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After hip surgery, your will need at least two months to heal. Bending your hip beyond a 90 degree angle may cause pain and prolong your recovery. Getting out of bed, dressing, bathing and housecleaning should be done carefully and with assistance from another person or by using equipment like a walker or cane.
To get out of bed, move your body to the edge of the bed. The leg that was operated on should hang over the edge. Use your arms and turn the rest of your body toward the edge of the bed. Swing your other leg over the edge of the bed and sit up. Keep a walker near the bed or ask someone to assist you in standing. Try not to bend the operated leg as you stand. -
Sit in a chair when dressing. Lay out clothes the night before so you can reach them easily. Remain seated when putting on pants. Use a hand-held reacher to help when putting on socks and shoes. Put on the rest of your clothes as you normally would.
When bathing, use a hand-held shower head. Sit on a tub transfer bench so you don't have to bend to get in or out of the bathtub. -
Avoid chores such as vacuuming, sweeping, window washing, mopping, loading and unloading washing machines and dryers and general cleaning of bathrooms until your hip has healed. Hire part-time help or ask friends and family to perform these tasks.
Chores such as washing dishes or folding laundry may be performed two weeks after surgery. Stationary chores are encouraged because these chores help strengthen muscles and restore range of motion. -
Driving should be avoided for the first three months after surgery. Make arrangements for rides to the grocery store and other errands instead of taking public transportation. Getting on and off a public bus, for example, could cause pain and delay recovery.
To get into a car, push the passenger seat back as far as it will go. Use your walker or cane for support when getting in or out of a car. Sit in the seat and swing both legs carefully in front of you. Use a pillow to support your back. To get out of a car, swing both legs and plant them on the ground. Lift yourself out of the car using your walker or cane. -
During the healing process, you may need to rent or purchase equipment to assist you in getting through the day. Equipment such as hand-held reachers, a long-handled shoe horn, tub transfer bench, raised toilet seat, bed risers, back cushions, crutches and a walker or cane offer comfort and stability.
Equipment is available for rent in many drugstores and physical therapy offices. Charitable organizations such as the Red Cross may also have equipment for you to borrow or rent. If you want to purchase equipment, search medical rehabilitation websites or contact wholesale medical supply companies.
