Is walking on a treadmill good after hip replacement?
Emily Sparks
Published Jan 11, 2026
It is important to start slowly, first walking, then power walking, then jogging on a smooth surface such as a treadmill without an incline. If you do feel pain, just slow down or stop. You can always run later, when your body gets used to the motion.
How much walking should I do after hip replacement?
In the beginning, walk for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. As your strength and endurance improve, you can walk for 20 to 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. Once you have fully recovered, regular walks of 20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week, will help maintain your strength.
What is the best exercise after hip replacement?
Your bed is an excellent place to do your exercises.
- Ankle pumps. ...
- Thigh squeezes (quadriceps sets) ...
- Buttock squeezes (gluteal sets) ...
- Heel slides (hip and knee flexion) ...
- Leg slides (abduction/adduction) ...
- Lying kicks (short arc quadriceps) ...
- Straight leg raises. ...
- Sitting kicks (long arc quadriceps)
Can you walk too much after hip replacement?
Generally, I advise patients to walk only a few hundred yards a day total until they get to around six weeks. By that point, the implants are ingrown with bone, meaning that the bone is fused to the implant.
What exercises should be avoided after hip replacement?
The Don'ts
- Don't cross your legs at the knees for at least 6 to 8 weeks.
- Don't bring your knee up higher than your hip.
- Don't lean forward while sitting or as you sit down.
- Don't try to pick up something on the floor while you are sitting.
- Don't turn your feet excessively inward or outward when you bend down.
How long does it take to walk normally after hip surgery?
3 to 6 Weeks After Hip Replacement Surgery
You'll likely be able to walk without a walker or crutches.
How far should I be walking 4 weeks after hip replacement?
During weeks 3-5, walking endurance usually increases if you have been consistent with your home program. Weeks 4-5: Ambulation distances up to 1 mile (2-3 city blocks), resting as needed. Weeks 5-6: Ambulation distances of 1-2 miles; able to meet shopping needs once released to driving.
How far should I be walking 2 weeks after a hip replacement?
I recommend that you walk as much as your feel comfortable (at least 2-3 times a day), trying to walk a little further each time. You may walk inside or outside as you feel comfortable. As stated above, you will need a walker or cane for stability for the first 3-6 weeks.
What is the fastest way to recover from a hip replacement?
7 practical tips for successful hip replacement recovery
- Prepare your home in advance. ...
- Plan for some time off work. ...
- Balance rest and recovery with gentle exercise. ...
- Think about your nutrition to help speed up recovery. ...
- Be mindful of your hip when in bed. ...
- Think about your holidays and travel plans.
How long does it take muscles to heal after hip replacement?
“On average, hip replacement recovery can take around two to four weeks, but everyone is different,” says Thakkar. It depends on a few factors, including how active you were before your surgery, your age, nutrition, preexisting conditions, and other health and lifestyle factors.
What happens at 4 months after hip replacement?
Researchers have previously shown that hip strength and muscle weakness persist up to 2 years after surgery. Based on the rapid recovery in the first 3 to 4 months, some patients may stop doing their exercises, which may limit their recovery and place them at risk for falls.
Why do I still limp after hip replacement?
Following a hip replacement, most people will lack the strength, flexibility, or range of motion around the hip joint to achieve optimal functionality. The hip joint requires a mixture of flexibility and strength to function properly which can be a challenge to regain after adolescence.
How long do you have to sleep on your back after hip replacement?
It's important to follow these sleeping precautions for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery, depending on your health and personal recovery. The best sleeping position for your hip is to lie on your back with a pillow between your legs.
How long does it take for bone to grow into hip replacement?
If the prosthesis is not cemented into place, it is necessary to allow four to six weeks (for the femur bone to "grow into" the implant) before the hip joint is able to bear full weight and walking without crutches is possible.
How long are you on bed rest after a hip replacement?
How do I safely rest and sleep after a hip replacement? Elevate both of your legs when sitting to minimize swelling. When resting or sleeping in bed, lie on your non-operative side for the first four to six weeks following surgery.
What should I be doing 4 weeks after hip replacement?
It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks to start feeling stronger and to be able to get around with less pain. You'll still need to continue with physical therapy by going to regular appointments. Walking at this point is especially important for your recovery. You'll want to walk regularly and avoid sitting for too long.
What should I be doing 1 week after hip replacement?
One or two weeks after surgery you'll probably be able to:
- Move about your home more easily.
- Walk short distances, to your mailbox, around the block, or perhaps even further.
- Prepare your own meals. One to 2 weeks after surgery you may be able to stand at the kitchen counter without a walking aid. ...
- Take showers.
Should I still have pain 4 weeks after hip replacement?
Most people, though, experience surgical pain for approximately two to four weeks following hip replacement surgery. Your activity level, medical history, and any pain you're dealing with before surgery have an effect on how long it will take you to make a full recovery.
How long do you have to sleep with pillow between legs after hip replacement?
Make sure you continue sleeping with the pillow between your legs for at least six weeks.
Why does my thigh hurt after hip replacement?
It is very common in patients and usually resolves with a cortisone injection. Tendonitis around the hip muscles or subtle tears. Sometimes, inflammation around these tendons irritates the local nerves around the hip and can cause radiation or pain in the groin, thigh, and buttock.
How do I get rid of limp after hip replacement?
Lying on your unaffected side with both knees bent to 90 degrees and your hips bent to approximately 15 degrees, lift only the top knee, keeping your feet together. Avoid pelvic rotation. Lift the knee as high as possible without rotating your pelvis and hips backwards. Repeat 8 to 12 times.
Why does my hip hurt 3 months after hip replacement?
It's possible that you've developed an infection around the artificial joint. Many infections can be treated effectively with antibiotics. But a major infection near your artificial hip joint may require surgery to remove and replace the joint. Another potential cause of your pain could be a loose implant.
What happens if you don't do physical therapy after hip surgery?
You have a window of time immediately after your surgery in which you can restore the range of motion in your new joint. If you don't move and engage in physical therapy, however, scar tissue develops that restricts movement and your muscles weaken.
How long does it take for nerves to heal after hip replacement?
Most patients achieve maximum recovery of neurologic function by seven months; however, recovery may continue for up to 12 to 18 months following the injury.
Is second hip replacement easier?
The procedure is technically more difficult than primary hip replacements and the effects on the patient are more significant (longer surgery, more blood loss).