First Year of Recovery after Hip Replacement 

Hip replacements provide the ability to reduce severe pain and stiffness while improving function in over 400,000 people in the United States each year.

The First Week

After you awake from surgery, you may begin walking with a walker as tolerated. Walking and other gentle movements are encouraged to help reduce swelling, manage pain, and start the recovery process.

The First Month

Exercises to promote the surgical leg’s strength will have to be prescribed as tolerated and progressed based on pain and mobility. However, the rest of the body, including the core and other leg, can be addressed with strengthening exercises to promote better posture, stability, and balance.

The First 3 Months

You will start to feel more like yourself during this timeframe as more fun and functional activities can resume. You should still monitor your pain and swelling throughout this timeframe, using these two symptoms to help guide treatment.

The Final 9 Months of Recovery

Typically after the first three months of recovery, you may be able to discharge from Physical Therapy and begin your own independent home exercise program. With a focus on watching for pain, swelling, stiffness, and any limp or compensatory movement while walking, you should be able to progress on your own at home safely.

Meet Dr. Paul Norio Morton Dr. Paul Norio Morton, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in hip and knee surgery, specializing in robotic joint replacements, complex joint reconstruction, sports injuries, and trauma. Reach out to him to learn more about treatment options for your problem.

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