Perhaps the most common questions patients have about hip replacement are regarding the recovery process and recovery time. There is no definite answer, as each individual’s situation differs significantly from anyone else’s.

Recovery Time

While each person will recover from hip surgery at a different rate, doctors expect patients to return to work between six and eight weeks for office jobs and three to four months for physically demanding labor. Typically patients can return to “normal life activities” between three and six months post-surgery. The average long-term recovery for total hip replacement patients is approximately six to twelve months.

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Pain Management

Pain management is an important part of the recovery process. Pre-operative education regarding pain, discomfort, medication and other pain management techniques is important for a smooth recovery. We recommend patients follow a simple mantra when practicing pain management for total hip surgery: Rest, Ice, Elevate and take your pain meds by the clock!

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Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can be helpful to rehabilitation from total hip replacement surgery. Although, some simple exercise routines carried out at home can be just as effective. In order to keep the joint flexible, building strength and increasing the range of motion are necessary and can be accomplished by participating in physical therapy and other exercise programs regularly. Average time for regaining normal range of movement can take up to eight to twelve months in some cases.

Complications

As with any surgical procedure, complications may occur following hip replacement. Surgeons will counsel their patients regarding these possible complications (and their probabilities) before consenting to any surgery. Complications include squeaky or noisy hip joints, blood clots, misalignment of implants, dislocation, leg length differential, infection, implant loosening, fracture and allergic reactions.

Despite its complexity, hip replacement surgery is a procedure with an extremely high success rate (98%). Although complications are relatively uncommon, any surgical procedure carries the risk of complications. It is important for patients to understand these risks prior to consenting to surgery. You should discuss the possible complications with your surgeon and learn about ways to lessen your risks.

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Emotional Recovery and Support

One less physiological yet equally important aspect of recovery is the patient’s emotional health. A condition often known as “post op blues” is very common and often accompanied by despair that no progress is being made. However, it is usually short lived. A positive attitude and a solid support network (friends, family and/or patient groups) will do wonders to help a total hip replacement patient through the recovery process.

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Filed Under: Hip Replacement, Recovering from Hip Surgery