Preparing for your Hip Replacement Surgery: What You Need to Know

Preparing for hip replacement surgery involves several important steps before, during, and after the procedure. While individual surgical techniques and recovery plans may vary, most hip replacement surgeries follow a similar overall course. Understanding what to expect can help you prepare effectively and move through recovery with greater confidence.

Before Surgery: Preparing Your Body and Your Home

In the weeks leading up to surgery, your care team will focus on preparing both your body and your home for recovery.

You may be asked to adjust certain medications, supplements, or vitamins before surgery. Always follow the specific guidance provided by your surgeon or medical team, and be sure to review any prescription medications you take regularly.

Many surgeons also recommend pre-operative exercises to help strengthen the muscles that support the hip and improve balance and mobility. Improving strength and flexibility ahead of surgery can make early movement and rehabilitation easier afterward. If exercises are recommended, your care team can guide you on which ones are appropriate for you.

At home, advance preparation can make a meaningful difference:

• Removing trip hazards (i.e. rugs, table legs, etc.)

• Arrange a comfortable seating and sleeping setup that minimizes the use of stairs

• Arrange for help around the house for a week or two

• Plan to have someone transport you to and from the hospital for the surgery and for initial follow-up visits.

• Speak to your care team about any equipment that can help with routine activities such as a shower chair or raised toilet seat

The Day of Surgery: What to Expect

On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive at the hospital or surgical center ahead of your scheduled procedure to allow time for check-in and preparation. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and shoes that are easy to put on and take off.

You should plan to have a friend or family member drive you to the facility and take you home afterward. Most hip replacement procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, so you should expect to return home the same day. However, in some cases an overnight stay may be recommended depending on your overall health and your surgeon’s protocol. Because of anesthesia and pain medications, you will not be able to drive yourself.

After surgery, most patients are encouraged to begin gentle movement the same day or shortly afterward. With guidance from your care team or a physical therapist, this may include standing and walking short distances. Early movement is a routine and important part of hip replacement recovery, helping improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and support mobility. Your care team can also show you how to move safely during everyday activities, such as bathing or showering, using the bathroom, and navigating stairs.

The First Days After Surgery: Managing Pain, Swelling, and Movement

In the days immediately following surgery, swelling, soreness, and fatigue are common and expected. Your care team will provide guidance on managing discomfort, caring for your incision, and moving safely. You will receive specific instructions on how to keep the surgical site clean and dry, when it is safe to shower, and how to care for any dressings, staples, sutures, or surgical glue. It is important to monitor the incision for signs of infection, such as increasing redness, warmth, drainage, or fever. If you notice any concerning changes, contact your care team promptly.

Physical therapy typically begins soon after surgery. Early sessions focus on safe walking, basic mobility, and learning how to move in ways that protect your new hip. Many patients use a walker or cane initially and gradually transition away from assistive devices as strength and balance improve.

Depending on the surgical approach used, you may be given specific movement precautions to follow for a period of time. These guidelines are designed to protect the healing joint and support proper recovery.

Progress during this phase may feel gradual. Rest, pacing activity, and managing swelling are important parts of early recovery.

The First Weeks After Surgery: Building Strength and Regaining Function

Rehabilitation plays a central role in hip replacement recovery. Over the weeks following surgery, physical therapy focuses on restoring strength, mobility, balance, and function.

Therapy goals often include:

• Improving hip mobility and walking comfort

• Increasing strength and stability in the hip and surrounding muscles

• Returning to everyday activities safely, such as getting in and out of a car, climbing stairs, sitting and standing from a chair, and putting on shoes and socks

• Reducing reliance on assistive devices such as walkers or canes

  
  

As recovery progresses, many patients begin resuming more routine activities. The timing for returning to driving and work varies and depends on factors such as which hip was operated on, strength, mobility, and the type of activities involved.

In general, patients may be cleared to drive at the 4-6 week mark when they can safely and comfortably control the vehicle. Returning to work depends on the physical demands of the job. Those with desk or sedentary jobs are often able to return to work within a few weeks, while jobs that require prolonged standing, lifting, or manual labor may require a longer recovery period, often taking several months. Your surgeon will help determine when it is safe to resume these activities based on your progress.

Recovery timelines vary, but many patients notice steady improvements in pain and movement during the first several weeks, with continued gains over the following months. It’s normal for progress to fluctuate, particularly as activity levels increase.

Monitoring recovery over time helps provide a clearer picture of improvement. Staying consistent with therapy, movement, and communication with your care team plays an important role in achieving long-term outcomes.

If you’re preparing for hip replacement surgery, your surgeon and care team are your best source of personalized guidance. They can help tailor expectations and recovery plans to your individual needs. Consider asking your surgeon whether StrideLink is available to help track your mobility, monitor recovery trends, and provide objective insight between follow-up visits.