Hip replacement recovery
Hip Replacement Recovery Day by Day
Based on published NHS, AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons), healthdirect Australia, and NICE guidance (last checked Jul 2026). General information only: always follow your surgical team’s instructions.
Typical pain and progress curve
Surgery day: pain managed by anaesthesia and nerve blocks
Early days
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Recovery essentials for hip replacement
Things published guidance and other patients say make a real difference.
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Published NHS guidance recommends a raised toilet seat for 6–8 weeks to avoid bending the hip past 90 degrees. Essential for posterior-approach patients. Raised toilet seats →
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A grabber/reacher, sock aid, and long shoe horn help you dress without bending past 90 degrees. Published guidance lists these as essential hip kit items. Hip kit (grabber, sock aid, shoe horn) →
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A wedge pillow between the knees prevents the legs crossing during sleep. Published guidance recommends this for at least 6 weeks after posterior-approach surgery. Wedge pillows →
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Reusable ice packs reduce swelling and pain after exercises. Published guidance recommends icing for 15–20 minutes several times a day. Ice packs (hip size) →
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Before you forget
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Set up your home before surgery
Raised toilet seat, hip kit (grabber, sock aid), wedge pillow, and a firm high chair. Remove trip hazards like loose rugs.
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Stock up on ice packs
Published guidance recommends icing the hip for 15–20 minutes several times daily, especially after exercises. Have at least two packs so one can refreeze.
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Move essentials to waist height
You will not be able to bend to the floor or reach high shelves during hip precautions. Move daily-use items to bench or table height before surgery.
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Prepare your medication station
Set up a small table by your bed or chair with your medications, water, phone, and charger. You will spend a lot of time resting in the first week.
These are practical reminders, not medical advice. Your surgical team's instructions always come first.
Medical disclaimer: This page contains general information compiled from published clinical guidelines (NHS, AAOS, healthdirect Australia, NICE). It does not constitute medical advice and does not replace the guidance of your surgeon, GP, physiotherapist, or hospital team. If anything here contradicts what your treating team has told you, follow them. In an emergency, call 000 (Australia), 999 (UK), or 911 (US). See our full disclaimer.
🇺🇸 US patients: medical-grade bathroom safety, walkers, and mobility aids available from American Medical Rentals.
Your recovery toolkit
Free interactive tools to track your recovery day by day. Everything stays on your device — nothing is uploaded or shared.
Daily dashboardMeds, vitals & wound photos in one viewWound photo journalSame angle every day — spot changes earlyPain trackerSpot the trend, share it with your GPDriving readinessWhat published guidance says before you driveDVT risk checkerBlood-clot risk factors & what reduces themLast-dose tracker“When can I take the next one?”
These tools support — never replace — the advice of your surgical team. If something feels wrong, contact your doctor or emergency services.