 24 hours post-treatment.
No restrictions on flying. Same day or following day is fine.
Walk the aisle regularly every 45–60 minutes. Hydrate well. Elevate leg at the earliest opportunity after landing.
Practical Tips
Always carry a copy of your surgical discharge letter in your hand luggage
Inform airport security that you have had a joint replacement — metal detectors may trigger
Request a wheelchair from the airport in advance — short distances become tiring
Compression socks (class 2) are recommended for flights after orthopaedic surgery
Keep blood thinners (if prescribed) in hand luggage, never in hold
UK Aftercare — Working With Your GP
How to manage your recovery at home and ensure your UK GP and NHS team have everything they need to support your continued care.
Recovery Timeline
Register with your GP within 48 hours of returning. Share your Budapest discharge documentation.
Book your UK GP review. Continue prescribed exercises and medication as directed.
Virtual follow-up with your Budapest surgeon (arranged by DM2Medical). GP reviews wound healing.
Request a referral to NHS physiotherapy if additional support is needed, using your Budapest treatment plan.
Surgical review with Budapest consultant (virtual or in-person if required).
Contact DM2Medical at any stage if you need support, additional resources, or further coordination.
Practical Tips
DM2Medical transfers your full medical records to your UK GP before you leave Budapest
Your Budapest surgeon's report is written in English — no translation needed
NHS physiotherapy can work from your Budapest treatment plan — this is accepted practice
Keep Maria's contact details to hand — she will respond to any questions within 24 hours
Your medical travel insurance is active for 30 days post-procedure — keep the details accessible
Have a question about your recovery?
Maria has guided hundreds of patients through their recovery journey. She is here to answer any questions — free, confidential, and available now.
Guides reviewed by Maria Vaskova, Founder, DM2Medical ·
These guides are for information only. Always follow the specific guidance of your clinical team.