After Hip Replacement: Continuing with Hospital Recovery

Once you have been shown how to protect your hip, you will learn the skills needed to return to normal life. You’ll be taught how to walk, sit, and dress.

Sitting and dressing

To protect your new hip, an occupational therapist or physical therapist will teach you safer ways of doing daily tasks. Use the following tips when sitting, dressing, or using stairs.

Woman in hospital gown sitting down in chair with walker in front of her.

To sit, back up until the edge of the chair touches your leg. Then, using the armrests to support your weight, lower yourself into the seat. Always keep your operated leg out in front.
To pull on socks and shoes, use a long-handled device, such as a grasper or hook. Try this with slip-on shoes first.
To wash your feet and legs, use a long-handled sponge and a shower hose.
To use stairs, step up first with your good leg. Then bring your operated leg up to meet it. When going down, step down first with your operated leg.

Going home

You can leave the hospital when your health problem is stable, your pain is controlled, and you’re able to walk safely, including up and down stairs. Once home, it’s normal to have “good” and “bad” days. But if you continue exercising, there will be more good days and your general condition is likely to improve.

Your family’s role

Your family’s support is especially important while you recover and readjust. They can help you make the transition to your home environment. They can remind you of what you learned in the hospital. They can also assist you with equipment until you can use it on your own. Ask your family to encourage you to do things for yourself. They can also cheer you on and celebrate when you walk a little farther, or accomplish a new task.

Planning your discharge

A discharge planner or other healthcare worker meets with you before you’re discharged to arrange for care in another setting or for special equipment you may need at home. A follow-up visit with your surgeon will be arranged, as well as home therapy if it’s needed.

When to call your healthcare provider

Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have:

Excessive pain
Infection, excessive swelling, redness, warmth, or drainage from your incision
A fever of 100.4°F ( 38°C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider
Shaking chills
Calf pain or swelling