Days 1–3: Coming Home
Rest, orientation, and getting your bearings
Typical Milestones
- Walking short distances with a walker — to the bathroom, to a chair, around the room
- Managing pain with prescribed medications on schedule
- Keeping the surgical leg elevated when resting to reduce swelling
- Applying ice (wrapped, not directly on skin) for 15–20 minutes several times a day
- Eating and drinking regularly — hydration supports healing
- Sleeping in a supported position with a pillow between your knees if recommended
The Focus This Week
Your only job right now is to rest, move gently, and let your body begin healing. Do not push. Do not try to do too much. The first days are about orientation, not progress.
Watch For
Increasing redness, warmth, or discharge at the wound site. Fever above 101°F. Calf pain, swelling, or redness (possible blood clot). Call your surgeon if any of these occur.
Questions to Ask Your Care Team
- ›Is my pain being managed adequately?
- ›Am I following my hip precautions correctly?
- ›Do I know who to call if I have a concern?
Week 1: Finding Your Rhythm
Establishing routines and beginning to move more
Typical Milestones
- Walking more frequently — short walks several times a day
- Beginning home physical therapy exercises if prescribed
- Managing stairs if necessary (one step at a time, leading with the non-surgical leg going up, surgical leg going down)
- Showering independently or with minimal assistance, following wound care instructions
- Stepping down from stronger pain medications as tolerated
- Sleeping more comfortably as swelling begins to decrease
The Focus This Week
This week is about establishing a routine. Short, frequent walks are better than one long effort. Rest between activities. Pain and fatigue are normal — they do not mean something is wrong.
Watch For
Wound changes, fever, or signs of blood clot (see Days 1–3). Also watch for constipation, which is common with opioid pain medications — stay hydrated and use a stool softener if recommended.
Questions to Ask Your Care Team
- ›Am I doing my PT exercises correctly?
- ›Is my swelling decreasing, or is it getting worse?
- ›Am I managing pain with less medication than the first days?
Week 2: Building Confidence
Increasing independence and distance
Typical Milestones
- Walking longer distances with a walker or beginning to transition to a cane (if cleared by your surgeon or PT)
- Completing PT exercises with more ease
- Managing most daily activities — dressing, bathing, light meal preparation — with less assistance
- Sleeping more comfortably through the night
- Attending your first post-operative appointment (typically around 10–14 days)
- Wound healing progressing — sutures or staples may be removed at this visit
The Focus This Week
By the end of week two, most people feel meaningfully more capable than they did at discharge. This is encouraging — but it is also when people sometimes overdo it. Respect your limits.
Watch For
Increased pain or swelling after activity (a sign you did too much). Any wound concerns. Emotional dips are also common this week — the initial adrenaline of surgery has worn off and the reality of recovery sets in.
Questions to Ask Your Care Team
- ›What did my surgeon say at my follow-up appointment?
- ›Am I cleared to transition from walker to cane?
- ›How is my wound healing?
Weeks 3–4: Gaining Ground
Increasing strength, range of motion, and daily function
Typical Milestones
- Walking with a cane for most activities (if cleared)
- Outpatient physical therapy beginning or intensifying
- Returning to light activities — short outings, sitting at a table for meals, light household tasks
- Sleeping in a more normal position as hip precautions may begin to relax
- Driving may be possible for some patients (confirm with your surgeon — typically not before 4–6 weeks for right hip surgery)
- Noticeable improvement in strength and confidence with movement
The Focus This Week
Weeks three and four often feel like a turning point. You are doing more, feeling more capable, and beginning to see the shape of your recovery. Physical therapy is doing important work — attend every session and do your home exercises.
Watch For
Fatigue is still normal. Pushing too hard can cause setbacks. If you have a bad day after a more active day, that is your body telling you to pace yourself.
Questions to Ask Your Care Team
- ›Am I cleared to drive?
- ›What activities can I add this week?
- ›How is my PT progressing?
A Simple Daily Routine
Structure helps recovery. A loose daily rhythm — even in the first days — reduces decision fatigue and keeps you moving consistently without overdoing it.
Morning
Take morning medications with breakfast. Do your PT exercises. Take a short walk. Rest.
Midday
Eat a nutritious lunch. Take another short walk. Elevate your leg and apply ice if swollen. Rest.
Afternoon
Another short walk or gentle activity. Prepare for the evening. Rest as needed.
Evening
Take evening medications. Light activity or conversation. Prepare for sleep with leg positioning.
Throughout the day
Stay hydrated. Move every 1–2 hours (even briefly). Follow hip precautions with every movement.