Recovering from a hip replacement involves more than allowing the surgical wound to heal. You also need to give the tissues around your new hip time to recover while gradually rebuilding strength and mobility.
During the first 12 weeks, you may have questions about everyday activities. Can you cross your legs after hip replacement surgery? Do you need to follow the 90-degree rule? When can you bend down, sleep on your side or return to driving?
The answers depend on your recovery, the surgical approach used and your consultant’s instructions. Some people receive specific movement precautions, while others may have fewer restrictions.
This guide explains common hip replacement precautions and how to approach everyday activities during the first 12 weeks.
Why are precautions important after hip replacement?
Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged parts of the hip joint with artificial components. Although the new joint is designed to support movement, the surrounding muscles, tissues and surgical wound need time to heal.
Certain movements can increase the risk of dislocating the new joint, particularly during the early stages of recovery. Your surgical team will explain which positions and activities you should avoid.
The NHS guide to recovering from a hip replacement recommends following your physiotherapist’s advice, completing prescribed exercises and taking care with particular movements.
Not everyone needs the same precautions. Your instructions may depend on the surgical approach, your individual risk factors and how your recovery progresses.
The first two weeks: Focus on safe movement
The first couple of weeks are generally focused on wound care, managing discomfort and swelling, and learning to move safely at home.
You may initially need a walking frame, crutches or another mobility aid. Use these as advised by your physiotherapist rather than stopping as soon as you feel more confident.
During this period, you should generally:
- Follow your prescribed exercises and mobility plan.
- Take short, regular walks as far as is comfortable and advised.
- Avoid twisting sharply on your operated leg.
- Follow your wound-care instructions.
- Use any recommended equipment, such as a raised toilet seat or chair with arms.
- Ask for help with tasks that involve lifting, reaching or bending.
Avoid sitting in low chairs if your team has advised against them. Getting up from a low seat can require substantial hip bending and make it harder to stand safely.
You should also avoid remaining in one position for long periods. Alternate rest with gentle movement according to your recovery plan.
Can I cross my legs after hip replacement?
Whether you can cross your legs after hip replacement depends on the precautions given by your surgical team.
Some patients are advised to avoid crossing their legs during early recovery because the position can place the hip at risk of dislocation. The NHS includes avoiding crossed legs among its general recovery precautions.
However, restrictions can differ according to the surgical approach and individual circumstances. Do not assume that a movement is safe simply because it feels comfortable.
If your team has told you not to cross your legs, follow that advice until they confirm when you can resume the movement.
When sitting, keep your feet comfortably apart and avoid twisting your body while your feet remain planted. If you are unsure how to sit safely, ask your physiotherapist to demonstrate.
Read the NHS guidance on hip replacement recovery for further advice on positions and everyday activities.
What is the 90-degree rule after hip replacement?
The 90-degree rule refers to avoiding bending your hip beyond a right angle. This can happen when you lean forwards from a seated position, bend down to pick something up or sit on a low chair.
Some patients are advised to follow this restriction during early recovery to reduce the risk of dislocation. Others may receive different instructions, depending on the surgical approach and their individual circumstances.
If your consultant has given you the 90-degree precaution, you may need to avoid:
- Leaning forwards to reach your feet.
- Bending down to put on socks or shoes.
- Sitting on low sofas or chairs.
- Bending deeply to pick items up from the floor.
Long-handled shoehorns, dressing aids and a reaching tool may help you manage daily tasks without bending too far.
The 90-degree rule is not a universal restriction for every hip replacement patient. Follow the specific instructions provided by your surgical team, including how long any restrictions should remain in place.
Weeks two to six: Gradually return to everyday activities
As your recovery progresses, you may find that walking and everyday tasks become easier. However, feeling better does not necessarily mean that your hip has fully healed.
Continue using your mobility aids until your physiotherapist or consultant advises that you can manage without them. Walking without support too soon may increase your risk of falling.
You can usually build up everyday activity gradually, following your rehabilitation plan. This might include walking a little further, preparing simple meals or doing light household tasks.
Avoid heavy lifting, sudden twisting movements and activities with a high risk of falling until you have been advised that they are safe.
If you need to carry something, keep it light and avoid carrying objects that interfere with your balance or ability to use your walking aid.
For more information about recovery milestones, read our guide to hip replacement recovery time.
Can I sleep on my side after hip replacement?
Your sleeping position will depend on your surgeon’s advice, the surgical approach and your comfort.
You may initially be advised to sleep on your back. Some patients can sleep on their operated side or their unaffected side once their surgical team confirms it is appropriate.
You can read more about it in our latest blog covering various aspects of sleeping after hip replacement.
Weeks six to twelve: Building strength and confidence
Between six and twelve weeks, many people continue to improve their walking, strength and ability to manage daily activities. Progress varies, and some people need longer before they can comfortably resume particular tasks.
Your physiotherapist can help you progress your exercises and advise when you may be ready for activities such as swimming, cycling or returning to work.
Do not use the 12-week mark as an automatic deadline for lifting restrictions. Some activities may be suitable earlier, while others may require more time or a specific assessment.
Continue to avoid high-impact exercise, sudden changes of direction and heavy lifting until your consultant or physiotherapist confirms what is appropriate for you.
The NHS recovery guidance also advises following professional guidance on driving, exercise and returning to normal activities.
When can I drive after hip replacement?
You should not drive until you can control the vehicle safely, including performing an emergency stop, and your healthcare team confirms that you are ready.
The NHS advises waiting at least six weeks before driving and checking with your doctor that you are fit to drive. However, your individual recovery and the type of vehicle you drive may affect when it is appropriate.
You can read more about getting back to driving after hip replacement in our latest blog.
Why physiotherapy matters during recovery
Physiotherapy helps you rebuild strength, improve balance and gradually regain movement after hip replacement surgery.
Your programme may include walking practice, specific strengthening exercises and guidance on how to sit, stand, use stairs and move safely.
Follow the exercises prescribed for you rather than trying to copy a routine designed for someone else. If an exercise causes significant or increasing pain, stop and seek advice from your physiotherapist.
You can read our hip replacement physiotherapy guide for more information about rehabilitation and recovery.
When should you seek medical advice?
Contact your surgical team promptly if you notice increasing pain, redness or discharge around your wound, or if you develop a fever.
Seek urgent medical assessment if you experience sudden severe hip pain, your leg suddenly looks shorter or turned outward, or an inability to move or put weight through the leg. These symptoms may indicate a serious complication.
Pain or swelling in the calf, particularly when accompanied by warmth or redness, also needs urgent medical assessment because it can be a sign of a blood clot. If you develop sudden breathlessness or chest pain, call 999.
Do not try to force your hip into a position that feels stuck or unusually painful.
Following your hip replacement precautions
The first 12 weeks after hip replacement are an important period for healing and rehabilitation. Following your personalised precautions, using mobility aids as advised and completing your prescribed exercises can help you approach everyday activities safely.
Remember that not every patient has the same restrictions. Whether you can cross your legs, bend beyond 90 degrees, sleep on your side or resume particular activities depends on your surgical approach and individual recovery.
If you are unsure whether a movement is safe, ask your consultant or physiotherapist before trying it.
If you’re considering a private hip replacement, our team can talk you through what recovery usually involves.