The board-certified, internationally renowned joint replacement specialist has built his practice giving patients the care they need to return to action and keep moving.
Hearing the words “joint replacement” even a decade or two ago, the average person was likely to imagine an elderly patient whose years of pain finally led them to seek out a last-ditch option to extend quality of life. Today, however, joint replacement is no longer reserved for older adults looking to regain basic mobility.
Thanks to advances in robotics, implant technology, surgical techniques, and imaging, hip and knee replacements are more durable and reliable than ever. This means patients aren’t just mobile—they're able to return to the activities they love, whether it’s tennis, weightlifting, surfing, or even running. As a result, surgeons are increasingly performing these procedures on younger, more active people than they would have a decade or two ago.
But while today's artificial joints may be built to last, they're not indestructible. One of the most important things joint replacement patients—especially those most active—need to know is what exercises they can do to both prepare for surgery and protect a new joint. DISC’s Dr. David William Fabi, a board-certified, internationally renowned joint replacement specialist, recently shared his tips with The New York Times. Dr. Fabi specializes in hip and knee replacement surgery and is recognized nationally for his expertise in robotic-assisted joint replacement. He regularly helps patients return to active lifestyles through personalized treatment plans and advanced surgical techniques.
Exercises Before Joint Replacement Surgery
For knee replacements, focus on strengthening your quadriceps with exercises such as straight leg raises, mini-squats, sit-to-stands, step-ups, and stationary biking, he told reporter Hilary Achauer.
Hip replacement patients should focus on strengthening the glutes, hip abductors, and hamstrings with exercises such as bridges, clamshells, side leg raises, and resistance band walking, Dr. Fabi said.
Exercises After Joint Replacement Surgery
Following surgery (at around three months), patients should focus on exercises that build the muscles around the joint. Dr. Fabi recommended that knee replacement patients begin with
stationary biking, leg presses, bodyweight squats, balance exercises, and aquatic exercise. Hip replacement patients should focus on bridges, clamshells, and other glute-strengthening exercises.
As an early adopter and recognized expert in robotic joint replacement, Dr. Fabi has contributed extensively to the field through published articles, book chapters, and national lectures. His expertise and commitment to advancing joint replacement surgery have made him a leading authority in providing exceptional care to patients
Learn More
You can learn more about joint replacements and read the full New York Times article HERE.
If joint pain is limiting your ability to stay active, Dr. David William Fabi can help you explore treatment options tailored to your goals and lifestyle. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Fabi HERE.
About the author
discmdgroup DISC Sports & Spine Center (DISC) is a national leader in minimally invasive spine surgery, orthopedic surgery, and sports medicine care. Our spine surgeons set the standard in artificial disc replacement, spine fusion, discectomy, microdiscectomy and the full spectrum of spine procedures. The group’s orthopedic surgeons advance the state of joint preservation surgery and total joint replacement, including total knee replacement as well as total hip replacement. Our flagship surgery centers based in Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, and Carlsbad serve patients local to Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego, as well as the rest of the country. Read more articles by discmdgroup.
