Hip Replacement Recovery: Getting In and Out of Bed, Chairs, and the Car (Safely)

Those first few days after a hip replacement, the hardest part isn’t always the walking — it’s the everyday stuff: getting in/out of bed, standing up from a chair, and getting into the car without feeling like you’re doing a weird puzzle.

Bed: a simple approach

• Sit first, then bring legs up together (avoid twisting).

• Use your arms to help — it’s not ‘cheating’.

• Move slowly and breathe; rushing makes it harder.

Chairs: the ‘nose over toes’ cue

• Shuffle to the edge of the chair.

• Lean forward (nose over toes).

• Push through arms + legs to stand.

Car: the swivel trick

• Back up to the seat and sit first.

• Then swivel both legs in together.

• A plastic bag on the seat can help you rotate more easily.

If you want a full, week-by-week recovery plan (with progress milestones and what to focus on next), my Hip Replacement Recovery eGuide is here:

https://www.tommorganphysiosolutions.com/product-page/the-complete-hip-replacement-recovery-eguide