Total Hip Replacement Recovery Week by Week

Total hip replacement relieves pain and restores movement, but a good recovery depends on following the rehabilitation process. Here is a broad week-by-week guide.

Week 1: Post-Surgery

A short hospital stay allows monitoring and pain control. Early gentle exercises begin, often with crutches or a walker.

Week 2: Gradual Mobility

Usually home now, you start physiotherapy with gentle exercises to improve mobility and strength, reducing reliance on walking aids as advised.

Week 3: Increasing Range of Motion

Range of motion improves; therapy adds flexibility and stability work, and sometimes light resistance exercises for the hip muscles.

Week 4: Restoring Strength

Strength and stability improve noticeably. Low-impact options such as a stationary bike or swimming may be introduced, with less reliance on aids.

Week 5: Light Activities

You can gradually resume light activities — longer walks, driving if permitted, and household tasks — while avoiding high-impact loading and heavy lifting.

Week 6: Returning to Work

Many people feel ready to return to work depending on their job. Therapy continues to build balance, coordination and endurance.

Weeks 7-12 and Beyond

Advanced, functional exercises further improve strength and joint function. Over months three to six, most people consolidate their gains and return to recreational activities with sensible caution.