If you’ve had a hip replacement or are preparing for one, structured exercise is one of the most important factors in your long-term recovery.
The surgery itself replaces a damaged joint, but it doesn’t restore the strength, balance and movement quality you’ll need to get back to the life you want. That comes from progressive, well-designed exercise in the weeks and months after surgery.
At Summit Health Group’s Malvern and Blackburn clinics, our accredited exercise physiologists work with adults recovering from hip replacement surgery. Our hip replacement rehabilitation programs are designed for exactly this stage of recovery. We design ongoing weekly programs that progress safely from early recovery through to full return to function, and beyond.
Why exercise matters after hip replacement
A hip replacement is major surgery. Even with the best surgical technique, the surrounding muscles and tissues need time and structured exercise to rebuild strength, mobility and balance.
Without a structured program, most people experience:
- Persistent weakness in the hip and surrounding muscles.
- Compensatory movement patterns, such as favouring the operated side, limping or guarding.
- Reduced confidence and increased falls risk.
- Difficulty returning to activities they enjoyed before surgery.
- Longer recovery times and incomplete restoration of function.
A well-designed exercise program addresses all of these. It progressively rebuilds the muscles around the hip, restores normal gait, retrains balance and rebuilds confidence, so you can return to walking, gardening, golf, travel, or whatever else matters to you.
What exercise after hip replacement actually involves
Recovery from hip replacement is typically structured in three phases.
Phase 1, early recovery (weeks 0 to 6): the focus is restoring basic mobility and walking, and reducing pain and swelling. You’ll typically be working with a physiotherapist in this phase, often through the hospital or your surgeon. Exercise physiology is generally introduced later.
Phase 2, progressive strengthening (weeks 6 to 12): this is where exercise physiology often becomes most valuable. Progressive resistance training rebuilds the muscles around the hip, particularly the glutes, quadriceps, hamstrings and core. Balance and gait retraining begins.
Phase 3, return to function (3 months onwards): programs progress to address functional movements specific to your goals, such as walking distance, stair climbing, getting up from chairs, more challenging balance work, and gradually returning to activities you enjoy.
Why an accredited exercise physiologist matters in your recovery
Hip replacement recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. The right program depends on:
- Your surgeon’s specific protocols and any movement restrictions.
- The type of hip replacement you had, whether anterior, posterior or another approach.
- Your pre-surgery fitness and capacity.
- Any other conditions, such as osteoarthritis in other joints or osteoporosis.
- Your goals, and what you want to return to doing.
An accredited exercise physiologist (AEP) is trained to design rehabilitation programs that respect surgical protocols while progressing your strength, balance and function safely. We coordinate with your surgeon and physiotherapist where needed, so your recovery is well supported.
What to expect from your first appointment
Your first session is a clinical assessment. Your exercise physiologist will:
- Review your surgical notes, any restrictions and your current recovery stage.
- Discuss your pre-surgery activity level and goals.
- Assess your strength, mobility, gait, balance and movement quality.
- Talk through any pain, swelling or limitations.
- Design a personalised program based on where you are now and where you want to get to.
For most clients, sessions run weekly, with the program progressing as your strength and confidence improve.
Why ongoing exercise matters even after recovery
Many people stop exercising once they feel recovered from their hip replacement. That’s a missed opportunity. The muscles around a replaced hip need ongoing strength work to maintain function, particularly as you age.
Ongoing exercise also protects your other joints. People who’ve had a hip replacement on one side are at higher risk of developing problems in the other hip and the knees. Maintained strength and good movement patterns reduce that risk significantly.
Our clients typically keep attending weekly sessions well after their formal recovery period, because the ongoing exercise is what maintains the function they worked hard to restore. This is exactly what ongoing exercise physiology achieves over the long term. You can read more about our exercise physiology for older adults.
Our Melbourne clinics for hip replacement recovery
Malvern clinic: 73–75 Station Street, Malvern VIC 3144. Serving Malvern, Armadale, Glen Iris, Caulfield, Toorak and South Yarra. Phone (03) 9576 3216.
Blackburn clinic: 7/28–30 Blackburn Road, Blackburn VIC 3130. Serving Blackburn, Box Hill, Forest Hill, Nunawading, Mitcham, Burwood and Ringwood. Phone (03) 8625 0514.
Both clinics are fully accessible, with on-site or street parking.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start exercise physiology after a hip replacement?
Most clients begin exercise physiology around six weeks post-surgery, once your surgeon and physiotherapist have cleared you to progress beyond early recovery. We coordinate with your surgical team where needed.
How long does recovery from hip replacement take?
Most people recover basic function within six to twelve weeks. A full return to higher-level activities like sport, longer walks, golf and travel typically takes three to six months with a structured exercise program. Ongoing strength and mobility work continues to produce benefits well beyond that.
Is exercise physiology safe after hip replacement?
Yes, when the program is designed by an accredited exercise physiologist who understands your specific surgical protocol and any restrictions. We coordinate with your surgeon where needed to ensure your program respects all movement and load restrictions.
Will I be able to return to my normal activities?
Most clients return to walking, gardening, light sport and travel within three to six months. More demanding activities, like competitive sport or heavy lifting, depend on individual factors and your surgeon’s advice. Our goal is to get you back to the activities that matter to you.
Do I need a referral to see an exercise physiologist?
No referral is required. You can book directly at our Malvern or Blackburn clinic. Bring any relevant surgical notes or restrictions to your first appointment.
A hip replacement gives you a new joint. What you do in the months after surgery is what restores the strength, balance and confidence that let you actually use it. A hip replacement gives you a new joint. What you do in the months after surgery is what restores the strength, balance and confidence that let you actually use it. Our team helps adults across Melbourne rebuild strength after surgery with an ongoing weekly program.
Talk to an exercise physiologist who specialises in post-surgical recovery in Melbourne.
