Knee Replacements and Swing Speed

[PJE]

I had one knee replaced in late 2019 and the other knee replaced in late 2020. 
I didn’t play much in 2021 or 2022. Lately, I’ve noticed I can hit the ball well (flush- good impact marks) but I’m shorter. I think I’ve lost at least 10 mph in swing speed since 2019. 
I’m now 60 years old but I was wondering if anyone else who’s had knee surgery lost speed? 
Or is age 60 about the time speed starts to diminish? 
Note: I exercise and stretch so I have okay flexibility. 
Any insights on these questions? 

[sunbeltgolfer]

I would think a lengthy layoff and age have more to do with it than the joint replacement. I'm getting ready to turn 70 and have been losing speed and distance for about ten years. Equipment changes have helped me get back some of what was lost. Still have all my original parts, although they crack, snap and pop a lot.

 

My wife had knee replacement a year ago July. We were out today hiking and rock climbing. She is doing as much now as she was ten years ago so I believe if you had a good procedure and aren't experiencing any pain or issues, the joint replacement is least likely to be the culprit.

[Carolina Golfer 2]

I had both knees replaced in 2014 at the same time.  I was age 55 at the time.  After rehab I was playing better golf than I had in years.  Actually gained a few yards as I felt confident in getting on my left side. 
 

Fast Forward 8.5 years and age 63, I have lost more speed in the past 3 years than anything previously.  As they say age remains undefeated. 

[Roody]

I'm only 49, had a hernia repair last year, and I already feel like I'm losing swing speed. Can only imagine what 60 will be like. 

As @Carolina Golfer 2said, Father Time is undefeated. 

[Pastit]

9 hours ago, PJE said:

I had one knee replaced in late 2019 and the other knee replaced in late 2020. 
I didn’t play much in 2021 or 2022. Lately, I’ve noticed I can hit the ball well (flush- good impact marks) but I’m shorter. I think I’ve lost at least 10 mph in swing speed since 2019. 
I’m now 60 years old but I was wondering if anyone else who’s had knee surgery lost speed? 
Or is age 60 about the time speed starts to diminish? 
Note: I exercise and stretch so I have okay flexibility. 
Any insights on these questions? 

I can only speak from experience and that of friends of the same age; between 75 and 85 YOA as of today. There are/ were c ten of us c 8-10 handicap until each reached c 65 YOA. One had one knee replaced and the other two. Both of these recovered their golf within c 6 months. Two had extensive prostate surgery and one of them uses my daughters graphite-shafted clubs.

 

I had 4 hernia operations, one toe op, a hamstring injury but could stay c 10HCP until aged 65. Thereafter ability regresses exponentially but can be mitigated by using longer and lighter shafts. Only one of the ten above has maintained driving distance, the two-knee guy. I’ve come down from 260 - 230 yds driving- runout distance and come down in driver flex from TX to A though it depends upon the shaft. Nine of the ten guys above remain above ground, only two play regular golf. So keep your weight down and enjoy your remaining active years would be my advice.

Edited January 25, 2023 by Pastit
Omission

[snagy2000]

I'm coming off meniscus surgery and the PT focuses on building strength in glutes, legs and keeping calves stretched. As we age, we tend to not focus on those areas which lead to knee and back issues. I also work on thoracic flexibility and various golf focused exercises to help keep me golfing longer. I know it doesn't sound ideal, but most of it is just a mental hurdle we need to jump over. You can't outrun Father time but you can at least make him work harder to catch you. 

[Ferguson]

Not near 60 and still have OEM knees.   Best of luck.  

 

 

 

 

[skraly]

I had a total knee of my lead knee in 2010.  Once I was fully recovered, about 6 months for full recovery, I didn’t notice any loss of swing speed.  There was some distance loss when I first came back but that was due to the layoff from surgery and the fact that it took me a little bit to fully trust the stability of my new knee.  In the ensuing 13 years I’ve started to lose some swing speed but that is age related.  At 70 I can still manage 6400 yds. But those shorter tees are calling me.

[PJE]

13 hours ago, Ferguson said:

 

Edited January 26, 2023 by PJE

[PJE]

4 minutes ago, skraly said:

I had a total knee of my lead knee in 2010.  Once I was fully recovered, about 6 months for full recovery, I didn’t notice any loss of swing speed.  There was some distance loss when I first came back but that was due to the layoff from surgery and the fact that it took me a little bit to fully trust the stability of my new knee.  In the ensuing 13 years I’ve started to lose some swing speed but that is age related.  At 70 I can still manage 6400 yds. But those shorter tees are calling me.

Thanks. This is encouraging. 

[Hickory4ever]

As others have stated, Father Time remains undefeated. I am going to be 69 soon and still play a lot of golf and want that to continue. Chasing speed in an effort to hold off the effects of aging brings with it the potential for further injury and I have focused on what is sustainable. I play the appropriate tees and golf remains fun.

 

 

[PJE]

On 1/26/2023 at 6:35 AM, Hickory4ever said:

As others have stated, Father Time remains undefeated. I am going to be 69 soon and still play a lot of golf and want that to continue. Chasing speed in an effort to hold off the effects of aging brings with it the potential for further injury and I have focused on what is sustainable. I play the appropriate tees and golf remains fun.

 

 

Ha ha! Yep, we’ve got a combo old guy tee set and the plain old guy set. 
I’m going to try that. 
Eventually, I will get some graphite shafted irons- but then I’ll have turned into my dad. If he was still around, he’d 

laugh. Ha ha!

[Hickory4ever]

1 hour ago, PJE said:

Ha ha! Yep, we’ve got a combo old guy tee set and the plain old guy set. 
I’m going to try that. 
Eventually, I will get some graphite shafted irons- but then I’ll have turned into my dad. If he was still around, he’d 

laugh. Ha ha!

I will not be getting graphite shafts, it is hickory or steel for me. I play my 76’ Wilson Staffs with R300 fine with my tempo, the same with my hickory clubs. It is a personal preference and given that I play 6 or 7 times per week, I have no reason to change. To each his own.