What Happens During Hip Replacement and Early Recovery?
A hip replacement, also known as total hip arthroplasty, involves replacing a damaged hip joint with an artificial implant. This operation is usually recommended when arthritis or injury causes severe pain and loss of function, and other treatments haven’t helped. The goal is to relieve discomfort and improve how well the hip works.
In the first few weeks after surgery, protecting the new joint is vital. Patients need to learn the best sitting positions to avoid dislocating the hip—this means avoiding crossing your legs or bending the hip beyond a right angle. Simple actions like turning over in bed should be done carefully to prevent strain. Certain exercises should be avoided early on, especially those involving twisting or high impact that could hinder healing. Typically, gentle movements and strengthening exercises are introduced around two weeks after surgery to lay a strong foundation for further recovery.
It’s also important to remember that major surgery affects the whole body. For example, a study showed that “the immunoglobulins showed a significant reduction compared to the preoperative values” after hip replacement, especially when patients received blood transfusions from donors (Shtarbova & Klein, 1995). This means your immune system can be temporarily weakened, so a slow, steady return to activity with professional guidance is essential.
Is Running Possible After Hip Replacement? Clinical Perspectives
When it comes to running or light jogging after hip replacement, opinions among experts vary based on each person’s unique health and recovery. Specialists like Professor Paul Lee and the MSK Doctors team tend to encourage low-impact activities such as cycling, swimming, or walking, as these place less stress on the joint. Running, while putting more pressure on the hip, might still be possible for some but usually only after thorough rehabilitation.
Interestingly, recent research challenges the common belief that running is harmful to hip joints. One large study found that “running significantly reduced [osteoarthritis and hip replacement] risk due, in part, to running’s association with lower BMI.” This suggests that sensible running, combined with maintaining a healthy weight, can actually protect hip health over time (Williams, 2013).
Adding to this, findings from veterinary medicine show promising outcomes too. For example, a review reported that “91–100% of cases had no hip pain with total hip replacement reported via clinical examination and/or owner outcome questionnaire” in dogs (Rehnblom & Gordon-Evans, 2022). While we should be cautious about applying animal research directly to people, it offers additional reassurance that well-performed hip replacements support a return to pain-free movement.
Still, it’s crucial to acknowledge that jogging after hip replacement should only be considered once your joint has fully healed and your physiotherapy is well underway. There are lifelong precautions to remember, as high-impact sports may accelerate wear on the implant or increase the risk of dislocation. Generally, low to moderate impact exercise remains the safest approach to protect your new hip.
Safe Exercise Progression: What to Do and What to Avoid
Rebuilding strength and mobility is a gradual process after hip replacement. Early in recovery, focusing on low-impact activities like walking and gentle strengthening is key to regaining muscle support and joint stability.
Long-term, the best exercises combine resistance training, aerobic work, and flexibility routines tailored to your abilities. The aim is to keep you fit and healthy while safeguarding your implant.
Further evidence underlines the benefits of moderate exercise. According to research, “the reductions in osteoarthritis and hip replacement risk by exceeding 1.8 MET hours per day did not differ significantly between runners and walkers” (Williams, 2013). This means consistent moderate activity is beneficial, regardless of the specific form the exercise takes.
After about a year, some patients may gradually reintroduce higher-intensity activities such as light jogging, but only under close supervision. Weightlifting is generally safe if done carefully, yet you should avoid heavy loads that put excessive pressure on your hip. Certain high-impact or twisting movements may need to be avoided permanently to prevent damage. Since every patient’s experience differs, regular consultation with your healthcare provider is essential to personalise your exercise routine.
Practical Tips for Everyday Activities and Long-Term Lifestyle
Returning to daily activities after hip replacement often raises practical questions, such as “How soon can I tie my shoes?” or “When is it safe to lift heavy objects?” Usually, you can tie your laces within a few weeks using special techniques designed to minimise hip strain. Heavy lifting should be deferred until your surgeon or physiotherapist confirms it’s safe.
Similarly, common concerns include “Can I sit up in bed after hip replacement surgery?” The answer is yes, but it’s important to use recommended methods to avoid sudden twists or pressure on your hip.
Throughout recovery and beyond, the kind support and advice of MSK Doctors and Professor Paul Lee are invaluable. Their approach balances encouraging patient independence with careful protection of the new joint. Simple lifestyle adjustments and mindful habits can help you build confidence and maintain an active, rewarding way of life.
Conclusion
Deciding to return to running after hip replacement is a personal and complex journey. It requires expert guidance and a gradual, carefully monitored rehabilitation plan. For some, light jogging may be achievable—but only after full recovery and individual assessment.
Above all, prioritising safety and your joint’s long-term health is essential. If you’re considering running or other sports after surgery, be sure to seek advice from orthopaedic specialists such as Professor Paul Lee and the MSK Doctors team, who can support you every step of the way.
For personalised medical advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
References
Williams, P. T. (2013). Effects of running and walking on osteoarthritis and hip replacement risk. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 45(7), 1292–1297. https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e3182885f26
Rehnblom, E., & Gordon‐Evans, W. J. (2022). Are dogs with hip dysplasia in less pain after total hip replacement than femoral head ostectomy? Veterinary Evidence, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.18849/ve.v7i1.388
Shtarbova, M., & Klein, S. (1995). Assessment of immunoglobulins after hip replacement. International Orthopaedics, 19(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00184915
Frequently Asked Questions
MSK Doctors, led by Professor Paul Lee, offer world-class expertise in cartilage and joint surgery, particularly hip replacements. Professor Lee, a renowned Cartilage Expert and Royal College advisor, ensures cutting-edge, individualised care throughout your recovery journey.
MSK Doctors recommend beginning with gentle movements and low-impact exercises like walking and swimming. Professor Lee’s personalised advice helps you safely build strength and mobility, promoting long-term joint health without overloading your new implant.
Professor Lee and the MSK Doctors team carefully assess each patient’s situation. They usually encourage low-impact activities first, but some may later progress to jogging under close supervision, thanks to the extensive rehabilitation expertise offered at the clinic.
MSK Doctors emphasise practical tips, such as avoiding crossing legs and using safe techniques for sitting or tying shoes. Professor Lee’s team provides tailored advice to help patients maintain independence and protect their new hip in everyday situations.
As a Regional Surgical Ambassador and Royal College of Surgeons advisor, Professor Lee delivers leading-edge, evidence-based treatment. His extensive experience in cartilage and joint health ensures you receive expert, holistic support throughout your recovery and rehabilitation.