When arthritis or injury damages the hip joint, a surgeon may replace it with an artificial implant. The new joint uses a metal, ceramic, or plastic ball-and-socket design. Patients might go home within a few days, but full recovery typically takes several months. Here is more information on pain control, mobility, therapy, and strength during hip replacement surgery recovery:
Managing Pain Effectively
Pain and swelling typically peak during the first few weeks after hip replacement surgery. Your surgeon may prescribe opioids for a short time, though many plans rely on acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory drugs. Take each dose on schedule, and track your pain on a scale of zero to 10. Several non-drug methods also reduce discomfort:
- Ice packs for 15 to 20 minutes, several times a day
- Leg elevation to limit swelling
- Walks every hour or two while awake
- Compression stockings, if your care team recommends them
Keep a thin towel between the ice and your skin, and check the incision area each day. Redness, drainage, or a fever needs prompt attention. If pain suddenly worsens or your calf becomes swollen and tender, call your surgeon.
Restoring Range of Motion
Since the hip joint and surrounding tissue heal slowly, stiffness typically appears in the first weeks. Gentle movement keeps the joint flexible, and it lowers the risk of blood clots. Therapists may start with ankle pumps, heel slides, and gluteal squeezes.
Your surgeon may give you hip precautions, and these limits depend on the surgical approach. If you had a posterior approach, avoid bending your hip past 90 degrees. Crossing your legs and twisting your body also strain the new joint. Raised toilet seats and reachers make daily tasks easier during this stage.
Range of motion typically returns gradually over several weeks. Some patients notice progress quickly, but others need two or three months. Stop any stretch that causes sharp pain, since forcing movement may damage healing tissue.
Completing Physical Therapy
Physical therapy typically begins shortly after surgery, while you remain in the hospital. A therapist will teach you to stand, walk with a walker, and climb stairs. After discharge, you may attend outpatient sessions, or a therapist may visit your home.
Do your home exercises daily, because therapy sessions only cover a few hours each week. Write down questions before each visit, and report new pain or balance problems. Skipping sessions may slow your recovery timeline.
Restoring Strength
Surgery and inactivity weaken the muscles around your hip, and weak muscles affect balance and walking. Once your therapist approves, you will add resistance exercises to your routine. Typical exercises target the glutes, thighs, and core, and they may include:
- Hip abductions, lifting the leg out to the side
- Squats while holding a counter
- Bridges, lifting your hips off the bed
- Step-ups onto a low stair
- Steps with a resistance band
Start with 10 repetitions of each exercise. Add one set at a time, and rest on days with lasting soreness. Many people continue these exercises for a year or longer, since hip muscles rebuild slowly.
Book a Hip Replacement Follow-up
If you notice new pain, swelling, or clicking, contact us before your scheduled appointment. Follow-up visits let your surgeon check the incision, review X-rays, and track your healing. You may book your next visit online, or you may call our office directly. Bring a list of your medications and questions to each visit.
