Skiing and returning to sport activities after TKR?

Hello @brucelane, I moved your message to the discussion you were talking referencing on skiing and sports after a total knee replacement. How are you doing with your range-of-motion? Did you ask for a potential timeline for returning to skiing?

@brucelane I was a skier also, but have not skied in quite a few years. I would love to do it again and my ortho said it was possible if I stayed on slopes that are easy, basically below what my ability had been. You do want to avoid a fall on that knee.
That being said, you really do need to ask your orthopedic surgeon. I think knees vary and some may be more tolerant of activities than others.
The bottom line for me though is that I will not be skiing again. My husband has no interest in skiing again so I will just have to enjoy it vicariously through my son who is an expert, avid skier. If this is something very important to you I hope your ortho will say it will be OK to do it.
JK

Many thanks for comments so far - sounds like a personal decision after discussing with physio/surgeon, being sensible and listening to the body. Lot depends on who to believe. All I can say is that knee (and spine and hip), have not been so good since over ten years.

First, hat’s off to all the people who went back to skiing - some after an amazing 4 months post TKR. I gave up skiing a few years ago, mostly because of crowded slopes and inconsiderate morons who ski beyond their control. My personal goal and hope is to get back to playing tennis (mostly doubles, and only on clay courts). I am hoping to be able to slowly start back at the 6 month mark. Currently, almost 4 months after surgery the knee still is not quite pain free when walking, but works perfectly for swimming. I am lucky to have achieved about 130 degree flex - right after swim session probably even more when the muscles are relaxed. Any other tennis fans out there?

I have a hip Replacement at age 47- Then at age 55 had 2 knee surgeries within 11 months; first a cyst in my knee joint, needed to be removed, followed by a total knee replacement 11 months later. Fortunately I was able to start skiing three months after my knee replacement. I did do a lot of working out, worked with a trainer. He was key-and is also a physical therapist. He crafted a nice recovery program for me which I followed very carefully. I also went through the Mayo healthy living program, almost 2 months after my knee replacement and that really helped a lot as well. I was fortunate to be quite active prior to surgery and I think that helped my early recovery.

I am a 69 year old male. I had double knee replacement in 2017 and started skiing 35 weeks after the second surgery. (March of 2018) I was very consistent doing my therapy and also not too aggressive with the therapy. I know some people who have had setbacks because they went too hard with their therapy. My off season therapy includes hiking, swimming and trail bike riding. This year I have skied 13 days with no pain in the knees. I try to stay on groomed trails. I am more comfortable doing blues but will do an ocassional back diamond run. Check out realskiers.com for some advice on skis that are easier on the legs and knees. (silver skier selection) Good luck!

I have had both knees replaced. I was skiing in January after the second replacement surgery in July. I was excited to realize that the muscle memory is incredible. The joint did not learn how to ski, your muscles did. I began skiing at three years old and would have missed it terribly. This is my second season back after the new knees and I couldn't be more grateful. I have made a concerted effort to follow the exercises the my PT suggested to ready myself each season.

@skiing54 - Wow! Welcome to Connect. So happy to hear such an amazingly uplifting report. I'm sure you have inspired many people on this site. Personally, I had my second TKR in January of this year - so I'm just 5 weeks into the recovery process. I'm curious whether you did any special PT to help you bounce back so well? Any tips appreciated for those of us still recuperating!

Boy Mike...You are a breath of fresh air!! I am 56 and had my first TKR 12 weeks ago. Still struggling with scare tissue but trucking forward! I have been skiing since i was 11 years old and a sport that is so dear to my heart...was afraid that I would never be able to ski again. Looking forward to checking out the realskiers.com site for advice on ski selection. Good Luck!

@skiing54 Congratulations on returning to skiing! I know it is possible but since my husband is not enthused about it I have not. My ortho said it would be OK but that I should not go on overly challenging slopes and risk a fall on my knees. My son is an avid skier so for now I just enjoy it vicariously.
JK