Returning home after hip surgery marks the beginning of an important journey towards regaining your mobility and independence. While the operation itself is a significant step, the rehabilitation process within the comfort of your own home is where true recovery happens.
Key Takeaways
- Follow your surgeon’s specific weight-bearing precautions to protect your new hip.
- Manage pain effectively to ensure you can move and sleep comfortably.
- Clear walkways and remove trip hazards to create a safe recovery environment.
In This Article
The First Few Weeks at Home
Arriving home after a hospital stay can feel both a relief and a challenge. In the initial weeks following hip surgery, your priority is to balance rest with gentle activity. It is normal to experience some swelling and discomfort, and managing this is crucial for your progress. Pain relief is not just for comfort; it enables you to perform your rehabilitation exercises correctly and get the restorative sleep your body needs to heal.
Your discharge team from the NHS will likely have provided you with specific instructions regarding movement restrictions. These often include avoiding crossing your legs, not bending your hip beyond 90 degrees, and twisting. Adhering to these precautions is vital to prevent dislocation while the soft tissues around your new joint heal.
Creating a Safe Living Environment
Safety is paramount when you have reduced mobility. Falls or sudden twists can jeopardise your recovery, so adapting your home environment is essential. Simple changes can make a significant difference to your confidence and safety.
Consider removing loose rugs and ensuring that all walkways are clear of cables and clutter. In the bathroom and bedroom, the height of your furniture matters. A chair or toilet seat that is too low can force you to bend your hip too far. Many people find that specialist home adaptations and equipment, such as raised toilet seats or perching stools, provide the necessary support to maintain independence safely during this period.
The Importance of Movement and Rehabilitation
Once you are settled, consistent physiotherapy is key to restoring your strength and walking pattern. While rest is important, prolonged inactivity can lead to stiffness and muscle weakness. A structured approach to movement helps to improve circulation, reduce the risk of blood clots, and gradually increase the range of motion in your new hip.
Rehabilitation is not a race. It involves a gradual progression from bed exercises to standing, and eventually walking with confidence. Engaging in specialised post-surgery rehabilitation can help ensure that you are performing the right movements at the right stage of your recovery, minimising the risk of setbacks.
Recommended At-Home Exercises
Safety First: The following exercises are for general guidance only. Always follow the specific instructions given by your surgeon or physiotherapist, especially regarding weight-bearing status.
1. Ankle Pumps
Lying on your back or sitting in a supportive chair, slowly bend your ankles to pull your toes up towards you, then point them down away from you. This helps improve circulation and reduce the risk of clots.
Reps & Sets: 10 reps, regularly throughout the day.
2. Quadriceps Sets (Thigh Squeezes)
Lying on your back with legs straight, push the back of your knee down into the bed by tightening the muscle on the front of your thigh. Hold for a few seconds and relax.
Reps & Sets: 5–10 reps, 3 times a day.
3. Gluteal Squeezes
Lying on your back or sitting, squeeze your buttocks together tightly. Hold for five seconds, then release. This helps maintain the strength of the muscles that support your hip.
Reps & Sets: 5–10 reps, 3 times a day.
The information in this article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your GP, physiotherapist, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or specific exercise programme.
Final Thoughts & Next Steps
Recovering from hip surgery takes time, patience, and a consistent approach to rehabilitation. By creating a safe home environment and adhering to a gentle exercise routine, you can steadily rebuild your strength. Remember that every recovery timeline is unique; focusing on steady progress rather than speed will help you return to the activities you enjoy with confidence and safety. If you are concerned about your balance as you become more active, considering a review of falls prevention strategies can provide extra peace of mind.
