Expected hip replacement recovery phases and milestones
Laid-Back Guide to Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery
Say goodbye to pain and hello to a new lease on life post-hip replacement surgery! But first, let's prepare and make the most of your recovery.
Get Ready for SurgeryListen up, soon-to-be joint replacement warriors! Here's what you should know:
Most folks can get back to independent living within 3 to 6 weeks of the operation. But don't forget that our pre-surgery steps could impact recovery time.
Research exercises for strong legs, core, and upper body in the weeks leading up to your big day.Maintain a moderate weight to reduce complications during surgery.Quit smoking, if possible.Arrange for assistance at home for a week or two post-op.Get meals prepped ahead of your return.Modify your home for accessibility and convenience, such as getting a raised toilet seat, safety bars, and mobility aids.
Surgery and Immediate RecoveryAfter the operation, you might spend 1 to 2 days in the hospital, or even go home the same day. Here's how it shakes out:
Pain relievers, like opioids, local anesthetic, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen, will be administered to manage pain.Staples or stitches will close the incision for about 2 weeks. Providing home care instructions for this stage is important.Your doctor may have you moving around as soon as possible after the surgery. This could mean walking short distances with assistance on the same day as the operation.A physiotherapist might show you exercises to strengthen your hip and advise you on what activities to avoid.They could also demonstrate safe sitting and bending techniques to protect the new hip.
Heading HomePost-op, you may require help with daily tasks for several weeks, or you might need to stay in a rehabilitation facility.
Expect some pain and discomfort for a few weeks. Keep taking those prescription meds!Physical therapy or home exercises will speed recovery and improve flexibility and strength in the new joint.If needed, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist will check in and offer support during recovery.Keep the incision wound dry until your doctor removes the stitches or staples.
Recovery Milestones
At 10 to 14 days, you should no longer have stitches. Pain and swelling may go down, but it may take longer for some.You may still need mobility aids like crutches or a cane during this early recovery period.
• follow physical therapy exercises as a physical therapist instructs• try other gentle exercises, such as daily walking• sit in a reclining position• use a cold compress to reduce swelling• take any prescription medications as a doctor instructs• use walking aids, such as crutches, if necessary
Beyond 2 WeeksBy the third week, many people can resume light activities of daily living. You may feel stronger, more stable, and comfortable putting more weight on your leg.After 6 weeks, you may be ready to return to work. After 6 to 8 weeks, you can get back to the swing of things in the bedroom.Continue physical therapy as recommended, for at least 2 months after surgery. Consult your doc about when you can move on to additional exercises, like swimming and walking.
Beyond 3 MonthsAt this point, you may be able to resume daily activities. Work with your doc to determine the best type of physical therapy and when you can reduce or stop.After 3 months, you may be able to dabble in low-impact sports.
• sitting still for long periods• crossing the legs at the knee• bending the hip more than 90 degrees• bending down to touch the feet or ankles• sitting in low chairs• intense exercise, which may involve jumping or sudden turns• moving or lifting heavy objects
Pro Tips for a Smoother RecoveryDo: 1. Follow physical therapy exercises 2. Try gentle exercises like walking daily 3. Sit in a reclining position 4. Use a cold compress to reduce swelling 5. Take any prescription medications as instructed 6. Use walking aids if necessaryAvoid: 1. Sitting still for long periods 2. Crossing the legs at the knee 3. Bending the hip more than 90 degrees 4. Bending down to touch the feet or ankles 5. Sitting in low chairs 6. Intense exercise involving jumping or sudden turns 7. Moving or lifting heavy objects
Recovery in Different Age GroupsHip replacements in those under 20 are usually avoided, due to unfavorable outcomes, although some may be necessary due to osteonecrosis of the femoral head.Older folks may experience a more challenging recovery due to pre-existing mobility issues and a higher risk of complications like heart and lung disease.
Hip Resurfacing RecoveryIn hip resurfacing, the femoral head is trimmed and capped with a metal cover instead of being completely removed. The damaged cartilage and bone inside the socket are still replaced with a metal shell.Many people can go home 1 to 4 days after hip resurfacing surgery.You might be able to put weight on your leg immediately afterward, but you may need a walking aid for the first few days or weeks.A doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for pain, and physical therapy will likely be recommended after surgery.
- While preparing for hip replacement surgery, research exercises for strong legs, core, and upper body.
- For a smoother recovery, maintain a moderate weight to reduce complications during surgery.
- If possible, quit smoking before the surgery to improve healing and reduce the risk of complications.
- Arrange for assistance at home for a week or two post-op, as you may require help with daily tasks during the initial recovery phase.
- Get meals prepped ahead of your return, as preparing meals during the recovery period might be challenging.
- Modify your home for accessibility and convenience. Consider getting a raised toilet seat, safety bars, and mobility aids.
- After the operation, CBD may help manage pain, but consult your doctor before using it.
- In the management of chronic diseases like chronic kidney disease, colitis, COPD, Alzheimer's, obesity, and ulcerative colitis, regular physical therapy and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including fitness and exercise, can contribute to overall health and wellness, especially in aging individuals, but mental health must also be considered during the recovery process.
