Introduction
Total hip replacement is a common and effective surgery for relieving pain and restoring mobility in people with severe hip joint problems. Understanding what to expect during your recovery can help you regain your independence more smoothly and confidently. This article provides an easy-to-follow, week-by-week recovery guide, blending the latest research with practical advice. With a clear plan in hand, you’ll know what to anticipate at each stage, helping you move forward with clarity and peace of mind.
Week One: The First Steps After Surgery
The first week after your hip replacement is all about healing and managing pain. Swelling and soreness are common, but your medical team will be there to ensure you’re comfortable and your wound is healing well. Preventing infection and keeping your incision clean are top priorities.
Gentle movement begins almost immediately. Physiotherapists will teach you simple exercises and help you start walking short distances, usually with crutches or a walking frame. These early activities keep your blood moving and help prevent stiffness, all without stressing your new hip. You might feel tired and need extra rest—listen to your body and take it easy. Stay in close contact with your healthcare team so they can support you and respond quickly to any concerns.
If you’re wondering about driving, it’s important to wait until your reaction speed has returned to normal. Research shows that most people shouldn’t drive for at least eight weeks after hip replacement surgery .
Weeks Two to Four: Building Strength and Mobility
As you enter weeks two to four, you’ll likely notice less pain and greater movement . This is a key phase for strengthening your hip muscles and building flexibility, both of which are essential for daily activities like walking and climbing stairs.
Your physiotherapy routine will become more active, with targeted exercises to gradually rebuild your strength and range of motion. Simple movements such as leg lifts, seated marches, and gentle stretches will help you gain confidence in your new hip. Most people can walk without aids indoors and resume lighter daily tasks within 2–3 weeks. You may still need occasional pain relief , but medication usually becomes less necessary. Remember to pace yourself—alternating activity and rest helps you avoid setbacks and encourages steady progress.
Beyond Four Weeks: Regaining Full Mobility and Strength
After the first month, the focus shifts to improving your hip’s strength and function for everyday life. Many people find they can walk longer distances and move with more confidence as the weeks go by.
It’s important not to rush. Sudden increases in activity or high-impact exercises can strain your new hip and slow your progress. By around six weeks, most people have gained significant improvements and can participate in most everyday activities, but full recovery may take longer for some. Continuing physiotherapy and adding low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can help you stay active safely. Regular check-ins with your healthcare team will ensure your recovery stays on track and adjustments are made as needed.
Remember, recovery is different for everyone. Some people make fast progress, while others may take several months to fully regain their strength and mobility. Ongoing rehabilitation and persistence are key for lasting results.
Conclusion
Recovering from a total hip replacement is a step-by-step process, with each phase building on the last. From managing swelling and pain in the first week to regaining your independence in the following months, following a structured plan makes it easier to stay motivated and confident.
This week-by-week guide provides clear, research-backed advice to help you every step of the way. Keep in close touch with your healthcare team, listen to your body, and ask for help if you need it. With patience and perseverance, you’ll be back to enjoying a more active, pain -free life in the months ahead.
References
Ibrahim, M. S., Twaij, H., Giebaly, D. E., Nizam, I., & Haddad, F. S. (2013). Enhanced recovery in total hip replacement. The Bone & Joint Journal, 95-B(12), 1587-1594. https://doi.org/10.1302/0301-620x.95b12.31303
Klapwijk, L. C. M., Mathijssen, N. M. C., van Egmond, J. C., Verbeek, B. M., & Vehmeijer, S. B. W. (2017). The first 6 weeks of recovery after primary total hip arthroplasty with fast track. Acta Orthopaedica, 89(1), 140-140. https://doi.org/10.1080/17453674.2017.1375340
MacDonald, W. C., & Owen, J. W. (1988). The effect of total hip replacement on driving reactions. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – British Volume, 70-B(2), 202-205.
Frequently Asked Questions
MSK Doctors, led by Prof Lee, encourages gentle movement almost immediately after surgery. Physiotherapists guide you in safe exercises and walking short distances with aids, focusing on comfort and safety without placing stress on your new hip.
With Prof Lee’s expertise at MSK Doctors, many patients manage lighter daily tasks and walk unaided indoors within two to three weeks, thanks to structured physiotherapy and personalised recovery plans that prioritise patient progress and well-being.
Prof Lee provides evidence-based, individually-tailored rehabilitation programmes at MSK Doctors, combining the latest techniques with extensive surgical experience. This approach ensures patients receive personalised care, clear advice, and ongoing support throughout every phase of recovery.
Under Prof Lee’s care at MSK Doctors, early-phase rehabilitation focuses on simple, targeted movements—like leg lifts, seated marches, and gentle stretches—to restore mobility and strength, always supervised by expert physiotherapists to ensure your safety and confidence.
Prof Lee and the MSK Doctors team regularly monitor recovery with structured check-ins, ensuring treatment is adjusted as needed. This attentive follow-up helps track improvements, address concerns early, and maintain steady, safe progress throughout your rehabilitation journey.