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Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline: What to Expect at Each Stage

Updated: Oct 21, 2025


women hiking after hip replacement
Women thriving after a hip replacement due to experienced physiotherapy

If you Google "hip replacement recovery," you’ll probably see the same answer over and over: you’ll be back to normal in 3 months.


But if you’re a few weeks in, still struggling to sleep, or months down the track and wondering why things still feel hard, you’re not alone.


The truth? Recovery from total hip replacement (THR) isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline. It moves in phases, not calendar boxes. And what really makes the difference is having a clear rehab plan and the right support to keep progressing.


I’m Emma, an APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist with 13+ years of experience helping people just like you recover from joint surgery. Here's what you can realistically expect through each stage of hip replacement recovery.


Already know you need a physiotherapy assessment. Book online below.




Phase 1: 0–2 Weeks Post-Surgery

Focus: Pain management, swelling control, safe movement basics

The first fortnight is all about survival mode. Expect pain, fatigue, poor sleep, and a serious loss of appetite.

Swelling and bruising peak around Day 3–5. Many people need a walking aid, and it’s completely normal to feel unsteady, exhausted, and a little emotionally wobbly.

Your physio will focus on:

  • Teaching safe mobility (e.g. getting out of bed, standing, short walks)

  • Gentle circulation exercises to reduce clot risk

  • Early muscle activation (glutes, quads, core)

  • Reassurance and education

Research tip: Studies show early supervised rehab can reduce hospital stays and support faster functional gains (Jan et al., 2004).


Phase 2: 2–6 Weeks Post-Surgery

Focus: Regaining independence and early strength

This is often when people feel they "should be further along" but still struggle with:

  • Stiffness in the morning

  • Trouble standing from low chairs

  • Ongoing fatigue and limping

This is totally normal.

Your physio will start:

  • Gait retraining: ditching the waddle

  • Weaning off walking aids (if safe)

  • Basic strength work: glute med, hip flexors, balance drills

  • Encouraging short outings, light domestic tasks

It’s a delicate phase of building confidence and strength while still respecting tissue healing.

Research tip: Impaired hip abductor strength is common at this stage and is linked with poorer long-term walking outcomes if not addressed (Boonstra et al., 2008).


Phase 3: 6–12 Weeks Post-Surgery

Focus: Functional milestones and building load capacity

By now, you should be:

  • Walking further (1–3km), ideally without a limp

  • Managing stairs with confidence (but maybe still using a rail)

  • Getting back to driving or desk-based work

This is where "standard rehab" often ends but you are just getting started.

Physio will progress to:

  • Step-ups, side planks, bodyweight exercises

  • Endurance training: walking, cycling, gentle Pilates

  • Higher-level balance and proprioception

Research Tip: If you’re still limping, struggling with stairs, or unsure what to do at the gym, it’s a red flag. Delayed progress at this stage can lead to compensation and poor long-term outcomes (Austin et al., 2017).


Phase 4: 3–6 Months+

Focus: Returning to full function and sport

This is where the magic happens. Most people are "fine" by now but fine isn’t the same as thriving.

Rehab now targets:

  • Single-leg strength (step-downs, lunges)

  • Symmetry in walking, stairs, and exercise

  • Return to activity: golf, yoga, Pilates, bowls, hiking

  • Addressing fear, stiffness, or movement avoidance

Reserach Tip: Many patients assume this phase isn’t needed. But research shows that persistent asymmetries in strength and gait are common beyond 6 months without guided rehab (Mikkelsen et al., 2019).

If you want to return to sport or long walks, travel, or active retirement, this is the phase that gets you there.


Final Thoughts

Recovering from hip replacement isn’t just about waiting for 3 months to pass.

It’s about:

  • Phased progression

  • Regular re-assessment

  • Consistent effort

  • Structured strength work

  • The support of a skilled physio who understands hips

And if you’re stuck- limping, plateaued, or just unsure what to do next, I’d love to help.


📘 Download the The Hip & Knee's Physio's Return To Sport After Total Hip Replacement Guide below




Returning to sport after a hip replacement doesn’t have to be confusing or risky. The key is having the right plan and knowing when your body is ready.


If you're unsure what your next step should be, Book a consult with me, Emma, at The Hip and Knee Physio to get a tailored recovery plan that suits your goals.


👉 Call now on 9978 9833 or book online to take the first step toward pain-free movement.


Not sure what’s behind your hip or knee pain?

Take this free, 60-second quiz created by APA Titled Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist Emma Glynn. It’s designed to help you identify the most likely cause of your pain — from fat pad irritation to osteoarthritis — and guide your next step.

👉 Take the quiz now and get tailored insights to move forward with confidence.


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Disclaimer

The content provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

While The Hip and Knee Physio strives to present accurate and up-to-date information, we do not guarantee results or outcomes based on the information provided. Any exercises, strategies, or recommendations featured on this site should not be considered a personalised treatment plan.

Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider before starting any exercise program, particularly if you are experiencing pain, injury, or a pre-existing medical condition.

Use of this website does not create a physiotherapist–patient relationship. The Hip and Knee Physio accepts no responsibility for any injury or loss arising from reliance on or use of this information.

By using this website, you agree to these terms.


References

  • Jan MH, et al. (2004). Effects of a home program on strength, walking speed, and function after total hip replacement. Clin Rehabil.

  • Boonstra MC, et al. (2008). Gait and postural balance in patients with hip osteoarthritis and after total hip replacement. Arch Phys Med Rehabil.

  • Austin MS, et al. (2017). Recovery trajectories following total hip replacement. J Arthroplasty.

  • Mikkelsen LR, et al. (2019). Early progressive resistance training after fast-track total hip arthroplasty: A randomized controlled trial. Disabil Rehabil.


 
 
 

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