Physiotherapy After Total Hip Replacement
Rehabilitation after hip replacement is essential for restoring strength, movement, balance, and confidence.
Recovery progresses through several stages and should always be individualised based on surgical approach, pain levels, overall health, and patient goals.
Phase 1: Immediate Post-Operative Management and Early recovery (Weeks 0–6)
Goals
Protect healing tissues
Reduce pain and swelling
Improve circulation
Begin safe mobility
Restore basic function
Increase independence
Reduce reliance on walking aids
Muscle activation
Physiotherapy Focus
Pain and Swelling Management
Ice therapy
Compression if appropriate
Elevation
Gentle movement
Medication adherence as directed by medical team
Early Mobility
Patients are encouraged to begin walking early after surgery, often on the same day or the following day.
Walking aids such as crutches or a frame may initially be required.
Early Exercises
Exercises may include:
Ankle pumps
Deep breathing exercises
Gentle glute activation
Quadriceps activation
Bed mobility practice
Sit-to-stand practice
Gentle hip ROM
| Exercise | Reps | Sets | Times a week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ankle pumps | 10–20 | 2–3 | Several times daily |
| Deep breathing exercises | 5–10 | 2–3 | Several times daily |
| Gentle glute activation | 10 (5 sec holds) | 2–3 | Daily |
| Quadriceps activation | 10 (5 sec holds) | 2–3 | Daily |
| Bed mobility practice | 3–5 | 1–2 | Daily |
| Sit-to-stand practice | 5–10 | 2–3 | Daily |
| Gentle hip ROM | 10–15 | 2–3 | Daily |
Always follow any specific instructions or hip precautions given by your surgical team, as these take priority over general guidance.
Education
Education is critical during this phase and may include:
Safe movement strategies
Stair negotiation
Sleeping positions
Wound care guidance
Hip precautions if required by surgeon
