6 early recovery strategies after a hip replacement

In this blog, we cover the early recovery phase and the strategies that can help you feel more comfortable and confident as you heal.

It has been developed with insights from Jakub Chudy, Managing Partner and Physiotherapist at HBF Physio Cockburn, and reflects his clinical experience supporting people through recovery.

Strategy 1: Get moving early

The sooner you start moving, in a safe, supported way, the better. The sooner you get up and walk after surgery, the better and faster your recovery tends to be. Keeping still after surgery can lead to swelling and stiffness around the joint and can increase pain – while gentle movement can reduce this risk. Early movement also helps reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots.

Early movement doesn’t mean doing lots – it means doing the right amount, at the right time, with the right support.

Strategy 2: Use your exercises to support circulation and recovery

Your early exercises aren’t about fitness – they’re about circulation, movement and getting key muscles working again. Early post operative exercises can help increase circulation in your legs and feet, which is important for preventing blood clots, and can also help strengthen muscles and improve hip movement.

Strategy 3: Manage swelling

Swelling is normal after joint replacement – but it can make moving more uncomfortable, so managing it is a big part of early recovery. Swelling can be managed with strategies like rest, elevation and ice.

Strategy 4: Manage pain so you can do the essentials

Hip replacement surgery is often painful, and the first few weeks can be difficult and uncomfortable – and it’s normal for post operative pain to feel different from arthritis pain experienced before surgery.

You’ll usually be given pain relief after surgery, and painkillers may continue for days while the hip is sore.

Strategy 5: Use walking aids

Walking aids aren’t a step backwards – they’re a tool to help you walk safely and build confidence while your strength returns. Many people use a walking aid such as a frame or crutches when first getting up after surgery to help with balance and safe walking.

Strategy 6: Follow medical advice

Hip precautions can vary depending on your surgery, so it’s important to follow the instructions you’ve been given by your surgeon or physio. Post operative guidance commonly includes walking regularly and not crossing your legs and bending the hip beyond 90 degrees while your joint is recovering.

A quick reassurance if early recovery feels slow

Early recovery can feel slow – but that doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. This stage is meant to be steady, not rushed. Recovery is different for everyone, and rehabilitation can include physiotherapy and occupational therapy to strengthen the joint and improve flexibility.

How can HBF help?

If you have eligible extras cover with HBF, you may be able to claim benefits for visits to a physio.

Physiotherapy can support the early recovery phase by:

• Supporting safe early movement, including walking and basic functional tasks
• Helping manage pain and swelling, so you can move more comfortably
• Guiding early exercises, focused on circulation, movement and confidence
• Monitoring your progress, and adjusting support as your recovery progresses

A physiotherapist can help you build safe foundations in the early stages – supporting steady progress without rushing your recovery.