Fear of addiction
Roughly 9 percent of joint replacement patients are still using opioids one year after surgery.1
For patients
Your recovery doesn't have to depend on opioids.
Thousands of patients have recovered from hip and knee replacement surgery with little to no opioids medication. Here's how to make that your story.
Find a Surgeon
What you might be worried about
It's normal to be afraid of pain. It's also normal to be afraid of opioids.
March 2 A Million surgeons offer superior methods of pain control that typically don't require opioids. You don't have to choose between managing pain and avoiding addiction. There's a third option — and thousands of patients have taken it.
Confusion about recovery
The protocol gives you a clear, day-by-day recovery roadmap — so you always know what's normal and what's next.
Feeling unsupported
Between clinical visits is where patients struggle most. The March 2 A Million protocol builds in structured support to keep you connected to your care team every step of the way.
Your recovery roadmap
Before, during, and after — you're not alone.
Before Surgery
Your surgeon gives you the Less Swelling, Less Pain patient guide — a step-by-step protocol book that multiple patients describe as transformative. Read it. It tells you exactly what to expect so nothing catches you off guard.
Day of Surgery
Nerve blocks are administered to manage pain in the first critical days. A non-opioid multimodal pain plan begins immediately, using medications selected by your surgeon. No opioids are the default.
Days 1–3 at Home
Ice machine — not ice packs — applied regularly for controlled cold and compression. Leg elevated above the chest. Short walks around the house starting day one. Most patients are off opioids entirely within 2–3 days, or never start them.
Weeks 1–3
Non-opioid medications taper as your surgeon directs. Most patients report pain levels of 2–3 out of 10 during this phase.
Month 1 and Beyond
Patients following the protocol report walking independently, climbing stairs, and gradually returning to the activities they love — often with far fewer opioids than they expected.
I followed Dr. Chen's protocol and never needed any opioids during my recovery.”SusanOpioid-Free Recovery
Find a participating surgeon
Join the March 2 A Million Movement
Search below to find one near you — or bring this protocol to your own surgeon.
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References
- 1
Martinez M, Yep T, Chung S, et al. Opioid Consumption Patterns Before and After Elective Joint Surgery. The Journal of Arthroplasty, 2025;41:370-374.e2. View source