Patient guide
Hip Replacement Recovery Exercises & Timeline
A week-by-week guide to what to expect after a total hip replacement, with safe exercises for each phase. Written by Mr Jakub Kozdryk, Consultant Hip & Knee Surgeon, for patients recovering under his care at The Meriden, Nuffield Warwickshire and UHCW.
Hip replacement — recovery timeline
~95% excellent outcomes- Day of surgery
Surgery & first steps
1–1.5 hour operation. Spinal anaesthesia with sedation, local anaesthetic and ice cooling. Aim to mobilise the same day.
Spinal anaesthesiaIce coolingSame-day mobilisation aim - Day 1–2
Ward recovery & discharge
X-ray and bloods. Physiotherapy gets you walking with crutches and practising stairs. Most patients home within 1–2 days.
Crutches & stairsClexane begins — 2 weeks - 2 weeks
Wound check with nurse
Wound reviewed. No clips or external sutures to remove — intradermal dissolving stitches used in virtually all cases. Clexane ends; aspirin 150mg begins.
No clips to removeAspirin 150mg — 28 days - 6 weeks
Consultant review & driving
Mr Kozdryk reviews progress, X-rays and bloods. Most patients discharged from follow-up here. Return to driving if emergency stop pain-free — test in empty car park first.
Return to drivingMost discharged here - 8 weeks
Building strength & confidence
Most patients walking freely without aids. Gentle swimming, cycling and longer walks encouraged. Pain continues to settle and stamina improves week by week.
Walking without aidsSwimming & cycling - 3–4 months
Return to full activities
Most patients back to golf, cycling, travel and walking without restriction. Quality of life significantly improved. Implant designed to last well beyond 20 years.
Golf & cyclingFull daily activities - Any time
Questions or concerns
Mr Kozdryk can be contacted by email at any time, or via WhatsApp in an emergency, and will personally reply within 24 hours.
Email anytimeWhatsApp — emergencies
Immediate recovery
Goals
- Protect the new hip and control swelling
- Get out of bed, stand and walk short distances with crutches or a frame
- Begin gentle circulation and activation exercises in bed
Exercises
Ankle pumps
Lying flat, slowly point and flex the foot. 20 reps every hour while awake — reduces clot risk.
Static quads
Press the back of the operated knee down into the bed for 5 seconds, relax. 10 reps, 3× a day.
Gluteal squeezes
Squeeze both buttocks together for 5 seconds, relax. 10 reps, 3× a day.
Heel slides
Slide the heel of the operated leg towards you, keeping it on the bed, then straighten. 10 reps, 3× a day. Do not cross the midline.
Early rehabilitation
Goals
- Walk further with reducing use of crutches (as advised by your physiotherapist)
- Restore hip range of movement within safe limits
- Rebuild quadriceps, gluteal and core control
Exercises
Standing hip abduction
Holding a worktop, take the operated leg out to the side, keeping toes forward. 10 reps × 3 sets.
Standing hip extension
Take the operated leg straight back — small range, no arching of the lower back. 10 reps × 3 sets.
Mini squats
Feet hip-width, lower a few inches keeping weight through the heels. 10 reps × 3 sets.
Step-ups (low step)
Lead with the operated leg going up, non-operated leg going down. 10 reps × 2 sets, once tolerated.
Stationary bike (no resistance)
Once you can comfortably clear the pedal — usually week 3–4 — 5–10 minutes daily.
Strength and confidence
Goals
- Walk without aids on level ground
- Return to driving (once safe emergency stop is possible — often around 6 weeks)
- Progress to longer walks, swimming and gentle gym work
Exercises
Bridges
Lying on your back, knees bent, lift hips to a straight line from knees to shoulders. 10 reps × 3 sets.
Clamshells
Side-lying, knees bent, open the top knee keeping heels together. 12 reps × 3 sets each side.
Sit-to-stand
From a firm chair, stand without using your hands. 10 reps × 3 sets.
Resisted band abduction
Loop a light band around the ankles, take the operated leg out to the side. 12 reps × 3 sets.
Swimming (front crawl or backstroke)
Usually safe once wounds are fully healed and reviewed — avoid breaststroke leg kick.
Return to activity
Goals
- Return to non-impact sport — cycling, golf, hiking, doubles tennis
- Progress gym-based strength work under guidance
- Ongoing hip and core conditioning to protect the replacement long-term
Exercises
Cycling (outdoors)
Once balance and confidence allow — typically from 8–12 weeks.
Golf
Chipping and putting from ~6 weeks, full swing from ~3 months.
Hill walking
Reintroduce gradually — use walking poles for descents in the first months.
Movements to avoid early on
- Bending the operated hip past 90° (low chairs, deep sofas, tying shoelaces).
- Crossing the operated leg over the midline of the body.
- Twisting on the operated leg — turn by taking small steps instead.
- High-impact running or jumping in the first 3 months.
When to contact the practice
Contact your surgical team promptly if you develop increasing wound redness or discharge, a fever above 38 °C, sudden new pain, a calf that becomes hot and swollen, or shortness of breath. For urgent problems out of hours, attend your nearest A&E.
Reviewed by Mr Jakub Kozdryk, MBBS FRCS (Tr & Orth), Consultant Hip & Knee Surgeon.