Total Hip Surgery Recovery Time: Week-by-Week

Day of Surgery

Your recovery process starts the moment your surgery is over. Thanks to modern anesthesia and minimally invasive techniques, the "foggy" period after surgery is shorter than ever.

Immediate Post-Op

You will wake up in a recovery room where a healthcare provider will closely monitor your vital signs. You may feel groggy, but the care team will be there to ensure you are stable and safe.

Pain Management

Keeping you comfortable is a top priority. Your orthopedic surgeon and anesthesiologist will likely use a combination of nerve blocks and pain medication to manage discomfort. Effective pain management is crucial because it allows you to start moving sooner.

First Steps

Gone are the days of strict bed rest. Physical activity begins almost immediately. Most patients are encouraged to stand and walk short distances with a walker within hours of waking up. This early movement is vital for preventing blood clots and kickstarting muscle activation.

Going Home

Once you are stable and comfortable, you will transition from the outpatient facility to your own home. A dedicated care team or total joint liaison will ensure you have everything you need to return home safely.

• Your Goal: Stand up, bear weight on your new hip, and take your first assisted steps.
• Movement: You will walk short distances with a walker and assistance from the nursing staff.
• What to Prioritize: Focus on managing your pain and following your care team's instructions.
• Precautions: Do not attempt to get out of bed or walk without assistance from a nurse or therapist.

Week 1: Early Mobility and Home Care

The first week back home is about establishing a routine and ensuring a safe environment for your new hip joint.

Home Setup

Before your procedure, prepare your home to reduce the risk of falls. This includes removing loose rugs, securing electrical cords, and installing a raised toilet seat to reduce strain on the hip. A smooth recovery often depends on how well your home is set up to accommodate your temporary limitations.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist may come to your home to guide you through safe stretching and strengthening exercises. They’ll show you how to move without risking dislocation and help you rebuild confidence in your footing.

Movement Goals

Initially, your primary focus will be walking short distances indoors.  Frequent, short walks help improve circulation and reduce stiffness. You should also perform ankle pumps and other simple exercises while lying down to keep blood flowing.

Assistive Devices

During this phase, you will be relying on assistive devices. Most patients use a walker or crutches to protect the hip while the bone and muscle heal. Don’t rush to ditch these devices; they are there to prevent falls and ensure proper gait.

• Your Goal: Navigate your home safely and establish a routine for pain medication and icing.
• Movement: Frequent short walks around the house and prescribed physical therapy exercises.
• What to Prioritize: Keep your incision clean and dry, and stay ahead of your pain.
• Precautions: Avoid low chairs, bending at the waist past 90 degrees, and twisting your leg.

Week 2: Transitioning and Follow-Up

By the second week, you will likely see a decrease in surgical pain and enjoy an increase in your independence.

Medical Check-in

You will have your first follow-up appointment with your orthopedic surgeon or one of our team members. They will check your incision to ensure it is healing properly and remove any staples or sutures if necessary.

Changing Aids

As your muscle strength improves, you may transition from a walker to a walking aid, such as a cane. This progression varies from patient to patient, so listen to your physical therapist’s advice.

Pain and Swelling

While deep hip pain should decrease, some swelling and bruising are normal. You can manage this with ice packs and elevation. Many patients begin weaning off stronger pain meds in favor of over-the-counter options like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Scarring

Depending on the type of hip replacement surgery you choose, scarring can vary significantly. But with our innovative bikini hip replacement, scarring is minimal and strategically placed for discretion. This advanced procedure utilizes a small, 3-4-inch incision along the natural bikini line, ensuring the scar is well-concealed under swimwear or clothing. The direct anterior approach used in this surgery is designed to minimize muscle disruption, allowing the incision to heal more quickly and leaving behind only a faint, almost invisible scar.

For patients who prioritize both functionality and aesthetic outcomes, the bikini hip replacement is a breakthrough choice that restores mobility while preserving confidence in your appearance.

Daily Activities

You will notice minor improvements in your ability to perform daily activities. Tasks like showering and getting dressed will become easier, though you may still need some help or adaptive tools, such as a shoehorn.

• Your Goal: Transition to a cane (if cleared) and manage swelling effectively.
• Movement: Increase the distance of your walks and continue home therapy exercises.
• What to Prioritize: Proper gait mechanics (walking without a limp) rather than speed.
• Precautions: Continue to avoid high-impact movements and maintain hip precautions if prescribed.

Weeks 3-4: Gaining Independence

This period often marks a turning point where you start to feel like yourself again!

Increasing Activity

You will shift toward longer walks and more intensive therapy sessions. Your physical therapist will focus on improving your range of motion and strengthening the muscles around the hip and thigh.

Weaning Off Devices

For many, the goal is to walk unaided without a cane by the end of the month. However, this hip replacement recovery timeline varies. If you still need a cane for balance, use it.

Driving

Patients often ask when they can drive. Typically, you can return to driving between 3 and 4 weeks post-op, provided you are off all narcotic pain medication and have enough muscle control to operate the vehicle safely (especially if your right hip was operated on).

Muscle Recovery

Your thigh bone and surrounding muscles are adapting to the new joint. You might feel soreness as these muscles "wake up" and start working properly again.

• Your Goal: Walk without assistive devices and return to light household chores.
• Movement: Active range of motion exercises and longer duration walking.
• What to Prioritize: normalizing your walking pattern and building endurance.
• Precautions: Avoid lifting heavy objects and remain mindful of wet or uneven surfaces.

Month 2 and Beyond: Long-Term Outlook

From the second month onward, the focus shifts from healing to strengthening and returning to a full life.

Returning to "Normal"

Most patients can return to work, especially if they have sedentary jobs. You can also reintroduce low-impact exercise such as swimming, biking, or golf.

Continued Strengthening

Even after the scar heals, the internal healing process continues. It can take several months to a year to achieve full recovery, where the hip feels completely natural. Continued strengthening of the glutes and legs is essential for long-term success.

Warning Signs

While complications are rare, especially with the SMART technique, you should remain vigilant. Watch for signs of infection (redness, fever) or dislocation. If you experience sudden, severe pain, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Quality of Life

The long-term outlook is excellent. The majority of hip replacement patients report better sleep, improved overall health, and a return to an active lifestyle they haven't enjoyed in years. Whether you had a hip or knee replacement, the goal is the same: getting you back to living.

• Your Goal: Return to work and recreational hobbies.
• Movement: Low-impact sports, stationary cycling, and swimming.
• What to Prioritize: Long-term muscle maintenance and weight management to protect the joint.
• Precautions: Avoid high-impact activities like running or jumping unless cleared by your orthopaedic surgeons.

Your Journey to Pain-Free Living Starts Here

The hip replacement recovery timeline can seem daunting, but most patients experience significant improvements within just the first month. While recovery times vary for everyone, the result—a smooth recovery and a life free from chronic joint pain—is worth the effort.

If you are thinking about getting hip surgery, do not wait until your mobility is completely lost. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.

Are you ready to take the first step? Schedule a consultation with an orthopedic surgeon at Alexander Orthopaedics to discuss if the SMART Total Hip procedure is right for you.