Your recovery program usually begins the day after surgery. Many patients walk a few steps the day following surgery with an appropriate assistive device (usually crutches or walking sticks) and this is acceptable permitting it is within the limits of your comfort.

The surgeon will determine how much weight you can bear on you new hip. In certain instances where the surgery has been more difficult, as is often the case with more advanced hip disease, the surgeon will advise you on walking and any further rehabilitation measures. This may mean a period of several weeks on crutches to allow full healing.

It should be noted that the first 6 months post-operation are the most vulnerable period for the joint as it is during this period that the bone quality initially remodels to ‘grip’ the implant. During this period impact at the joint should be avoided.

Further Progress  

You will generally be discharged from the hospital after five days with an assistive walking device. While at home, continue to walk with an assistive device unless directed by your surgeon to discontinue use. You must also remember to strictly follow the hip precautions and weight-bearing instructions during the first few months following surgery.

In the weeks after your surgery, it is important to continue to walk on a regular basis to further strengthen your hip muscles. An exercise and walking program helps to enhance your recovery from surgery and helps make activities of daily living easier to manage.

Driving may be commenced around 4 – 5 weeks after surgery although it is recommended that you do not drive unless you have been approved by your doctor.

Sexual relations can normally resume at around four to six weeks, however, you should take care to avoid extreme movements of the hip until around three months.

The following guidelines are important during your recovery:
1. Take regular walks when able;
2. Continue the exercises the physiotherapist has shown you;
3. Lie flat on your back for an hour every day to encourage the stretching of your hip muscles and ligaments;
4. Ensure that you rest after walking to enable the soft tissues to recover.