Hip replacement recovery time: a week-by-week guide

How long is the recovery from hip replacement?

The recovery period after hip replacement surgery varies depending on the following factors:

• your health
• your age
• the type of hip surgery you need
• how closely you follow your rehabilitation programme.

By following your physiotherapy plan, you can expect to resume regular activities within two to three months of surgery. The time it takes to fully benefit from your new hip depends on how closely you follow your recovery plan. The average expected time can be up to a year, however, this will depend on the rehabilitation work you do on the muscles around the hip. Making sure these are strong will help ensure the hip returns to a good range of motion.

Hip surgery recovery times for elderly patients

Older patients are more likely to experience slower healing and reduced mobility compared to younger patients. This can make recovery slower but the overall health and mobility of the patient will play a big part.

Recovery from minimally invasive hip replacement surgery

Minimally invasive hip replacement is when the surgeon makes one or more shorter incisions over the hip. Recovery from minimally invasive hip replacement surgery is generally quicker and less intense compared to traditional open surgery.

This technique may not be suitable for all patients.

Did you know?

90% of hip replacement patients reported mild of no pain five years after their surgery¹.

Hip replacement recovery timeline

We’ve looked at how long recovery can take, now it’s time to explore in further detail what recovery might look like on a more detailed basis.

One-to-three days after a hip replacement

The initial recovery phase typically takes place in hospital in the recovery room. The average hospital stay following hip replacement ranges from one to three days. During this time, pain management, monitoring, and physiotherapy are provided to help you regain strength and mobility.

If you have a hip replacement at a Practice Plus Group hospital, once the operation is over, our physiotherapists will begin working closely with you. This happens within hours of joint replacement surgery and often means you’ll be able to return home as soon as possible. Early and gentle movement can also reduce the risk of complications after surgery such as blood clots.

One-to-six weeks after surgery

Once you return home, the first few weeks are crucial for healing and adjusting to your new hip. Pain and discomfort should gradually decrease during this period. Physiotherapy will improve your range of motion, help you regain strength, and encourage regular movement.

Six-to-twelve weeks after a hip replacement

During this phase, you should experience a significant reduction in pain while your mobility improves. Physiotherapy continues to focus on increasing strength, balance and flexibility. Most patients will be able to gradually resume light activities. They should also be able to return to work if their job is not physically demanding.

Three-to-six months after a hip replacement

At this stage, pain and swelling further decrease while mobility significantly improves. Physiotherapy continues to focus on enhancing strength, endurance, and stability. Activities such as walking, swimming and low-impact exercises become more manageable.

Six months to one year after a hip replacement

By this stage, most people experience significant improvements in mobility and reduced pain

While individual experiences may vary, many people will be able to resume normal activities. These include higher-impact exercises and sports. Physiotherapy may still be ongoing at this point. The focus will likely be on maintaining strength, flexibility, and optimal joint function.

It’s important to gradually reintroduce daily activities such as driving, work, and household chores as advised by your surgeon. Follow their guidelines regarding timelines and limitations.

Please note that, even though you might be able to return to higher-impact sports, these activities could speed up wear and tear of the implant.

Patient testimonial

“My hip pain had got to such a degree that it was waking me at night. From my first appointment at Practice Plus Group, it was an excellent experience.”

Val Stones, hip replacement patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet

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Hip replacement recovery tips

Timelines and plans aside, the following tips can give you the best chance of a smooth hip surgery recovery:

• Book time off work: to encourage speedy recovery, make sure you book enough time off work following your surgery
• Prepare your home: your living space should be changed to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery. Arrange necessary equipment (such as a raised toilet seat, grab bars, and a stable chair with armrests) to make everyday living easier
• Hip pain management: follow your surgeon’s prescribed pain management plan. This may include pain medication, ice packs or heat therapy
• Physiotherapy: be sure to attend all your sessions. This will help you regain mobility and strength in your hip. Work closely with your physiotherapist to learn proper exercises and techniques to facilitate a smooth recovery
• Walking aids: use assistive devices like a walker, crutches, or a walking stick as recommended by your surgeon and physiotherapist. Gradually transition to using them less as your strength improves
• Incision care: follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding incision care to minimise the risk of infection. Keep the incision clean and dry and avoid any activities that could irritate or disrupt the healing process
• Gradual weight-bearing: your surgeon will provide guidelines on when and how much weight you can put on your new hip. Initially, you may need to use assistive devices and gradually transition to full weight-bearing based on your surgeon’s instructions
• Follow post-operative guidelines: adhere to your surgeon’s post-operative guidelines regarding activity restrictions, medication usage and wound care. Report any unusual symptoms or concerns to your healthcare provider
• Gradual increase in activity: begin with gentle exercises and gradually increase your activity level as advised by your physiotherapist. Follow a structured rehabilitation program to regain flexibility, strength, and range of motion in your hip
• Nutrition and hydration: maintain a balanced diet rich in nutrients and stay well-hydrated to support the healing process. Consult with your healthcare provider for dietary recommendations tailored to you
• Rest and sleep: rest and sleep will help with the healing process. Practise good sleep hygiene by maintaining a comfortable sleep environment and following a regular night time routine
• Exercise and physical activity: when safe to do so, try regular low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling after a hip replacement. This will help you maintain overall fitness and hip strength. Ask your healthcare provider for exercise recommendations
• Follow-up appointments: attend all follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor your progress, assess your healing, and address any concerns or complications.

Hip surgeon Q&A

Patient question: How long does hip replacement surgery take?

Surgeon answer: Typically between 1-2 hours depending on the severity of the injury and the patient’s specific need.

Patient question: How long will my hip replacement last?

Surgeon answer: Your artificial knee joint will last for around 10-15 years depending on the success of your recovery and how active you are.

Patient question: How long will it take to recover from hip replacement surgery?

Surgeon answer: It can take up to a year to fully recover but you should be able to resume everyday household chores within a few weeks. It’s important to remember that everyone heals at different speeds.

Best exercises for hip replacement recovery

Walking, stationary cycling, and swimming are great low-impact forms of exercise that can help your recovery. It’s also important to follow your physio plan to gain strength. Your physio may recommend exercises such as:

• step ups
• heel raises
• heel slides
• ankle circles
• single leg stand
• bridge

Remember to consult your healthcare provider or physiotherapist before returning to sport and exercise after a hip replacement!

Do’s and don’ts after hip replacement

This isn’t exactly an extensive list of what you can and can’t do after hip surgery. Each patient will heal at different speeds and be capable of doing activities that others can’t. It will, however, give you an idea of what you should do and activities you should avoid.

Do’s

• Walking
• Swimming
• Cycling
• Gardening

Don’ts

• Football
• Rugby
• Skiing
• Downhill cycling
• Any activity with a high risk of impact or falling

Pain in your hip?

If you’re experiencing hip pain, try our hip suitability quiz. It will give you an idea of whether you’d benefit from booking a consultation with one of our hip specialists.

Our enhanced recovery programme for hip replacement patients

At Practice Plus Group Hospitals, we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience with personalised care every step of the way.

We practise the Enhanced Recovery Pathway (ERP). This is a modern, evidence-based approach that helps people speed up their recovery following major surgery. With this support you will be mobile enough to go home one or two days after your self-pay hip operation, some people are able to return home on the day of surgery.

It’s important to remember that the recovery process after hip replacement surgery is unique to each patient. Follow the guidance provided by your surgeon and healthcare team and listen to your body’s needs throughout the recovery journey. By following these guidelines and committing to your rehabilitation program, you can optimise your recovery and enjoy the benefits of improved hip function and mobility.

Sources and references

¹ The Arthritis Foundation

Acknowledgements