Rebuilding Strength After a Hip Replacement: What to Expect and How Physical Therapy Helps

Undergoing a hip replacement is a major step toward reclaiming your mobility and living pain-free. But surgery is only the beginning. What comes next—especially physical therapy and strengthening—is critical to your recovery and long-term success.

If you've recently had a hip replacement or are preparing for one, here’s what you need to know about rebuilding strength, regaining function, and getting back to the life you love.

Why Strengthening After Hip Replacement Is So Important

A hip replacement removes damaged bone and cartilage, replacing them with an artificial joint. While this relieves pain, the muscles, tendons, and surrounding soft tissues often need time—and targeted training—to return to full function.

Without proper strengthening, you may:

• Experience ongoing weakness or imbalance

• Compensate with other muscles, leading to new pain

• Limit your mobility and independence

The good news? With a structured plan and guidance from a physical therapist, you can rebuild strength, improve balance, and return to your daily activities safely.

Key Phases of Post-Surgery Strengthening

1. Early Recovery (0–6 Weeks Post-Surgery)

This phase focuses on healing, gentle movement, and reducing pain and swelling.

Goals:

• Begin walking with a walker or cane

• Perform basic leg and glute contractions

• Start gentle range-of-motion exercises

• Avoid positions that may stress the new joint

PT Focus:
Bed mobility, transfers, assisted walking, ankle pumps, quad sets, and seated exercises.

2. Intermediate Phase (6–12 Weeks Post-Surgery)

Now that the joint is healing, it’s time to increase mobility and strength.

Goals:

• Improve hip range of motion

• Start weight-bearing exercises

• Rebuild core and hip strength

• Normalize walking pattern

PT Focus:
Standing leg lifts, bridges, resistance band work, balance exercises, stationary biking, and continued gait training.

3. Advanced Strengthening (3–6 Months Post-Surgery)

This is when you really start to feel strong again.

Goals:

• Regain full functional strength

• Improve endurance and balance

• Return to daily and recreational activities

• Wean off assistive devices completely

PT Focus:
Bodyweight squats, lunges (as tolerated), step-ups, proprioception (joint awareness) training, and customized home exercise programs.

Areas Physical Therapy Focuses On

• Glutes & Hip Abductors: Crucial for walking stability and pelvic alignment

• Core Muscles: Support the spine and pelvis

• Quads & Hamstrings: Help with standing, climbing stairs, and getting out of chairs

• Balance & Coordination: Reduce fall risk and improve confidence

Avoiding Setbacks

As you regain strength, remember:

• Listen to your body. Avoid pain-provoking movements.

• Don’t skip your PT sessions—they’re essential for safe progress.

• Avoid high-impact activities (like running or jumping) until cleared.

• Follow joint precautions if recommended by your surgeon.

When Will I Feel “Normal” Again?

While some people feel significantly better in 2–3 months, full recovery and strength can take 6–12 months, especially if you're returning to sports or active hobbies. Your timeline will depend on:

• Your fitness before surgery

• The type of surgical procedure

• Your commitment to rehab

• Whether complications occur

A hip replacement is not the end—it’s a new beginning. But regaining your strength, mobility, and independence takes time, consistency, and expert guidance.

Physical therapy is your partner in recovery, helping you move safely, rebuild muscle, and restore confidence every step of the way.

Ready to start moving better after a hip replacement? Contact our offices at 480-272-7140 and take the next step in your recovery today.