Before surgery. After surgery. A plan for both.
Hip replacement surgery can be an important step towards less pain and easier movement. Preparing beforehand and having a clear recovery plan can help you understand what comes next.
At Eurobodalla Health and Fitness, exercise physiology focuses on the person as well as the joint: your strength, walking, confidence and the activities you want to get back to. Your surgical team’s instructions remain the starting point for your recovery.
Prehabilitation
Preparation before surgery. Exercise and education are tailored to your current ability, symptoms and the time available.
Rehabilitation
Support during recovery. Your plan develops as your care team reviews your movement, strength and function.
Explore your recovery journey
Choose a stage to see its focus and a useful question to take to your care team.
Prepare with a purpose
Prehabilitation starts with understanding where you are now. The focus may include maintaining or building strength, practising everyday movements and discussing what to expect.
- Talk about your current walking, strength and daily activities.
- Ask what exercise is appropriate before your operation.
- Discuss walking aids, getting around at home and support you may need.
A QUESTION FOR YOUR CARE TEAMWhat should I prepare before surgery, and who will guide my recovery?
Follow your care team’s plan
Early recovery begins under the guidance of your hospital team. They will explain the movement, walking and home-exercise instructions that apply to your operation and situation.
- Keep your discharge advice and contact information easy to find.
- Use the support and walking aids recommended for you.
- Check before changing exercises or increasing activity.
A QUESTION FOR YOUR CARE TEAMWhich instructions apply to me, and who should I contact if I am concerned?
Make progress meaningful
As recovery progresses, rehabilitation can focus on the everyday tasks that matter to you. Your clinician can help you work towards these goals at an appropriate pace.
- Review walking, balance and strength with your clinician.
- Discuss goals such as stairs, community walking or hobbies.
- Adjust your plan in response to your progress and care team’s advice.
A QUESTION FOR YOUR CARE TEAMHow will we decide when I am ready to progress towards my goals?
These are educational stages, not a personal recovery schedule. Recovery varies. Your surgical team and treating clinicians guide when and how you progress.
What support can look like
A useful plan connects exercise to real life. Depending on your assessment and medical advice, exercise physiology support may include:
- Understanding your starting point
Discussing your operation, any restrictions, current movement and the activities you want help with.
- A plan matched to you
Choosing appropriate strength, balance and mobility work rather than following a generic exercise sheet.
- Practice for everyday movement
Working towards tasks such as getting out of a chair, using stairs and walking in the community when appropriate.
- Reviewing your progress
Checking how you respond and adapting the plan alongside advice from your treating team.
The goal is to make the next step clearer—and connect recovery to the things you want to do.
If your surgery is still ahead
Let your surgeon, GP or treating clinician know you would like advice about preparing for surgery. If exercise physiology is appropriate, an assessment can help identify a sensible starting point.
Preparation is not a fitness test you have to pass. What is manageable depends on pain, mobility, other health conditions and the time before your operation. There is no fixed number of sessions that guarantees a better result.
It can also be helpful to discuss who will support you at home, how you will get to appointments and what information your rehabilitation clinician needs from the hospital.
If you are already recovering
Bring your discharge information and any instructions from your surgeon or hospital team to your first appointment. Different procedures and individual circumstances can involve different precautions.
Recovery is not a race through a set of dates. Speak with your treating team about what you can do now, what to work towards next and what would be a reason to pause or seek advice.
Exercise physiology may become part of your ongoing support, alongside your surgeon, GP, physiotherapist and other treating professionals. Contact EHF to discuss your situation and whether our service is suitable for your current stage.
When to seek medical advice
Follow the instructions you were given about symptoms to watch for and who to contact after surgery. If you develop new or worsening symptoms, seek advice from your surgical team or a medical professional rather than progressing exercise yourself.
For a medical emergency, call 000. This guide does not replace individual medical advice or your discharge instructions.
Questions for your care team
Hip replacement: my appointment questions
Eurobodalla Health & Fitness · 02 4472 8008
Choose the questions you would like to discuss, then print this list to take to your appointment.
Selections stay on this page only.
Common questions
When should I start prehabilitation?
Ask your surgeon or treating clinician when preparation would be appropriate. Starting before surgery can provide time to discuss exercise, expectations and practical arrangements, but the plan depends on your circumstances and the time available.
When does rehabilitation begin?
Your hospital team guides the early stage after surgery and explains what to do after discharge. Ongoing rehabilitation should follow those instructions and be adjusted to your recovery.
Do I need both prehab and rehab?
Preparation can be useful when there is time and it is appropriate for you. After surgery, follow the recovery advice and rehabilitation plan your treating team recommends. Ask them which support you need at each stage.
Can rehabilitation happen at home?
A home exercise program may be part of your recovery plan. Your treating team can advise whether home-based support is appropriate and what supervision or equipment you need. Ask EHF about current service options.
How long will I need a walking aid?
That depends on your surgery, strength, balance and walking. Use the aid recommended by your care team and ask them before reducing support.
When can I return to driving, work or hobbies?
These decisions depend on your operation, recovery and the demands of the activity. Ask your surgeon or treating clinician for advice specific to you rather than relying on a general timeline.
Do I need a referral?
Contact EHF to discuss your appointment and any paperwork needed. If you intend to use a funded or referred pathway, ask what documentation and approval are required before booking.
Finding the right local support
EHF has clinics in Batemans Bay, Moruya and Ulladulla. Let us know where you are in the surgery or recovery process, your preferred clinic and whether you have instructions or a referral from your treating team.
We can help you check the appropriate next step and any information needed before an appointment. Fees, rebates and funded services depend on your situation and applicable arrangements; please check with our team.
Also useful: Knee replacement rehabilitation and how exercise physiology can help.
Further reading
This guide provides general information about preparation and recovery. Your individual surgical and rehabilitation advice takes priority.
- NHS: recovering from a hip replacement — general information; follow your own care team’s instructions.
- Healthdirect Australia: hip replacement
