Your rehabilitation will begin within 24 hours after surgery. Most hip replacement patients progress to walking with a cane, walker or crutches within day or two after surgery. As the days progress, you will increase the distance and frequency of walking.

If you have THR surgery at HSS:

• Your recovery will begin directly following surgery in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where your medical team will manage your pain and monitor your vital signs.
• Once the anesthesiologist is satisfied with your condition, you will be moved to an inpatient recovery room to monitor your progress.
• You will most likely have a dressing and tube on your hip for drainage, which should be removed the day after surgery.
• The pain management team will assess your medication and use a multifaceted approach to ensure comfort and mobility during the rehabilitation process.
• You will begin rehabilitation with a physical therapist within 24 hours. Your therapist will help you sit up, get in and out of bed, and practice walking and climbing stairs using a walker, cane or sometimes crutches.
• You will then continue physical therapy outside the hospital for 6 to 8 weeks. After that period, most patients are able to do everyday activities and return to playing sports.