Introduction
Recovering from hip replacement surgery involves more than just resting — it requires careful attention to the activities you take part in. Knowing which movements and exercises to avoid is key to preventing complications, such as hip dislocation, and ensuring your recovery goes smoothly. Many patients and their carers often look for straightforward advice on what not to do after hip replacement. Understanding these precautions can make all the difference in safely regaining your mobility and protecting your new joint for the long term.

Understanding Hip Replacement Activity Restrictions

After hip replacement surgery, doctors will recommend specific restrictions to protect your new joint and allow it to heal properly. These precautions mainly focus on avoiding movements that might cause the hip joint to dislocate—when it slips out of place—which is a common risk in the early stages of recovery. Ignoring these guidelines can lead to pain, complications, or even the need for further surgery.

As explained by Young-Kyun Lee and colleagues, “good knowledge of the biomechanics of the hip [is] essential to achieve better clinical results for patients.” This means understanding how the hip moves and bears weight helps surgeons develop better techniques and advise patients more effectively (Lee et al., 2019).

It’s also important to recognise that advances in hip replacement techniques continue to offer patients more options. For example, surface replacement is a newer type of surgery that conserves more of your natural bone and can make future surgeries simpler if needed. As Amstutz and colleagues note, “surface replacement is a significant development in the evolution of hip arthroplasty,” benefiting especially younger or more active patients (Amstutz et al., 1998). However, regardless of the type of implant, following personalised activity guidelines remains essential.

For younger women considering pregnancy after hip replacement, recent research offers reassuring news. Lopez Garcia and co-authors report that women who have had a total hip replacement and later go through pregnancy “have no increased risk of pregnancy complications or increased revision rates; there was no effect of the mode of delivery on revision rates or complications including fracture, dislocation, or loosening” (Lopez Garcia et al., 2023). This important finding highlights that normal life goals can be safely pursued with proper care.

Professor Paul Lee and the dedicated team at MSK Doctors provide patients with tailored advice, ensuring recovery is as safe and effective as possible. Their expertise helps patients understand the importance of following restrictions while gradually restoring movement and strength.

Everyday Movements to Avoid After Hip Replacement

Some everyday movements can place too much strain on your new hip and should be avoided or adjusted. Key actions to be cautious about include:

• Bending deeply at the hip, such as when picking something up from the floor.
• Crossing your legs when sitting, which can twist the hip in an unsafe way.
• Twisting your hip, especially during standing or sudden turns.
• Sitting in low chairs or sofas that cause your hip to bend too much.

For example, tying your shoes or sitting on a low seat at a café might need special attention or assistance to avoid bending too deeply. It’s also worth knowing that restrictions may vary depending on the surgical approach used. If you’ve had the posterior approach, you’ll usually need to exercise more caution about bending the hip past 90 degrees or crossing your legs. The anterior approach often allows for a slightly different range of safe movements. Your surgeon or physiotherapist will explain which rules best apply to you.

High-Risk Sports and Exercises to Stop or Modify

Certain sports and exercises put more stress on your new hip joint and should be avoided or modified during recovery. These high-impact activities include:

• Running and jogging
• Jumping or plyometric exercises
• Contact sports such as football, rugby, or hockey
• High-intensity aerobics or similar workouts

Such movements place increased force on the hip implant, raising the risk of dislocation or early wear. As Lee and colleagues state, “understanding of the biomechanics of the hip has led to the development of materials, design and fixation of implants,” which underpins why these activities should be approached cautiously (Lee et al., 2019).

That said, for patients with modern implants, some have experienced “an absence of pain and a return to high functional levels, including participation in sports,” particularly with successful surface replacement techniques (Amstutz et al., 1998). However, this doesn’t mean jumping straight back into high-impact sports is safe — always check with your healthcare provider first.

Low-impact activities, such as swimming, cycling on a stationary bike, and walking, are generally safer choices that help maintain fitness without overloading your hip. Your healthcare team can help design an exercise plan that suits your stage of recovery and personal health.

The Role of Professional Support in Your Recovery

Ongoing support from healthcare professionals is vital to a successful recovery. Regular check-ups let your orthopaedic team monitor your healing and adjust activity advice as needed. The attentive, patient-centred care offered by Professor Paul Lee and the MSK Doctors team provides reassurance and clear guidance every step of the way.

Before trying new activities or returning to previous routines, it’s essential to speak with your healthcare provider. This ensures your recovery stays on course and reduces the risk of setbacks.

Conclusion
Knowing which activities to avoid after hip replacement is key to protecting your new joint and achieving a smooth recovery. Steering clear of risky everyday movements and high-impact sports helps prevent complications like dislocation and supports gradual rebuilding of strength and mobility.

Remember, while these guidelines offer general advice, every patient’s situation is unique. Always consult your orthopaedic specialist for personalised recommendations tailored to your own recovery journey. For individual medical advice, please contact a qualified healthcare professional.

References

Lee, Y.‐K., Choi, J. H., Won, H., & Koo, K.‐H. (2019). Biomechanics of hip and hip replacement arthroplasty. The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association, 54(5), 377. https://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2019.54.5.377
Amstutz, H. C., Sparling, E. A., Grigoris, P., Campbell, P., & Dorey, F. (1998). Surface replacement: The hip replacement of the future? Hip International, 8(4), 187–207. https://doi.org/10.1177/112070009800800401
Lopez Garcia, E. P., Prosser, G. H., & Bucher, T. A. (2023). Pregnancy, hip pain, and total hip replacement. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American), 105(17), 1373–1380. https://doi.org/10.2106/jbjs.22.01017