After Hip Replacement: Your Recovery Roadmap

Life After Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement is one of the most successful operations in medicine. With proper rehabilitation, most people return to pain-free walking and their usual activities within 3-6 months.

Early Recovery (Weeks 1-6)

The first six weeks focus on protecting your new hip while gradually increasing movement:

• Follow hip precautions given by your surgeon

• Progress from walking frame to crutches to walking stick

• Perform gentle exercises to prevent stiffness

• Manage swelling with ice and elevation

Intermediate Recovery (Weeks 6-12)

Once cleared by your surgeon, rehabilitation progresses:

• Strengthening exercises for hip muscles

• Balance and stability training

• Stair practice and outdoor walking

• Return to driving (usually around 6 weeks)

Long-Term Recovery (3-12 months)

Continue building strength and returning to activities:

• Progressive gym-based exercises

• Return to golf, swimming, cycling

• Long-term maintenance programme

Benefits of Home Physiotherapy

Having a physiotherapist visit your home after hip replacement means:

• No difficult trips to a clinic when you are most vulnerable

• Exercises practiced on your own stairs and in your bathroom

• Assessment of how you manage your home environment

• One-to-one attention and encouragement