I’ve had one of my knees done and, more recently, a shoulder. Knee recovered pretty quickly and I was encouraged to start walking within hours of the operation. First couple of nights were a bit uncomfortable, but improved fairly quickly. Surgeon suggested getting back on the bike (with flat pedals) to do some easy flat rides, gradually building up strength. Getting regular physio was a real help, and as others have mentioned, don’t slack off the exercises the physio gives you. If it’s any help, I was advised to keep the joint iced for two-three days after the op until the swelling had reduced (I was given a Velcro on ice pack that I had to fill with busted up ice and apply in 15minutes on/off). The icing business is supposed to speed up the recovery ….according to physio & surgeon who treated me.
Shoulder has been more of a problem (top tip – don’t break your shoulder!). The broken bones led to ‘frozen shoulder’ and capsular release operation. Again, as people have already mentioned, if you don’t do the physio exercises, it can end up as bad as ever. As the discomfort of the frozen shoulder was 9 months of hell, I persisted with the exercises! According to surgeon & physio the shoulder is way better than they were expecting – but both said it’s probably down to me sticking with the exercises, which most patients don’t.
Anyway, hope some of this is useful. Best of luck.