Hip replacement recovery time: a week-by-week guide
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
This guide is designed to help you navigate your hip replacement recovery and help ensure the best outcome after your surgery.
For those suffering from persistent hip pain, hip replacement surgery can significantly improve mobility and quality of life. It is considered by consultants to be a major surgery, so if hip surgery is on the cards for you, it’s crucial to follow your healthcare professional’s post-surgery advice. This can help to ensure you make a full and fast recovery.
This article provides useful tips and advice designed to help get you back on your feet.
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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 or 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.
Hip surgery recovery tips from Dr Hilary:
“Right now I’m probably ahead of schedule so I can comfortably get up and down stairs without the crutches. I can walk and my balance is pretty good. I just have minimal discomfort over the wound site now. I can walk a quarter to half a mile daily, and I’m increasing that bit by bit.”
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
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.
Dr Hilary’s exclusive recovery tips
On food: “I had some ready meals in the house before I went for the operation and now I’m home, I can just stick those in the microwave and it’s really easy!
On muscle strength: “Pre-operatively, keeping the muscles strong is important and doing your pre-op exercises really helps because if the muscles are strong when you have the surgery, you’re going to recover quicker.”
On driving: “If it’s your left hip and you’re driving an automatic, you don’t really use your left foot very much, or even at all. The only problem is getting in and out of the car, especially if you have a low car as it’s pretty awkward getting your leg under the steering wheel. So it depends a lot on your car and which side you’ve had done. I’d also recommend people check with their insurance companies because if anything happens and you’ve driven in under six weeks, you could have a problem.”
On following recovery instructions: “My advice to anyone having this done is to follow the instructions you’ve been given. Some people will start with a good level of fitness and stronger muscles. Other people who are perhaps more frail, or who’ve had a fracture, or who have been waiting a long time for surgery and haven’t been able to move much, are going to need a longer recovery. The key is to listen to your body. If it’s too painful, stop.”
Follow Dr Hilary’s journey through hip surgery at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham!
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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:
A short animation detailing hip replacement surgery.
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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 hip 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.
Not quite found the information you’re looking for? Our dedicated hip replacement recovery FAQs can help.
What’s the average recovery time after hip replacement?
Most patients can resume regular activities within two to three months. It can take up to a year to fully benefit from your new hip. This depends on how closely you follow your recovery plan.
What is the fastest way to recover from a hip replacement?
While there’s no guaranteed “fastest” way to recover, you can maximise the chance of a complication-free recovery by reading the guidelines and tips on this page. Always follow the instructions and recommendations of your healthcare provider for optimal post-surgery results.
How painful is hip replacement recovery?
Hip replacement recovery can involve varying levels of pain and discomfort. However, advances in surgical techniques, anaesthesia, and pain management have significantly improved the overall experience for many patients. Be sure to follow the pain management instructions given to you by your surgeon and talk to your health provider if you are struggling to manage the pain.
What is the most frequent complication after a hip replacement?
One of the most frequent complications after hip replacement surgery is infection. That’s why it’s important to keep the incision area clean and dry. Minimise the risk of infection by following your surgeon’s instructions on wound care and medication.
Practice Plus Group hospitals have high levels of cleanliness and infection control. We also boast a 100% clean record for hospital-acquired infections.
How long does it take to walk normally after hip surgery?
If considered ready, most people will be encouraged to start walking the day of or the day after surgery. This will likely be with the help of a walking aid and will only be a short distance. Patients can expect to walk normally around the 4-6 week mark but this will vary depending on the progress of their recovery up to that point.
How long after hip replacement can I walk unaided?
Generally, you should expect to start walking (with the help of walking aids) within a few hours of your surgery. Typically, many patients can start walking unaided within four to six weeks of surgery. However, it’s important to note that individual experiences may differ.
When can I sit on a sofa after hip replacement?
Sitting on a sofa after hip replacement surgery is usually possible within the first few days of the procedure.
What can you never do after a hip replacement?
After hip replacement surgery, there are certain activities and movements that you should approach with caution. There are others you should look to avoid altogether to protect your new hip joint and ensure a successful recovery.
Consult your surgeon or physio before attempting these activities:
– high-impact activities (i.e. jumping) – crossing your legs – twisting at the hip – squatting deeply – high-risk sports (i.e. skiing).
When can I drive after a hip replacement?
You may be able to get back behind the wheel around six weeks post-operation. Always check with your doctor before driving again.
When can I start work after a hip replacement?
Returning to work will depend on the type of work you do. If your work is desk-based, you might be able to return as soon as six weeks after your operation. More physical roles could take a little longer.
What is the hardest part of hip replacement recovery?
It’s likely the most difficult part of your recovery will be the first few days after surgery. The area around the hip will be swollen and inflamed and may cause you some discomfort. Luckily, this can be managed by over-the-counter painkillers that will be prescribed by your hip consultant.
When can I have sex again after hip replacement?
The magic number seems to be around six weeks. This is usually the time when surgical incision wounds have fully healed and patients are able to move about with more freedom. If you want to resume intimacy with your partner, take your time and try out positions that work for you.
How soon can I travel after a hip replacement?
Generally, it’s not advisable to do long journeys on any mode of transport for around six weeks after your surgery. Long haul flights should be left until you hit the 12 week mark. Check with your consultant if you’re unsure whether to travel.
Acknowledgements
Dr Hilary Jones is a GP, TV Presenter, Medical Broadcaster, Author and Public Speaker.
He qualified in 1976 at The Royal Free Hospital in London. Hilary became a Principal in General Practice and a GP Trainer in the early 1980s and worked as a Senior House Officer in Ophthalmology before entering General Practice assisting in Glaucoma and Cataract extraction procedures and learning the science of refraction.
He then began presenting educational medical TV programmes for British Medical TV in 1986, followed by Sky TV and the most successful TV breakfast station ever, TVAM. He and Lorraine Kelly were the first presenters to be signed up by GMTV when it won the breakfast franchise in 1993. He is now the Health Editor for ITV’s Breakfast television and appears regularly on Lorraine and Good Morning Britain as well as hosting his own podcast.
He recently had his second hip replacement, at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham. He discovered the new hospital when he was asked to cut the ribbon in October 2024, and chose to travel there from his home in Kent, under his right to patient choice in the NHS.
