A week-by-week recovery guide for patients following posterior total hip replacement with Dr. Kee, including hip precautions for the first 6 weeks.
Hip Precautions
First 6 weeks
Typical Duration
6–12 weeks to full activity
Hip Precautions — First 6 Weeks
Because the posterior approach passes through muscle near the back of the hip, standard hip precautions apply for the first 6 weeks to protect the repair while it heals. During this time, avoid:
Bending the hip past 90 degrees (avoid low chairs, low toilet seats, and bending forward to reach the floor or put on shoes/socks)
Crossing the legs or bringing the operated leg past the midline of the body
Turning the operated leg or foot inward (internal rotation)
Twisting or pivoting on the operated leg — turn the whole body instead, using small steps
Sleeping without a pillow between the knees if lying on either side
A raised toilet seat, a firm chair with arms, and a reacher/grabber tool can make these precautions easier to follow at home. Your surgical team will confirm when precautions can be relaxed, typically around 6 weeks.
Days 0–7Goal: Manage swelling, regain basic mobility within precautions
Walk with a walker for balance and support
Follow hip precautions closely — no bending past 90°, no crossing legs, no internal rotation
Ice and elevate to manage swelling, which typically peaks around day 3
Begin gentle home exercises for ankle pumps and short walks as tolerated
Use a raised toilet seat and a firm chair to stay within precautions
Weeks 1–3Goal: Progress mobility while maintaining precautions
Progress from walker to cane as strength and confidence allow, guided by your surgical team
Continue hip precautions throughout this phase
Gradually increase walking distance day by day
Formal outpatient physical therapy typically begins during this window to guide safe progression within precautions
Light daily activities resume as tolerated, staying within precautions
Weeks 3–6Goal: Build strength while precautions remain in effect
Many patients are walking with a cane or without an assistive device, per their surgical team's guidance
Hip precautions remain in effect until cleared by your surgical team, usually around 6 weeks
Light exercise such as stationary biking is often introduced under PT guidance
Driving typically resumes once off narcotic pain medication, reaction time feels normal, and precautions allow it
6+ WeeksGoal: Lift precautions, return to full activity
Hip precautions are typically lifted around 6 weeks, once confirmed by your surgical team
Continued strengthening and range-of-motion work with physical therapy
Higher-impact activity (golf, tennis, hiking) is reintroduced gradually based on comfort and strength
Continued improvement in strength and endurance is normal for several months
Note for physical therapists: This protocol reflects standard posterior-approach hip precautions (avoid flexion >90°, adduction past midline, and internal rotation) for the first 6 weeks. Please individualize progression based on the patient's strength, balance, and surgical findings, and 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.