Hip Replacement

What is a hip replacement?
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A hip replacement is a surgical procedure where a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint. It is most commonly performed due to severe arthritis, but may also be needed after injury or long-term joint damage.

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The aim of hip replacement surgery is to reduce pain, improve movement and restore quality of life.

Recovery takes time, and rehabilitation plays a key role in helping you regain strength, balance and confidence.

Why might someone need a hip replacement?
 

Common reasons include:

• Severe osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Hip fractures
• Avascular necrosis
• Long-term joint degeneration

Surgery is usually recommended when pain and stiffness significantly affect daily activities and other treatments have not helped.

What does recovery after hip replacement feel like?
 

Recovery varies from person to person.

In the early stages, you may experience:

• Pain and swelling around the hip

• Bruising

• Stiffness

• Weakness in the leg

• Difficulty walking

• Reduced balance

• Fatigue

As healing progresses, strength and movement gradually improve, but targeted rehabilitation is important to restore normal walking and function.

How can physio help?
 

Physiotherapy is essential after hip replacement surgery.

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It helps by:

• Rebuilding strength around the hip

• Improving range of movement

• Restoring normal walking pattern

• Improving balance and confidence

• Reducing stiffness

• Supporting a safe return to daily activities

Without proper rehabilitation, people can develop compensatory walking patterns or ongoing weakness.

What treatment will Village Physio do?
 

At Village Physio, we provide personalised, home-based rehabilitation following hip replacement surgery.

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Treatment may include:

• Progressive strengthening exercises

• Gait retraining to improve walking pattern

• Balance training

• Functional practice – stairs, sit-to-stand, getting in and out of bed

• Gentle mobility exercises

• Swelling management advice

• Guidance on safe movement and pacing

All sessions are one-hour home visits, allowing time for thorough assessment and practical rehabilitation in your own home environment.

What can I do to reduce my discomfort whilst I wait for an appointment?
 

• Continue the exercises provided by the hospital if safe to do so

• Walk little and often, using walking aids as advised

• Avoid twisting movements

• Use ice on the hip to reduce swelling – not directly on the skin

• Rest when needed, but avoid long periods of inactivity

• Follow post-surgical precautions given by your surgical team

If you experience increased pain, redness, swelling, or signs of infection, contact your GP or surgical team promptly.