@harrie123
I am an 81 YO male. Four years ago I had my left hip replaced and seven months ago my right knee. I had zero pain after each surgery.
I don't think that age makes much of a difference (other than my objection to general anesthesia but my surgeon does regional anyway). What does matter, IMHO, is the skill and experience of the surgeon.
Other than having a different surgeon the other thing that matters is PT. Despite having no pain, I did need PT. My surgeon's recovery protocol is to essential rest the first two weeks while doing constant icing with periodic compression from the ice machine. He has me commencing PT in the third week. That week my PT measured my ROM at 122 degrees and my extension as essentially flat.
I still did 25 PT sessions at the PT facility. One of the more impactful parts of the process was the massaging of my quad area by the therapist. I don't see how one can meaningfully do that by oneself.
Before my surgery I told my surgeon that I would like to be back on the golf course by the end of the fourth week. He replied that it was an aggressive target but he was up to the challenge.
During my first PT session I was in the middle of the massaging part when I told my therapist of my challenge to my surgeon. My therapist responded "okay" and dug in. Over the next ten minutes while he massaged my quad area we had a meaningful discussion of what it was like for him to be an acolyte of the Marquis de Sade. BUT IT HELPED. On the 27th day after my surgery I was on the golf course.
Why did you not do PT at a facility? Are you in the UK?