Hip Replacement Recovery: Getting In and Out of Bed, Chairs, and the Car
Updated: Sep 5
Transfers become easier when the seat or bed height, foot position and use of the arms allow you to move without a sudden twist or uncontrolled drop. Early after surgery, choosing a slightly higher surface can reduce the demand while strength and confidence recover.
For this stage of hip replacement recovery, the most useful priorities are usually:
comfortable, regular movement rather than long periods of complete rest
a smooth walking pattern before simply adding more distance
progressive hip and leg strength for stairs, transfers and everyday tasks
pacing activity so pain and swelling settle again before the next session
Progress is best judged by function, movement quality and your response over the following 24 hours. A small increase in walking or exercise that settles quickly is usually more useful than a large jump that leaves you limping, exhausted or markedly more painful the next day.
Practise the same sequence each time: position yourself fully before lowering, keep the operated leg comfortable, use the arms as needed and avoid rushing. As control improves, gradually reduce reliance on the arms and lower the surface height if appropriate.
increasing walking distance while the limp is getting worse
treating the first hospital exercise sheet as the whole rehabilitation programme
stopping strengthening as soon as basic daily activities become possible
ignoring approach-specific precautions or advice from the surgical team
When should you get extra help?
Seek urgent medical advice for symptoms such as sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, marked new calf swelling, a rapidly worsening wound, fever with increasing redness, or a sudden major loss of function. For less urgent problems, persistent deterioration rather than gradual improvement is a good reason to contact your surgical or physiotherapy team.
If you need advice tailored to you, book a physiotherapy assessment.
For related recovery and exercise topics, see the hip replacement recovery hub.
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