After Hip Replacement: Your Recovery Guide

Follow your hip rules

• Do not bend your hip past 90 degrees (a right angle).
• Do not cross your legs or ankles.
• Do not turn your foot or knee inward.
• Keep a pillow between your knees in bed and when you turn.
• Follow these rules as your surgeon orders, until you are told to stop.

Use your helpers

• Use a raised toilet seat and a firm chair with armrests. Avoid low, soft seats.
• Use a reacher to pick things up. Use a sock aid and a long shoehorn.

Walk safely

• Move the walker first. Step with your surgery leg, then your other leg.
• Put weight on your leg only as your care team tells you.
• Remove throw rugs. Use night-lights.

Prevent blood clots

• Take your blood thinner until the end date: ____________.
• Wear your stockings as told. Pump your ankles every hour while awake.

Care for your incision

• Keep it clean and dry. Shower only as your surgeon says.
• No tub, pool, or hot tub until your surgeon says it is safe.
• Do your exercises every day.