Hip Replacement: What, Why, and How

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common and successful orthopedic procedures today. For individuals living with chronic hip pain, stiffness, or loss of mobility, it can be life-changing — offering not just pain relief, but a return to movement, independence, and a better quality of life.

What Is a Hip Replacement?

A hip replacement is a surgical procedure where a damaged or worn-out hip joint is replaced with artificial components. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint: the “ball” is the head of the femur (thigh bone), and the “socket” is part of the pelvic bone. When this joint becomes severely damaged, it can cause persistent pain, reduced movement, and affect daily activities.

Hip replacement surgery is most commonly done to treat osteoarthritis, but other conditions may also require it, such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Hip fractures

• Bone tumors

• Avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to poor blood supply)

Types of Hip Replacement Surgery

There are two main types of hip replacement procedures:

• Total Hip Replacement (THR): Both the ball and socket are replaced with prosthetic components.

• Partial Hip Replacement (PHR): Only the ball of the femur is replaced, typically done in cases of specific fractures.

Physiotherapy After Hip Replacement: What to Expect

Physiotherapy is crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful recovery after surgery. Rehab is typically divided into three stages:

1. Early Stage (Weeks 1–6)

• Pain and swelling management

• Regaining basic movements

• Walking training with or without assistive devices

2. Intermediate Stage (Weeks 6–12)

• Strengthening exercises targeting the hips and surrounding muscles

• Increasing walking distance and frequency

• Balance and coordination training to restore confidence in movement

3. Advanced Stage (Week 12 and beyond)

• Functional training such as stair climbing, squatting, and getting in/out of chairs

• Preparing for a return to hobbies, work, and everyday life activities

Why Skipping Physiotherapy Isn’t an Option

Some patients may underestimate the importance of post-surgery rehab — but without physiotherapy, the outcome of the surgery can be severely compromised.

After a hip replacement, there is a critical window for restoring joint mobility. If movement is avoided, scar tissue may form, restricting joint range and weakening surrounding muscles. This can lead to poor posture, chronic pain, and limited mobility — essentially undoing the benefits of surgery.

Getting Back on Your Feet — and Back to Life

Hip replacement surgery is often recommended for older adults facing hip arthritis or fractures, and for many, it marks the start of a new, more active chapter in life. While the surgery itself is a major step, recovery truly begins with physiotherapy.

A tailored rehabilitation program, guided by a qualified physiotherapist, helps restore strength, flexibility, and movement. With consistency and commitment, most patients experience a dramatic improvement in their daily functioning and overall well-being.