Hip replacement recovery: week by week
Most people recover well from a hip replacement and notice a big improvement within weeks. This guide shows what most people can expect. Everyone recovers at their own pace, and I will tailor the advice to you.
In hospital: the first 1 to 2 days
- The physiotherapists will help you stand and walk with a frame or crutches, usually on the day of surgery or the next morning.
- They will teach you your exercises, how to get in and out of bed and a chair, and how to manage stairs.
- Most people go home after 1 to 2 nights, once they are comfortable and walking safely.
Weeks 1 to 2
- Walk little and often around the house, using your crutches.
- Do your exercises several times a day to strengthen the muscles around the hip.
- Take your painkillers regularly so that you can walk and exercise comfortably.
- I do not routinely ask patients to follow "hip precautions", the traditional restrictions on bending, crossing the legs and sitting in low chairs. Research has found that these restrictions make little or no difference to the risk of dislocation, and moving freely helps an accelerated recovery. If your operation needs any particular precautions, I will explain them to you.
- Your wound will be checked at about 2 weeks, usually by a nurse at the hospital.
Weeks 2 to 6
- Most people walk further each week, and many move from two crutches to one or to a stick.
- Thigh swelling and bruising settle gradually.
- At about 6 weeks, I will see you for a follow-up appointment.
Weeks 6 to 12
- Many people walk without crutches or sticks.
- Most people can drive after about 6 weeks, once they can safely make an emergency stop. Tell your insurer that you have had surgery.
- Office work is often possible after 4 to 6 weeks. Heavier work may take around 3 months.
- Swimming (once your wound has healed), an exercise bike and walking are good ways to build strength.
3 to 12 months
- Most people are back to most daily activities and many hobbies by about 3 months, such as golf, cycling, bowls and dancing.
- Some tiredness and aching after activity is normal, and keeps improving for up to a year.
Tips for a good recovery
- Walking: regular short walks are better than one long one.
- Stairs: go up with your good leg first and down with your operated leg first.
- Sleeping: many people find it most comfortable on their back at first. Ask your physiotherapist when you can sleep on your side.
- Before surgery: getting fitter, stopping smoking and preparing your home all help. See your operation.
Get medical advice straight away if you notice:
- A wound that becomes red, hot or swollen, or leaks fluid
- A fever or feeling unwell
- Pain or swelling in your calf
- Chest pain or breathlessness
In an emergency, call 999.
Written and reviewed by Mr Krishna Boddu FRCS (Tr & Orth), consultant orthopaedic surgeon, GMC 5206961. Last reviewed: 3 November 2026.
Sources
- NICE guideline NG157: Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder (2020)
- Korfitsen CB et al. Hip precautions after posterior-approach total hip arthroplasty among patients with primary hip osteoarthritis do not influence early recovery: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized studies with 8,835 patients. Acta Orthop 2023;94:141–51.
- NHS: Hip replacement recovery
Book a consultation
I see patients at Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital. You can book online, or contact my secretary, Daniela Capaldo, who can also help with insurance and self-pay questions.