How to Get In and Out of the Car After a Hip Replacement

The safest way to get into a car after a hip replacement is usually to back up to the seat, sit down slowly with your operated leg out in front, then swivel both legs in together rather than stepping in one leg at a time. Getting out is the same movement in reverse. According to healthdirect's guide to hip replacement, dislocation is a particular risk in the first few months after surgery, so how you move in and out of the car really matters.

Below you will find a simple step by step method, ways to set up the car, common mistakes to avoid, and gentle exercises that can make car transfers easier once your health team clears you. Hip precautions differ depending on your surgical approach and your surgeon, so treat everything here as commonly recommended advice and always follow your own surgeon's and physio's instructions first.

Why is getting into the car tricky after hip surgery?

Most cars ask you to do exactly the movements a new hip may not be ready for. You bend low, twist your body and lift one leg over the door sill while the other leg takes your weight. Car seats are also often low and soft, so your hip bends further than it would on a firm kitchen chair.

Depending on your surgery, you may have been asked to limit how far you bend, avoid crossing your legs or avoid twisting on the operated leg. A good car technique lets you respect those limits without thinking too hard. Your surgeon will let you know if there are particular activities to avoid in your case.

How to set up the car before you leave hospital

A few minutes of preparation makes a big difference. If a family member is collecting you, ask them to do this before they arrive.

• Use the front passenger seat. It usually has the most legroom.
• Push the seat right back and recline it slightly. This gives you room to keep your operated leg straight and limits how far your hip bends.
• Raise a low seat. A firm cushion or folded towel can help. Ask your physio whether a cushion suits you.
• Put a plastic bag on the seat. A sturdy shopping bag helps you swivel smoothly. Remove it once you are settled, as it can be slippery.
• Clear the footwell. Move bags and umbrellas so nothing catches your feet.
• Park away from the kerb. Stop on flat ground so you are not stepping down from a kerb or standing in a dip.

If you have a choice of cars, the best one is usually the vehicle whose seat sits roughly at hip height when you stand beside it.

Step by step: getting into the car

Here is a commonly recommended method. Practise it with your physio or exercise physiologist if you can, and adjust it to fit your surgeon's specific precautions.

Step	What to do	Why it helps
1. Prepare the seat	Push the seat back and recline it slightly. Add a plastic bag, plus a cushion if the seat is low.	Limits hip bending and makes swivelling easier.
2. Park in a good spot	Park on flat ground, away from the kerb, with the door fully open.	Keeps you on one level surface while balancing.
3. Back up to the seat	Walk with your frame or crutches until your back is to the car. Step back until you feel the seat behind your legs.	Means you never twist or step sideways into the car.
4. Operated leg forward	Slide your operated leg out in front. Reach back for the seat or dashboard, not the door.	Reduces how far your new hip bends as you lower down.
5. Sit down slowly	Lower yourself gently, leaning back slightly, then shuffle back on the seat.	Avoids dropping heavily onto a low seat.
6. Swivel both legs in together	Lean back and turn your whole body as one unit, lifting both legs in at once. Someone can support your operated leg.	Avoids twisting at the hip or crossing your knees.

Once you are in, settle for a moment before putting your seatbelt on.

How to get out of the car safely

Getting out is the reverse of getting in. Take your time, especially after a long drive when your hip may feel stiff.

1. Park on flat ground away from the kerb and open the door fully.
2. Undo your seatbelt and recline the seat slightly if needed.
3. Swivel your whole body towards the door, bringing both legs out together.
4. Shuffle forward to the edge of the seat, operated leg out in front.
5. Push up through your arms using the seat and car frame, standing up through your stronger leg.
6. Steady yourself, then reach for your frame or crutches.

In a tight spot, such as a busy Chadstone car park, ask the driver to let you out before they pull into the space. A fully open door matters more than a close park.

Common mistakes to avoid

These habits often creep in as confidence grows. Your surgeon and physio may advise differently for your situation, so check with them.

• Stepping in one leg first. This forces a deep bend and twist.
• Grabbing the car door. Doors move, so use the seat or car frame.
• Leaning forward to reach things. Ask the driver to pass your bag or seatbelt.
• Sitting for long stretches. On longer trips, ask your health team how often to stop and stretch your legs.

As for driving yourself, that is a question for your surgeon. Please get their clearance before you get behind the wheel.

Exercises that make car transfers easier

Car transfers rely on strong hips, thighs and calves, plus good balance. Healthdirect notes that doing the exercises your health team shows you helps recovery. Only start these once your surgeon, physio or exercise physiologist has cleared you, and follow any limits they set. For more ideas, read our guide to exercise after a hip replacement in Melbourne.

1. Sit to stand

This trains the exact movement you use to get out of the car.

1. Sit on a firm chair with armrests, operated leg slightly forward.
2. Push up through your legs and arms, staying within your precautions.
3. Stand tall, pause, then lower slowly.

Reps: 5 to 10, once or twice. Easier: add a cushion. Harder: push less with your arms. Safety tip: brace the chair against a wall so it cannot slide.

2. Glute squeezes

A gentle way to wake up the muscles that support your new hip.

1. Lie on your back or sit upright.
2. Squeeze your buttock muscles firmly.
3. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax.

Reps: 10, a few times a day. Easier: hold for 2 to 3 seconds. Harder: build to 10 seconds. Safety tip: keep breathing normally.

3. Bridges

Bridges strengthen the hips and help you shuffle on a car seat.

1. Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat.
2. Squeeze your buttocks and lift your hips a little.
3. Hold for 3 seconds, then lower slowly.

Reps: 5 to 10. Easier: lift only slightly. Harder: hold for 5 seconds. Safety tip: keep your knees in line with your hips.

4. Standing hip abduction

This strengthens the side of the hip, keeping you steady as you stand from the car.

1. Stand holding a sturdy kitchen bench.
2. Keeping upright with toes forward, lift your operated leg out to the side.
3. Lower it slowly, without crossing the middle.

Reps: 5 to 10 each side. Easier: make the movement smaller. Harder: pause for 2 seconds at the top. Safety tip: do not lean sideways to lift higher.

5. Heel raises

Strong calves help your balance as you stand and reach for your frame.

1. Stand holding the kitchen bench, feet hip width apart.
2. Rise onto your toes, then lower slowly.

Reps: 10, twice. Easier: rise part way. Harder: pause for 3 seconds at the top. Safety tip: keep both hands on the bench.

Stop and contact your surgeon or GP if you notice sudden severe hip pain, a clicking or giving way feeling, your leg looking shorter or turned, increasing redness or swelling around the wound, or calf pain and swelling. In an emergency, seek urgent medical help.

How long until car trips feel normal?

Everyone recovers at a different pace. Healthdirect says most people can return to light daily activities after about 6 weeks and most normal activities after about 3 months, while some take up to 12 months to feel the full benefit. Car transfers tend to get easier as your strength and confidence grow.

Your surgeon will tell you when your precautions change, and your physio can help you adjust your technique. Learn more about our hip replacement rehabilitation approach.

When to see an exercise physiologist

Extra support may help if:

• car transfers still feel unsteady or worrying
• you need a lot of help to stand from low seats
• you have had a near fall
• your hospital exercises have run out and you are unsure what comes next
• you have other conditions, such as osteoarthritis, heart disease or diabetes

At Summit Health Group, an assessment starts with a conversation about your surgery, your surgeon's precautions and the everyday tasks you want to manage, like car trips and shopping. We check your strength, balance and movement, then build a program within your surgeon's guidance. Our post-surgery rehabilitation service runs at our Malvern and Blackburn clinics, with home visits if getting out is hard in the early weeks, plus telehealth.

If you or someone you care for is recovering from a hip replacement, book an assessment with our team and we will help you move with more confidence.