Hip Replacement Recovery: How Physio-Led Rehab Can Help You Get Back to Doing What You Love

Reclaiming Your Life After Hip Surgery

For many women and men, hip replacement surgery can feel like the start of a new chapter  an opportunity to move without pain and return to the activities you love. But while the operation itself is life-changing, true hip replacement recovery doesn’t end when you leave the hospital.

At Ultimate Performance Lifestyle (UPL), we work with patients every week who’ve undergone hip replacement surgery. And while every recovery looks different, there’s one thing we know for sure: a personalised, physio-led rehabilitation plan makes a huge difference.

This isn’t about ticking off a hospital checklist. It’s about helping you feel confident, strong, and capable again  whether that’s returning to yoga, enjoying long walks, or getting back in the garden.

Early Recovery: Gentle Progress, Not Rigid Protocols

In the first six to eight weeks after hip surgery, most people focus on the basics: walking

comfortably around the house, managing pain, and getting back into simple daily routines. But many still feel uncertain  worried about moving the wrong way or doing too much too soon.

This is where physio-led rehab at UPL makes all the difference. In these early stages, our goal isn’t to push you hard  it’s to guide you safely and build your confidence.

We often focus on:

• Gentle mobility work to restore movement and reduce stiffness

• Glute and core activation exercises to improve stability and control

• Education on safe movement patterns, including getting in and out of chairs, bed, or the car

• Clear advice on what activities you can do  because in many cases, people are more capable than they realise

Weeks 8 to 16: Building Strength and Confidence

Around the two-month mark, many patients start to feel stronger but hit a plateau. Pain may be improving, but climbing stairs still feels tough, balance can feel shaky, and confidence hasn’t fully returned.

This stage is a crucial part of hip replacement recovery. It’s where our physiotherapists introduce more targeted strengthening and balance work, preparing you for everyday challenges and long-term independence.

We might include:

• Sit-to-stand drills to improve lower body strength

• Step-ups and tempo-based exercises to make stairs easier

• Balance and coordination training, helping you move more freely and prevent falls

• Functional movements designed to make daily tasks  like gardening, bending, or carrying shopping  easier and safer

By gradually increasing strength and mobility, we help you trust your body again and feel ready to get back to the activities you enjoy.

Moving Beyond Rehab: Back to Real Life

By the five- to six-month mark, many of our patients are doing far more than they thought possible. This is when hip replacement recovery starts to look less like “rehab” and more like everyday living.

For some, this means returning to a gentle yoga class (with a few safe modifications). For others, it’s gardening, cycling, walking long distances, or even playing with grandchildren without hesitation.

We’ll guide you on:

• Safe movement strategies  avoiding positions that put excessive strain on the new hip

• Gradual return to hobbies and sport

• Ongoing strength and mobility work to prevent future issues

Why UPL’s Approach Works

Every hip replacement recovery is different  and that’s why generic exercise sheets aren’t enough. At UPL, we take a patient-first approach:

• One-to-one, hands-on physiotherapy

• Personalised rehab plans based on your goals and abilities

• Physio-led classes designed to rebuild strength and confidence

• Clear, supportive advice every step of the way

We don’t just focus on healing the joint. We focus on helping you return to the life you love.

Check out Pippa's hip replacement recovery success story in the video below:

Ready to Start Your Recovery Journey?

If you’ve had hip replacement surgery  or you’re preparing for one  we can help you move safely and confidently. Our team will work with you to create a tailored recovery plan that supports your goals, your lifestyle, and your pace.

Book an appointment with our physiotherapy team today 

https://ultimate-performance-lifestyle.uk1.cliniko.com/bookings#service

Ultimate Performance Lifestyle

Stay strong. Move better. Live pain-free.