Optimising recovery after a hip replacement

In this blog, we look at the factors that can support ongoing recovery beyond the early stages.

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.

Remember to keep moving

Regular movement is important, but so is knowing when to rest. Staying active helps support strength, mobility and circulation as recovery progresses, but doing too much too soon can increase discomfort or fatigue.

Optimising recovery isn’t about pushing harder – it’s about finding a sustainable rhythm that works for you. Good days and slower days are both a normal part of recovery.

Strength, balance and confidence all work together

Strength is important, but balance and confidence are just as critical. As recovery continues, rehabilitation often focuses on improving strength for everyday activities, supporting balance and stability, and building confidence with walking, stairs and uneven surfaces.

These elements work together. When confidence improves, people tend to move more naturally – and that supports recovery overall.

Sleep, swelling and pain management

Recovery doesn’t just happen during exercise sessions. It happens in between – when your body rests and recovers. Managing ongoing swelling, staying on top of pain, and getting adequate rest can all influence how comfortable and confident movement feels.

Poor sleep or unmanaged discomfort can slow progress. That’s why these ‘background factors’ matter just as much as exercise.

Recover at your own pace

It’s normal for daily activities to feel different for a while. Walking longer distances, returning to hobbies, driving or getting back to work often happens gradually – and timelines can vary from person to person.

Comparing your recovery to someone else’s can be frustrating. The goal is steady progress based on your own recovery, not someone else’s timeline.

Stay patient – especially as things start to feel better

One of the riskiest points in recovery can be when people start to feel almost normal. As pain decreases and movement improves, it can be tempting to increase activity too quickly, but patience is still important during this phase. Ongoing physiotherapy support can help ensure exercises and activity levels continue to match your recovery stage.

How can HBF help?

If you have eligible extras cover with HBF, you may be able to claim benefits for visits to a physiotherapist as part of your recovery after hip replacement.

Physiotherapy can support long term recovery by:

• Supporting ongoing strength, balance and confidence
• Helping you return to everyday activities safely
• Adjusting your program as your goals and capacity change
• Providing reassurance and guidance as recovery progresses

A physiotherapist can help you optimise recovery – supporting progress that lasts beyond the early rehab phase.