Hip Replacement – Home Recovery

Hip Replacement – Home Recovery.

Recovery

Exercise is necessary for proper healing. Therapy will begin in the hospital and continues either on your own or with a therapist after discharge for approximately six weeks.

Therapy, a healthy diet and willingness to follow all of your surgeon’s recommendations will contribute to a more successful recovery after surgery. Most patients are able to walk without support and drive three to six weeks after surgery. Activities such as golf, doubles tennis and swimming can usually be resumed, but only with the approval of your surgeon. Recovery time will vary for each patient.

There will be exercises to help circulation, as well as strengthen muscles and improve joint motion. Your surgeon, physical therapist and every member of your health care team are there to support you, but your progress is up to you. Be sure to follow movement and any weight-bearing limitations. Also, do your prescribed exercises on your own so you can continue along the road to recovery. Exercise is necessary for proper healing.

High-impact activities or contact sports are typically not recommended. These types of activities place an extreme amount of pressure on the joints, which could lead to complications. There are also certain precautions (avoiding certain positions and movements) of which you must be aware. Your surgeon will discuss this with you.

Your surgeon will schedule follow-up appointments shortly after your hip replacement and at regular intervals following your surgery to evaluate your progress. It is important to see your surgeon if you notice any unusual changes regarding your new joint.

When to Call Your Surgeon
You should phone anytime you have questions regarding your condition, care and activity level. Report any changes with your incision, such as an increase in swelling, redness or drainage that worsen during your recovery. Call your surgeon if you experience persistent pain not relieved by pain medication, have side effects from medication or persistent swelling not relieved with ice or rest.