The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, where the rounded end of the thighbone, the ball, fits into the pelvis, the socket. Over time, or due to injury or arthritis, the cartilage of the hip joint can wear down. Without this smooth cartilage, the bones start to rub against each other, causing pain, stiffness and even swelling. When hip pain becomes too severe, or walking and daily activities get too hard, hip replacement surgery can be a helpful option.

Hip replacement surgery is a surgical procedure to replace a damaged hip joint with an artificial joint. Hip replacement surgery is typically recommended when nonsurgical treatments, such as medication and physical therapy, fail to provide relief from hip pain and disability. This surgery can significantly alleviate pain and improve mobility with conditions like:

• Osteoarthritis — Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes cartilage breakdown and joint pain.
• Rheumatoid arthritis — Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain, swelling and stiffness.
• Hip fracture — A hip fracture is a broken hip bone, often caused by falls or accidents.
• Avascular necrosis — Avascular necrosis is a condition where the bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply.

Hip surgery is typically done under general anesthesia and involves the following steps:

• Incision — The surgeon makes an incision in the skin over the hip joint.
• Removal of damaged tissue — The damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the hip joint.
• Insertion of the prosthesis — The surgeon inserts the artificial joint components, which consist of a ball and socket. The ball component is attached to the femur, while the socket component is secured to the pelvis. The artificial joint is usually made of strong materials like metal, plastic or ceramic.
• Securing and testing — The surgeon will check to make sure your new joint fits well and will allow for smooth movement.
• Closure — The incision is closed with stitches or staples. After some time in recovery, you’ll be moved to a hospital room to begin the healing process.

After surgery, patients are typically hospitalized and then begin physical therapy to help them regain strength, flexibility and mobility. With proper care and exercise, your new artificial hip can last many years and make a huge difference in your ability to move comfortably.

Hip replacement surgery recovery: What to expect

Recovery from hip replacement surgery typically takes several months. Many people can start to feel better and move more comfortably within a few weeks, but full recovery can take up to a year. Recovery can be different for everyone. Your hip replacement recovery time can be influenced by a variety of factors, including:

• Your age
• Your overall health
• Your hip replacement type 
• If you follow medical guidance, including physical therapy sessions

The recovery process for hip replacement varies from person to person, but here’s a general timeline of what you can expect:

• First few days — You’ll likely stay in the hospital for a few days after surgery. Nurses and physical therapists will help you start moving safely with your new hip. You may use crutches or a walker to help you walk without putting too much pressure on your new joint. You’ll also receive pain medication to help manage discomfort. 
• First few weeks — You’ll gradually increase your weight-bearing capacity and start walking with a cane or walker for added stability. You’ll have exercises to do that help rebuild your strength and improve your range of motion. Your doctor or physical therapist may give you instructions on how to sit, sleep and walk without putting too much strain on your new joint. Your pain level should gradually decrease as your incision heals.
• First three months — You’ll continue to gradually increase your activity level, which may include walking more and doing more physical therapy activities to strengthen the hip muscles and improve your balance. You should be able to do activities more comfortably, but you’ll still need to avoid heavy lifting or intense exercise. You may be cleared to start driving again, as long as you can safely do emergency maneuvers.
• Full recovery — By this time, most people can get back to activities they enjoy with less pain or stiffness. Some people can even return to sports like swimming or cycling. You may continue physical therapy to keep up your strength, mobility and overall hip health.

It’s essential to listen to your body and avoid overdoing it during the recovery process. 

Potential complications you may face after your hip replacement surgery include:

• Infection
• Blood clot
• Dislocation
• Nerve damage
• Wear and tear of the artificial joint over time

It’s crucial to be aware of the following signs of a blood clot during your recovery:

• Swelling in the calf or thigh
• Pain in the calf or thigh
• Redness or warmth in the affected area
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately.

By following your doctor’s instructions and doing physical therapy, you can significantly improve your chances of successful recovery and return to your usual activities.

Tips for a smooth hip replacement surgery recovery

Stay active, follow your doctor’s instructions and do your physical therapy exercises. These steps can help prevent complications and build strength, giving you the best chance at a full, active recovery.

Physical therapy for hip replacement surgery recovery

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process after hip replacement surgery. Your physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan based on your unique recovery process and goals. They will incorporate techniques that can help with:

• Pain management
• Muscle strengthening
• Flexibility improvement
• Range-of-motion restoration

Your physical therapist may use the following PT techniques in your customized hip replacement recovery treatment plan:

• Manual therapy — Manual therapy techniques encompass a wide range of hands-on techniques designed to help reduce pain, improve range of motion and promote healing. Your physical therapist may use manual therapy techniques such as:
• Soft tissue manipulation — Your physical therapist may use soft tissue manipulation to apply gentle pressure to the muscles around your hip joint. This can help relieve muscle tension, reduce pain and improve blood flow.
• Joint mobilization — Your physical therapist may use specific techniques to gently move your hip joint, improving range of motion and reducing stiffness. They may use a technique called distraction, where they gently pull on the joint to increase the space between the bones.
• Electrical stimulation — With electrical stimulation treatment, your physical therapist will place electrodes on your skin around your hip. These electrodes deliver low-level electrical currents, which can help reduce pain and muscle spasms. This can be particularly helpful in the early stages of recovery when pain and swelling are significant. 
• Aquatic therapy — Aquatic therapy can be beneficial for reducing pain and improving range of motion. The buoyancy of water can help alleviate stress on your joints and make exercise easier. Your physical therapist may guide you through exercises like walking in the pool, doing leg lifts and doing squats in the water.
• Therapeutic exercises — Therapeutic exercises are an essential part of hip replacement surgery recovery and can help you regain strength, flexibility and function. Some therapeutic exercises used for hip replacement include:
• Range-of-motion exercises — These gentle exercises help you regain the ability to move your new hip joint in all directions. Improving range of motion is key for bending, sitting and other daily activities.
• Strengthening exercises — Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises that target the muscles around your hip. Building strength here helps support your new hip joint and makes activities like walking and climbing stairs easier.
• Stretching exercises — Stretching helps keep your muscles from getting too tight, which can be common after surgery. Flexible muscles help prevent pain and improve your comfort when moving around.
• Balance exercises — These exercises improve your ability to stay steady on your feet. Balance exercises are important to help prevent falls and make you feel more secure moving around with your new hip. 

Each physical therapy technique has a unique purpose in helping you regain control, comfort and strength after hip replacement surgery. Working with your physical therapist and practicing these techniques can help you get back to doing the things you love with confidence. 

Take the first step toward a healthier, more active future with Lattimore PT by your side

At Lattimore Physical Therapy, we understand the recovery journey you’re facing with hip replacement surgery, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Recovery timelines can vary, but with the right support, you’ll be back on your feet in no time. Our team of skilled physical therapists offers personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs and goals, using a variety of therapeutic techniques to help restore strength, flexibility and comfort in your hip. We focus on every aspect of your recovery to help ensure a smooth and steady return to the activities you love. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.