A week-by-week recovery guide for patients following direct anterior total hip replacement with Dr. Kee.
Formal PT
Often not required
Typical Duration
6 weeks to full activity
Good News — No Hip Precautions
Because the anterior approach is muscle-sparing, there are no formal activity restrictions after surgery. You may bend, cross your legs, and move normally as tolerated from day one — guided by your own comfort level.
Days 0–7Goal: Manage swelling, regain basic mobility
Walk with a walker or cane as needed for balance — not because of hip precautions
No hip precautions — no restrictions on bending, crossing legs, or range of motion
Ice and elevate to manage swelling, which typically peaks around day 3
Begin gentle home exercises for ankle pumps and short walks as tolerated
Most patients can climb stairs using a rail as needed
Weeks 1–3Goal: Wean off assistive device, increase walking tolerance
Progress from walker to cane to no assistive device as strength and confidence allow
Gradually increase walking distance day by day
Formal physical therapy is often not required — most patients do well with a guided home exercise program
Light daily activities (cooking, light errands) typically resume during this window
Weeks 3–6Goal: Return to most normal activities
Most patients are walking without an assistive device
Light exercise such as stationary biking or pool walking is generally well tolerated
Driving typically resumes once off narcotic pain medication and reaction time feels normal
Many patients return to sedentary or light-duty work during this window
6+ WeeksGoal: Return to full activity
Most patients are cleared for full, unrestricted activity, including more demanding exercise
Higher-impact activity (golf, tennis, hiking) is typically reintroduced gradually based on comfort and strength
Continued improvement in strength and endurance is normal for several months
Note for physical therapists: Most anterior hip replacement patients do not require formal physical therapy. This guide is intended to set expectations for patients and support those who are referred for therapy. Please contact our office with any questions about a specific patient.
Questions About Your Recovery?
Our care team is available to answer questions about your protocol or recovery progress.