At a Glance
- You will walk on the new hip within a day — early movement is the goal
- Expect swelling for weeks and mild swelling for months; elevate and ice
- Follow your surgeon's movement and position restrictions exactly
- Strength and stamina take months — this is a marathon, not a sprint
The First Weeks
Day 0–1 (hospital):
- Sit up and stand with support
- Walk short distances with a walker
- Begin breathing and ankle exercises
Week 1–2:
- Walk with a walker several times a day
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees
- Follow wound care and any position restrictions
Week 2–6:
- Progress from walker to cane as strength improves
- Do your physiotherapy exercises daily
- Expect swelling that comes and goes
Months 2–6
- Walk without aids when cleared; drive when your surgeon allows
- Build strength with clamshells, hip hinges and glute bridges
- Return to desk work and low-impact activity (walking, cycling, swimming)
- Report any sudden pain, wound redness, fever or severe calf swelling
Do This
- Move early and often within your restrictions
- Keep pain controlled so you can move
- Elevate and ice for swelling
- Follow the hip loading principles
Avoid This
- Twisting the hip or crossing the legs if restricted
- Lying still for long periods
- Pushing through sharp pain or ignoring new symptoms
- Returning to heavy work or sport without clearance
When to See Someone
Contact your care team urgently for fever, a red or leaking wound, severe calf pain or swelling, sudden shortness of breath, or a hip that looks out of place.
References
- AAOS OrthoInfo. "Activities After Total Hip Replacement." https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/activities-after-hip-replacement/
- AAOS OrthoInfo. "Total Joint Replacement." https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-joint-replacement/
This information is for education only and is not a medical diagnosis. InjuryAtlas does not replace an assessment by a qualified health professional. Always follow your surgeon's specific protocol after surgery.