What Happens After a Hip Arthroplasty (Replacement)?

Know what to expect, and when and how to best help your loved one immediately following a hip replacement.

 Read
Join Helpful now
Get more personalized support for free with Helpful.

Get insurance benefits, legal documents, and medical records in one place

Hip Replacement Post-Op

Helpful Highlights

After hip arthroplasty (replacement)

Hip replacement recovery starts right away. Your loved one will be encouraged to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery. People who don’t have complicated health conditions can go home as soon as they demonstrate that they can walk, climb stairs, and get in and out of a car.

To accomplish these tasks, your loved one might spend time in an inpatient rehabilitation unit. Whether they go home or to a rehabilitation unit after surgery, they will need physical therapy for several weeks until they regain muscle strength and appropriate range of motion. 

The surgeon will discuss rehabilitation needs, what to expect in the days and weeks ahead, and how to make the most of recovery. Your loved one's motivation and cooperation in completing the physical therapy is critical for an effective recovery process and overall success of the surgery, and as their caregiver, you play an integral role in that.

Post-surgical complications are not uncommon and can be managed when caught and reported early. Let the surgeon’s office know right away if you or your loved one notice: 

Physical therapy

After joint arthroplasty (replacement), there are some good guidelines to follow regarding acceptable physical activities. Activities should NOT...

Most people use a walker or crutches for up to a month following hip replacement surgery, and then a cane for a couple weeks beyond that.

Daily activity and exercise can help your loved one regain the use of their joints and muscles. A physical therapist will teach strengthening and mobility exercises to do at home and will help your loved one learn how to use a walking aid. As therapy progresses, they will gradually increase the amount of weight they put on their leg until they're able to walk without assistance. They should expect to do 10-15 minutes of exercise several times a day, every day, for about two months following the operation, but the best exercise for a hip replacement is simply walking.

You can encourage them to get the exercise they need by offering to do their exercises with them and inviting them to go on walks.

The length of physical therapy varies based on age, fitness, and level of motivation but usually lasts for about 6 to 8 weeks. Two to three therapy sessions per week are average for this procedure.

Results

Full recovery from hip arthroplasty (replacement) varies from person to person, but most people are doing well three months after the surgery. Improvements typically continue during the first year after surgery.  

Joint replacement success will strongly depend on how well your loved one follows the orthopedic surgeon’s instructions. As time passes, they should experience a dramatic reduction in joint pain and a significant improvement in their ability to participate in daily activities. Remember, however, that joint replacement surgery usually does not result in the ability to do more than they could before developing joint problems.

Reiterating this expectation for yourself and your loved one is important.

Long-term limitations

The goal of total hip arthroplasty (replacement) is to return to a high level of function without hip pain and a large majority of people can achieve this goal; however, limitations apply. Here are some common-sense guidelines for your loved one's active lifestyle.

Recommended:

Permitted:

Prohibited:

Talk to your loved one's surgeon and primary care provider about activity permissions and restrictions specific to their case.

Join Helpful now

RESOURCES

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) – Total Hip Replacement

American Association of Hip & Knee Surgeons (AAHKS) – Total Hip Replacement

Johns Hopkins Medicine – Hip Replacement Surgery

Mayo Clinic – Hip Replacement

No content in this app, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Get more support and guidance on insurance benefits, medical records and legal forms.

Helpful brings together your insurance benefits, legal documents, and medical records in one personalized place — so you always know what you have, and never have to search again.

banner

Simplifying Healthcare, Supporting Mental Health

An all-in-one solution to help navigate the complexities of healthcare and support for mental health, for you or your loved one.

sync

Manage All Your Health Info in One Place

Learn More

therapy

In-Network Mental Healthcare

Find a Therapist

legal

Create Legal Documents to Guide Your Care

Learn More

call insurance

Let Us Call Your Insurance So You Don't Have To

Learn More

insurance

Maximize Your Insurance Benefits

Learn More

money

Manage a Health Condition with Confidence

Learn More