Physiotherapy After Hip Replacement in the West Midlands

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures in the UK. Whether you've had your operation at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, University Hospital Birmingham, or another West Midlands hospital, physiotherapy is essential for a good recovery. Here's what to expect.

Why physiotherapy matters after hip replacement

Surgery is only half the journey. Without proper rehabilitation, you may experience stiffness, muscle weakness, and difficulty returning to normal activities. Physiotherapy after hip replacement:

• Restores range of movement in the new joint
• Rebuilds muscle strength around the hip
• Improves walking pattern and confidence
• Reduces the risk of complications like blood clots and dislocation
• Helps you return to daily activities and hobbies

What does a typical recovery timeline look like?

Weeks 1–2: Early recovery

Focus on gentle exercises, managing swelling, and following hip precautions. Your physiotherapist will visit you at home to check your progress, ensure safe mobility, and start basic strengthening.

Weeks 3–6: Building strength

Exercises become more challenging. You'll work on stair practice, walking further, and beginning to build real strength. Most people start reducing walking aids during this phase.

Weeks 6–12: Getting back to normal

Progressive strengthening, balance work, and functional activities. Many people return to driving, gardening, and social activities during this phase. Your physiotherapist will guide you on what's safe and when.

3–6 months: Full recovery

Most people feel back to normal within 3–6 months, though full recovery can take up to a year. Continued exercise helps maintain the gains you've made.

Home visits vs. hospital outpatient physiotherapy

NHS physiotherapy after hip replacement is often limited to a few outpatient sessions. Private home-visit physiotherapy offers a more comprehensive approach:

• More sessions: Regular visits tailored to your recovery speed
• Home-specific advice: Your physio can assess your actual stairs, bathroom, and living space
• No travel: Especially valuable in the early weeks when getting to a clinic is difficult
• Flexible timing: Appointments that suit your routine

Exercises you might do

Your programme will be tailored to you, but typical exercises include:

• Ankle pumps and circulation exercises
• Knee bends and straightening
• Hip abduction (moving leg out to the side)
• Gluteal squeezes and bridges
• Sit-to-stand practice
• Walking practice with and without aids
• Stair practice
• Balance exercises

West Midlands hospitals for hip replacement

Common hospitals in the West Midlands where patients have hip replacement surgery include:

• Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham
• University Hospitals Birmingham (Queen Elizabeth)
• Sandwell General Hospital
• Walsall Manor Hospital
• New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton
• University Hospital Coventry
• Circle Health Group (The Priory Hospital)

Wherever you had your surgery, we can provide follow-up physiotherapy at your home.

Areas we cover

We provide post hip replacement physiotherapy across the entire West Midlands, including Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Coventry, Dudley, Walsall, Solihull, and all surrounding towns.

Get started

Don't wait for a referral — the sooner you start physiotherapy, the better your outcome. Call for a free chat about your needs.

Call Saleh on 07517 373 622 or send an email.