Every hip and every body is different. When recovering from hip replacement surgery, there is no uniform schedule. However, hip replacement patients tend to follow a consistent healing timeline.

Here’s what to know about your hip replacement recovery and what you can expect from the rehab process. 

General Hip Replacement Recovery Times

At his practice at The Steadman Clinic, Dr. Cafferky supports his patients through every step of the recovery process. The general recovery timeline for hip replacement patients is as follows:

• A Few Hours After Surgery: You will be able to sit up, stand, and walk with an assistive device, such as a walker.

• First Week Post-Op: Physical therapy begins with exercises to help strengthen the muscles around your hip. Walking will become easier, and your pain will lessen.

• Second Week Post-Op: Stables around the incision will be removed. At this point, you can resume your regular showering and bathing routines. 

• Three to Six Weeks Post-Op: After being cleared by Dr. Cafferky, you will be able to resume light activities. At this point, many patients resume driving.

• Two to Three Months Post-Op: Dr. Cafferky clears 90 percent of his patients to resume normal activities and return to sport.

For some patients, about 10 percent, full recovery from a total hip replacement can take up to a year. This is usually due to a longer period of regaining full hip strength, balance, and coordination. Patients who participate in high-impact activities, such as skiing or running, should consult their surgeon before returning to sport.

Physical Therapy for Hip Replacement Recovery

Physical therapy will be an integral part of your total joint replacement surgery. While Physical therapy is essential in the recovery phase, it can also be extremely helpful pre-surgery to prepare you for better outcomes. 

Some exercises you can do to prepare for your upcoming hip replacement surgery include:

• Quad sets

• Gluteal sets

• Heel slides (assisted with a strap if needed)

• Bridges

• Standing three-way hip stretch

• Single leg balance

If you feel these are too easy or painful, it would be beneficial to see a physical therapist before your surgery for a more personalized home exercise program. 

A total hip replacement is an outpatient procedure. After waking up from anesthesia, patients will be expected to start walking once they wake up from anesthesia. Physical therapy is scheduled in advance, and you will leave the hospital with a list of post-operative exercises to begin at home. These include:

• Quad sets

• Gluteal sets

• Ankle pumps

• Assisted heel slides (supine and seated in chair)

• Calf stretch

• Knee extension hang (total knee only)

Typically, hip replacement patients go to physical therapy two to three times per week for the first four weeks. After that, therapy usually decreases to one to two times per week for four to eight more weeks. 

The full duration and frequency of physical therapy will depend on your personal goals and how quickly your range of motion returns. 

Questions About Hip Replacements? Contact Dr. Cafferky Today!

If you are considering total hip replacement surgery, contact Dr. Cafferky for a consultation! From scheduling a consultation to your final post-operative appointment, Dr. Cafferky and his team will be with you every step of the way. 

Schedule your appointment with Team Cafferky by calling (970) 476-1100 or through our online contact form.