Hip Surgery Recovery – What Does Rehabilitation Involve?
Hip surgery is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures in the UK, with over 100,000 hip replacements carried out each year on the NHS. Whether you have undergone a total hip replacement (THR), a hip resurfacing, a hip fracture repair, or a hip arthroscopy, structured physiotherapy is essential to achieving a successful outcome and returning to full function.
Without professional physiotherapy following hip surgery, even technically successful operations can result in persistent weakness of the hip abductor and extensor muscles, altered gait patterns, poor balance, and a higher risk of complications such as hip dislocation. At Post Op Home Physio, our senior physiotherapists are specialists in post-operative hip rehabilitation, providing evidence-based treatment programmes delivered directly to your home across all 33 London boroughs.
Home Physio After Total Hip Replacement in London
Following a total hip replacement, the typical rehabilitation journey spans 12 to 16 weeks, though many patients continue to see meaningful improvements for up to a year post-surgery. In the first two weeks after your operation, the primary goals are to reduce swelling and inflammation, restore safe weight-bearing, and prevent post-operative complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and hip dislocation.
Your physiotherapist will work with you on gentle exercises including ankle pumps, static gluteal contractions, inner range quadriceps, and supported hip abduction to begin re-engaging the muscles around the hip joint. You will also be guided through safe transfers — getting in and out of bed, sitting and standing from a chair — and educated on the hip precautions relevant to your surgical approach (posterior or anterior).
By weeks three to six, the focus shifts to improving hip strength, restoring normal walking pattern without a walking aid, and gradually increasing range of motion. Between six and twelve weeks, progressive strengthening exercises — including mini squats, step-ups, single-leg balance work, and functional movement training — help restore confidence and independence. Our home physiotherapists use Physiolab cryotherapy and compression equipment during sessions to manage post-operative swelling, which is particularly beneficial in the early weeks following joint replacement.
Hip Fracture and Hip Arthroscopy Recovery
Hip fracture rehabilitation, whether following a dynamic hip screw (DHS), hemiarthroplasty, or total hip replacement for fracture, requires a carefully staged approach. Physiotherapy begins in hospital within 24 to 48 hours of surgery and continues at home following discharge. The priority is safe mobilisation, weight-bearing as tolerated (or as directed by your surgical team), and preventing the significant muscle wasting and functional decline that can occur if rehabilitation is delayed.
For hip arthroscopy, which is commonly performed for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), labral tears, or cartilage damage, rehabilitation is typically less intensive in the early weeks but requires careful progression to avoid overloading healing tissue. Your physiotherapist will assess hip rotation, flexion, and strength at each session, adjusting your programme to reflect your current stage of recovery and the specific procedure performed.
Why Home Physiotherapy Is the Best Choice After Hip Surgery in London
Following hip surgery, travelling to a physiotherapy clinic can be unsafe, painful, and exhausting — particularly in the first several weeks when mobility is significantly limited. London’s public transport network presents particular challenges: navigating stairs at underground stations, getting on and off buses, or walking from car parks are all activities that place unnecessary strain on a healing hip.
Home physiotherapy eliminates these barriers entirely. Our physiotherapists come to you, assessing and treating you in the environment where your recovery actually takes place — on your staircase, in your bathroom, from your own chairs and bed. This means your rehabilitation programme is designed around the specific layout of your home, your daily routines, and your personal recovery goals.
We typically begin within 48 hours of hospital discharge, ensuring that early intervention reduces the risk of complications such as hip contracture, muscle atrophy, and balance impairment. Our physiotherapists also work closely with your surgical team’s post-operative instructions and can liaise with your consultant if any concerns arise during your recovery.
Hip Surgery Home Physio – What to Expect at Your First Session
Your initial assessment lasts 50–60 minutes. Your physiotherapist will review your surgical notes and any post-operative instructions from your consultant, assess your current level of pain, swelling, and range of motion, and design a bespoke rehabilitation programme tailored to your specific surgery, home environment, and goals.
You will be given a clear, progressive home exercise programme to follow between sessions, and your physiotherapist will monitor your progress and adapt the plan at every visit. All our physiotherapists are HCPC-registered, members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), and have extensive experience in post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation. Sessions are available Monday to Friday 9:30am–6:00pm. We accept major private health insurers including Bupa, Cigna, Allianz, and WPA.
Frequently Asked Questions – Home Physio After Hip Surgery
How soon after hip surgery can I start physiotherapy at home?
We recommend beginning home physiotherapy within 48 hours of hospital discharge. Early rehabilitation is one of the most important factors in achieving a good outcome after hip surgery, reducing the risk of complications and setting the foundation for a full recovery.
How many sessions will I need after a hip replacement?
Most patients require between 6 and 12 sessions over the first 12 weeks following a total hip replacement, though the number varies depending on your progress, age, pre-operative fitness, and the type of surgery performed. Your physiotherapist will review this at each session.
What exercises will I do after a hip replacement?
Exercises vary by stage of recovery. In the early weeks, you will focus on gentle muscle activation and safe mobility. As you progress, exercises include hip abductor strengthening, gluteal work, balance training, and functional tasks such as stairs and outdoor walking.
Will home physio after hip surgery be covered by my health insurance?
Most major private health insurers — including Bupa, Cigna, WPA, and Allianz — cover post-operative home physiotherapy. We recommend contacting your insurer to confirm your policy before booking. Our team can assist with pre-authorisation requests.
