Your Hip or Knee Replacement Recovery Guide

Understanding the Recovery Journey

Hip replacement surgery is a transformative procedure, but it is just the beginning of the recovery process. The benefits of surgery include pain relief, reduced stiffness, improved mobility, improved quality of life, less reliance on medication, better socialization, improved sleep, and a reduced risk of falls. While the surgery itself is crucial, the real journey lies in the rehabilitation and healing that follows. Managing expectations and being well-prepared are key to achieving the best outcome.

Step-by-Step Action Plan

Making the Decision: Timing Your Surgery

Undergoing hip replacement surgery is not a decision to be taken lightly. The timing of your surgery can have a significant impact on your recovery experience. Consider factors such as the availability of family or friends to assist you in the initial weeks after surgery, as well as external conditions like winter weather, which can make outdoor mobility more challenging. Planning ahead ensures you have the best support system in place to facilitate a smooth and safe recovery.

Preoperative Phase: Preparing for Surgery

1. Maximize Strength
   • Engage in strengthening exercises focusing on the legs, core, and upper body.
   • Perform daily exercises to improve strength.
2. Plan Your Home Environment
   • Arrange furniture to create clear walking paths and remove rugs or other trip hazards.
   • Ensure seating at the correct height; avoid low chairs.
   • Consider chair raisers, raised toilet seats, a long handled shoe horn and a grabber to help you post op.
   • Set up a sleeping area that allows easy access without excessive bending or twisting. In the early stages, stairs can be challenging and so sleeping downstairs can be safer.
3. Prepare for Daily Needs
   • Cook and freeze meals for easy access post-surgery.
   • Arrange for help with household chores like cleaning and shopping.
   • Stock up on essential supplies, including medications.
4. Improve Nutrition
   • Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, calcium, and vitamin D.
   • Stay hydrated and avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine.
5. Medical Preparations
   • Attend all preoperative assessments and follow medical advice.
   • Discuss any medications that may need adjustments before surgery.
   • Arrange for transportation to and from the hospital.
6. Prebook Physiotherapy Appointments
   • Recovery is a partnership between you, your surgeon, and your physiotherapist.
   • Book physiotherapy sessions in advance to ensure continuous rehabilitation post-surgery.
   • Regular physiotherapy is crucial for regaining mobility, strength, and reducing complications.
   • Prebooking a block of sessions in advance will make it easier for your family/friends to assist you.
7. In hospital Admission:

Expect to stay in the hospital for a few days for recuperation and rehab.

The team will monitor vital signs, pain levels, and mobility progress.

 

1. Pain Management: everyone’s experience of pain is different so the medication schedule will vary from person to person. It is important to report any unusual pain or discomfort to the medical team.
2. Physiotherapy Begins
   • You will begin walking with a physiotherapist, usually within 24 hours of surgery. Usually either a walking frame or crutches  will be prescribed to support safe movement.
   • you will be prescribed exercises to perform in bed and in standing:-Initial exercises will focus on improving your ability to transfer position, begin walking and commence specific exercises to restore movement, strength, balance and function.
   • This is important, work closely with your physiotherapist to understand proper techniques. If your home has stairs, you will need to undergo a stair assessment prior to being discharged home.
3. Discharge Planning
   • Ensure you have someone to assist you at home for the first few days.
   • Review discharge instructions, including medications and follow-up appointments.

Postoperative Phase: Recovering at Home

1. Movement and Activity
   • Walk 3 to 5 times daily, starting with short distances and gradually increasing.
   • Perform prescribed physiotherapy exercises 3 to 5 times a day.
   • Use assistive devices (zimmer frame, walker, crutches, or stick) as instructed.
2. Rest and Recovery
   • Schedule a morning and afternoon nap to aid healing.
   • Balance activity with adequate rest; everything in moderation.
3. Explicit Do’s and Dont’s: for the mature client, with reduced muscle bulk:
   • Avoid low chairs and ensure you have a sturdy seat at the right height.
   • Modify sleeping positions; you explicitly must sleep on your back for the first 6 weeks. Side sleeping is not permitted.
   • Do not cross your legs or make sudden twisting movements.
   • When standing or walking, never pivot on a fixed foot. you must step around.
4. Nutritional Support
   • Maintain a high-protein clean diet to support muscle repair and healing.
   • Stay hydrated and include nutrient-dense foods.
5. Working with Your Physiotherapist
   • Follow their instructions for progressing exercises and walking techniques and distances:- Walking is important but on it own, it is not enough. Rehab needs to prepare you for the activities you want to get back to. If you want to get back to dancing or gardening, the prescribed rehab exercises will reflect these demands. Going back to these activities too quickly  when you are still “undercooked” in your rehab can lead to more pain or a limp. This is often when clients feel despondent, that their surgery “hasn’t worked”. This is not true, it is a reflection that rehab is not yet complete.
   • Attend follow-up sessions as scheduled to track progress.
   • In summary: Be proactive in your recovery; physiotherapy is not just an add-on, it is a key component of success.
6. Monitoring for Complications
   • Watch for signs of infection (redness, swelling, unusual pain, or fever).
   • Be alert for signs of blood clots, such as swelling in the leg or shortness of breath.
   • Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any concerns.
   • Book to see your GP 10-14 days post op for a wound check or removal of sutures/clips if required.

Unexpected Surgery: Adapting to Recovery

Sometimes, accidents happen, and hip replacement surgery may be required unexpectedly, leaving little or no time for pre-planning. In such cases, it’s important to remember that while the lead-up to surgery is different, the recovery process remains the same. The same principles of rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and lifestyle adjustments apply. You will still need to focus on mobility, nutrition, pain management, and working closely with your physiotherapist and surgeon to ensure the best outcome. Even if preoperative preparation was not possible, a proactive approach post-surgery can significantly impact your recovery journey.

Managing Expectations: The Recovery Timeline

Recovery from hip replacement surgery is not always a straight path, and there may be small setbacks along the way. This is completely normal. It is expected that in the first six weeks, you will experience gradual, weekly improvements. While some discomfort and stiffness are common, consistency with physiotherapy and movement will help you progress steadily. Full recovery can take six months or more, depending on factors such as age, pre-existing conditions like arthritis, and overall health. Be patient with your body and trust the process—each step forward is a step toward regaining independence and quality of life.

Conclusion

Hip replacement surgery is life-changing, and a successful recovery requires commitment and patience. By following this step-by-step action plan—preparing adequately before surgery, actively participating in rehabilitation during your hospital stay, and maintaining a structured recovery at home—you can maximize your recovery outcome and enjoy a renewed quality of life. Remember, your recovery is a team effort between you, your surgeon, and your physiotherapist. Taking an active role in your rehabilitation will help ensure the best possible outcome.