Getting Back to Activity After a Hip Replacement

Getting a fully or partially new hip joint might seem like it would put you out of commission for a while. In some ways, it will. But don’t expect to be immobilized. In fact, you’ll need to show us that you can walk before we release you after your surgery.

Activity is an important part of recovering from hip replacement. The key is determining how much activity is safe to do and when. 

We can help with that. Because of our extensive experience in hip replacement, Karl Siebuhr, MD, and our team can come alongside you to develop a recovery plan that helps you get back to 100% as quickly and healthily as possible. 

That recovery plan includes activity recommendations. We might modify them at your post-operative appointments at Reconstructive Orthopaedics of Central Florida in Ocala, Florida, depending on how you’re healing. 

Generally, though, getting back to activity after a hip replacement looks something like this:

The first few days

When you think about recovering from surgery, your mind might go to bed rest. Actually, though, moving around a little bit helps to prevent your joints from getting stiff. 

Use a walker or a cane as you take a few short, slow trips around the house throughout the course of the day. You might walk for about five minutes every time you need to get up to use the bathroom, for example. 

Take it easy and monitor your body, though. If you feel a sharp pain or notice any swelling, it could mean you’ve overtaxed your joint, and it’s time to take a rest. 

The first couple of weeks

Gradually increase the amount of activity you’re doing. If you’ve been doing five-minute walks, you might start aiming to walk for 10 minutes at a time. Talk with our team about any assistive device you’re using (e.g., walker, cane). We can tell you when it’s safe to stop using that, putting your full weight on your hip. 

Physical therapy (PT) is a core piece of your post-operative recovery, and it can help you figure out what level of activity your hip can tolerate. Make sure you’re consistent in showing up for your PT appointments. 

Weeks 2–6

After a couple of weeks, you may be safe to drive if your foot and leg is functioning normally and you’re not taking any more pain medications. Dr. Siebuhr and our team will clear you to return to driving, so talk to us before you grab your keys. Usually, getting back behind the wheel happens faster if you had your left hip replaced versus your right one. 

If you work at a desk, you can usually head back to the office after a couple of weeks. If your job is active, you’ll likely need a month or more before you can resume working. 

The same goes for sports and exercise. The hip can often handle low-impact activities like swimming and golfing a couple of weeks after surgery. Higher-intensity endeavors usually require a longer recovery window. Talk with Dr. Siebuhr about your activity of choice, and he can help you figure out when it’s safe to return. 

Weeks 6-12

Life should feel mostly normal about a couple of months after your hip replacement. You’ll probably start winding down your physical therapy appointments, and the remaining restrictions on your hip should begin falling away.

For most people, restrictions are fully lifted by the end of 12 weeks. 

This is a broad overview of how activity generally scales up after hip replacement. Dr. Siebuhr can give you a clearer idea of what it would look like for you based on your job, lifestyle, and other factors. Call our office or request an appointment online to learn more about what to expect.