posted 24th November 2025
Post Hip Replacement Physio: The Best Exercises for Faster Recovery in Essex & London
At Estuary Physio, our post hip replacement physio programmes help you rebuild strength and confidence at home or in clinic. We understand that recovering from hip surgery is a partnership between you and your physiotherapist, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Key Takeaways
Post hip replacement physio is essential for managing pain, improving mobility, and regaining independence.
Preparing your body before surgery with targeted exercises makes your recovery smoother.
A tailored mix of physiotherapy exercises for hip replacement, from early recovery to advanced strengthening, helps you regain full mobility and prevent complications.
The Importance of Post Hip Replacement Physio
Physiotherapy after hip replacement surgery is a vital part of your rehabilitation journey. It focuses on restoring your hip joint’s strength and function so you can return to daily activities confidently and comfortably. Our team at Estuary Physio provides personalised support to help you regain independence and improve your quality of life.
Regular sessions with your physiotherapist reduce pain, improve muscle strength, and enhance flexibility. This consistent approach promotes an efficient recovery and helps you avoid common post-operative complications.
Recovery takes dedication, but with the right guidance and regular physiotherapy exercises, you’ll enjoy the benefits of your new hip and a more active lifestyle.
Preparing for Surgery: Prehabilitation
Getting ready for your hip replacementPre & Post Surgery page involves more than just the operation itself. Starting physiotherapy exercises at least 3 to 4 weeks before surgery can make a significant difference in your recovery.
Your physiotherapist will guide you through exercises such as walking and swimming to maintain joint flexibility and strengthen muscles around your hip. Improving your general health and cardiovascular fitness through moderate-intensity activities also prepares you for surgery and rehabilitation.
This pre-surgery phase builds a solid foundation, helping you move more confidently through your post-operative rehab.
Immediate Post-Operative Care
The days following your surgery are crucial for setting the right pace for recovery. You will spend time in recovery receiving pain relief and support to manage surgical discomfort. Most people are discharged within 1 to 3 days, with clear instructions for after hip surgery rehab.
Early rehabilitation is key. Simple exercises like ankle pumps and knee bends with knees bent help improve circulation and muscle activation. Your physiotherapist will advise you on hip precautions to prevent complications, such as avoiding crossing your legs or sitting in low chairs.
Walking daily within your comfort zone is encouraged, alongside gentle stretches and gradually increasing exercise intensity. Following these guidelines reduces the risk of post-operative complications and promotes healing.
Early Recovery Exercises
In the first weeks after surgery, simple physiotherapy exercises for hip replacement focus on improving circulation and muscle function. Ankle pumps every 5 to 10 minutes enhance blood flow, while ankle rotations maintain joint flexibility.
Buttock muscle contractions, holding the squeeze for five seconds, strengthen the gluteal muscles. Quadriceps sets, involving tightening the thigh muscle with the knee straight, build thigh strength. These exercises should be done regularly throughout the day to support recovery.
As you progress, your physiotherapist will introduce standing knee raises and standing hip abduction to further improve hip muscle strength and flexibility. Regular practice of these exercises supports knee stability and overall mobility.
Strengthening Hip Muscles
Building strength around your hip joint is essential for a successful total hip replacement rehab protocol. Exercises like air squats, straight leg raises, and standing hip abduction target the thigh and buttock muscles, improving stability.
Perform these exercises in sets of 10 to 15 repetitions, focusing on controlled movements. Using resistance bands can add challenge and enhance muscle engagement.
Your physiotherapist will ensure you maintain proper leg alignment during exercises, preventing strain and promoting effective hip movement.
Improving Hip Flexion and Extension
Regaining full range of motion is a priority after hip replacement. Daily exercises lasting 20 to 30 minutes help restore hip flexion and extension.
Standing knee raises and hip extension exercises improve hip mobility and strength. Incorporating low-impact activities like cycling on a stationary bike with low resistance supports endurance and flexibility.
These exercises complement your overall rehabilitation plan, helping you enjoy the benefits of your new hip joint.
Balance and Stability Exercises
Balance is key to preventing falls and maintaining independence. Proprioception exercises such as tandem walking and side stepping improve your control over lateral movements.
Regular practice enhances your balance and confidence during everyday activities. Your physiotherapist will tailor these exercises to your progress, ensuring you regain stability safely.
Walking Aids and Mobility
Walking aids are important tools in your early recovery. Starting with crutches or a walker helps distribute weight evenly and supports proper foot placement.
Your physiotherapist will adjust your walking aid height for comfort and posture, guiding you on when to reduce or stop using them.
Gradually increasing walking sessions builds endurance and confidence, enabling you to transition smoothly to independent walking.
Home Physio and Everyday Activities
Our physiotherapists support clients across Essex and London About page— including Chelmsford, Colchester, and surrounding areas. Home-based rehabilitation allows you to recover safely in your own environment while still receiving expert one-to-one guidance.
Incorporating physiotherapy into your daily routine encourages steady progress. Activities like walking, stair climbing, and light household tasks build strength and endurance.
For more specialised support, explore our post-operative physiotherapy in London & Essex, hip fracture rehabilitation, and home physiotherapy after surgery services.
Advanced Exercises for Continued Recovery
As you regain strength, advanced exercises like step-ups—stepping onto and off the bottom step with your operated leg—and single leg bridges help stabilise your hip and strengthen gluteal muscles.
Cycling and treadmill walking improve cardiovascular health and balance. Your physiotherapist will ensure these exercises fit safely into your rehabilitation plan.
Pain Management and Ice Therapy
Managing pain effectively is crucial to staying active in your rehab. Take pain relief as prescribed, ideally about an hour before exercises to ease discomfort.
Applying an ice pack wrapped in a towel to your hip for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day reduces swelling and pain.
If you experience high pain levels, contact your GP or physiotherapist for advice.
Follow-Up and Long-Term Care
Regular follow-up appointments Home Physio page up to three months post-surgery allow your physiotherapist to monitor progress and adjust your rehab plan.
Continuing exercises like walking, hydrotherapy, gentle cycling, yoga, pilates, and swimming supports long-term strength and mobility.
At around six months, many clients notice significant improvements, though ongoing exercise helps maintain your new hip’s function.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon can I start post hip replacement physio?
You can usually begin physiotherapy within the first few days after surgery. Early rehab minimises complications and supports faster recovery.
What pre-surgery exercises should I do?
Walking, swimming, and targeted hip strengthening exercises starting 3 to 4 weeks before surgery prepare your body for recovery.
How do I manage pain and swelling after hip surgery?
Take pain medication as prescribed, apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes, and rest with legs elevated to reduce swelling.
When can I start using walking aids?
Walking aids are used immediately post-surgery to ensure safety. Your physiotherapist will guide you on reducing use as you gain strength.
What advanced exercises can I do during rehab?
Step-ups, single leg bridges, cycling, and treadmill walking are effective advanced exercises. Always consult your physiotherapist before starting.
Recovering from hip surgery takes commitment, but you don’t have to do it alone. At Estuary Physio, our team specialises in home-based post-operative physiotherapy across London, Chelmsford, Colchester, and Essex.
Reviewed by Barry Ford BSc, Chartered Physiotherapist.
