Week‑by‑Week Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline (What to Expect)

This guide provides general information—always follow your surgeon’s specific advice.

Your successful hip replacement is the first step toward a new, pain‑free life. The next crucial phase is your recovery. Understanding the typical timeline and milestones helps you set realistic expectations and play an active role in your outcome. This hip replacement recovery week by week guide outlines the journey from Day 0 to 12 weeks and beyond.

Hip Replacement Recovery Week‑by‑Week: Milestones at a Glance

This table provides a quick overview of goals for each stage of recovery (your plan will be personalized).

Time	Typical Goals
Day 0–1	Stand & walk with assistance; start ankle pumps & quad sets; ice & elevate
Weeks 1–2	Short, frequent walks; progress to cane as safe; control swelling; safe movement
Weeks 3–6	Walk 20–30 min; begin stationary bike (low resistance) if cleared; consider driving (surgeon clearance)
Weeks 7–12	Build endurance (30–45 min walks); most activities comfortable; return to low‑impact sports

The First 24–48 Hours (In Hospital)

Recovery starts immediately. Early mobilization reduces complications like blood clots and stiffness.

• Mobility: A physiotherapist helps you stand and walk with a walker—often the same day.
• Pain & swelling: Scheduled pain medicines, plus icing and leg elevation to control swelling.
• Exercises: Start ankle pumps, foot circles, and quad sets to promote blood flow.

Weeks 1–2 (Early Healing at Home)

Focus on safety, wound care, and gentle, consistent movement.

• Walking: Short walks every 1–2 hours while awake. Use a walker or crutches as advised.
• Exercises: Do your physio plan diligently (heel slides, gentle hip abduction, glute sets).
• Swelling control: Ice/elevate after walks and exercises.
• Wound care: Keep dressings clean/dry; follow your surgeon’s instructions for showering.
• Hip precautions (if advised): Respect movement precautions (e.g., avoid deep flexion or twisting) per your surgical approach.

Weeks 3–6 (Gaining Independence)

Strength and confidence increase; many daily tasks feel easier.

• Mobility: Progress from walker to cane as balance improves; practice stairs with a railing; extend walk duration to 10–30 minutes.
• Activities: If cleared, start a stationary bike (low resistance). Many resume driving in this window—left hip (automatic) may be ~2–3 weeks if off strong pain meds and safe to brake; right hip usually ~4–6+ weeks. Always get surgeon clearance.

Weeks 7–12 (Building Strength & Endurance)

Transition from healing to active rebuilding.

• Endurance: Walk 30–45 minutes; gradually increase bike resistance.
• Return to activities: Low‑impact options (swimming/pool walking) once the wound is fully healed.
• Physiotherapy: Advance strengthening and balance work; refine gait mechanics.

Urgent “Red‑Flag” Symptoms — Seek Care Immediately

Complications are uncommon, but act quickly if you notice:

• Fever >38.5°C, chills, spreading redness, or foul wound drainage
• Severe calf pain/tenderness or swelling (possible DVT)
• Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain (possible pulmonary embolism)
• Hip “gives way,” feels unstable, or you can’t bear weight

Home Setup Checklist for a Smooth Recovery

Prep your home to make recovery safer and easier.

• Clear pathways; remove trip hazards (loose rugs, cables)
• Use a firm chair with arms; consider a raised toilet seat/shower chair
• Have cold packs, extra pillows for elevation, and compression stockings ready
• Organize medicines; keep emergency and clinic numbers handy

Hip Replacement Recovery — FAQ

When can I drive?

Left hip (automatic cars): often 2–3 weeks if you’re off strong pain medicines and can brake safely. Right hip: usually 4–6+ weeks. Always get your surgeon’s clearance.

When can I shower?

Many patients can shower with a waterproof dressing after 24–48 hours (per your surgeon’s instructions). Keep the incision clean and dry; no soaking (tub/pool) until fully sealed—typically ~2–3 weeks.

When will I walk without a cane?

Commonly progress to a cane at 1–3 weeks and unaided walking around 3–6 weeks, depending on balance, strength, and comfort.

When can I climb stairs?

With a railing, you’ll usually practice stairs before discharge. Use the rule: “Up with the good, down with the operated.” Most feel more confident by weeks 3–6.

When can I sleep on my side?

Often once comfortable—many after 2–4 weeks. Place a pillow between the knees and follow any hip precautions your surgeon provides.

When can I return to work?

Desk work: ~3–6 weeks. Light duty/standing: ~4–8 weeks. Manual/heavy: ~8–12+ weeks. Your surgeon will personalize this.

When is it safe to resume sex?

Usually when pain allows and you can move comfortably—often 4–6 weeks. Respect hip precautions and start with comfortable, neutral positions.

How much swelling and pain is normal?

Swelling often peaks around days 3–5 and fluctuates for a few weeks. Pain should trend down weekly with ice, elevation, and exercises. Call urgently for increasing redness, foul drainage, severe calf pain/swelling, or shortness of breath.

When can I travel or fly?

Short car trips are usually fine after 1–2 weeks (take breaks to walk). Flights are often delayed until ~4–6 weeks—use DVT prevention (move often, hydration, stockings if advised). Get surgeon approval.

What activities are safe long‑term?

Low‑impact activities—walking, cycling, swimming—are generally encouraged. High‑impact running/jumping and contact sports are typically discouraged unless your surgeon advises otherwise.

Related Reading

• Hip replacement cost in India (what’s included, factors, cashless)
• Hip replacement success rate and longevity
• Hip replacement risks & complications (and prevention)
• Hip replacement in Karol Bagh (service page & consultation)

Disclaimer: General guidance. Your timeline and activity progression will be personalized by your surgical team. Always follow your surgeon’s specific advice.