Preparing Your Home and Body for Hip Replacement Surgery

Preparing for hip replacement starts before your procedure. A bit of planning and a few arrangements at home, as well as and preparing your body in the weeks beforehand, can make the early recovery period easier to manage.

For Adelaide patients preparing for total, robotic-assisted or revision hip replacement, Dr David Kitchen can discuss what to expect before surgery and how recovery planning relates to your health, home life and activity goals. Book a consultation to discuss your preparation and recovery plan.

Why do you need to prepare before hip replacement?

After hip replacement surgery, you will need time to rebuild strength, confidence and mobility. You may be using a walking aid at first and need help with transport, meals, cleaning, shopping or personal care.

Preparing early means you are not trying to solve these problems when you are tired, sore or newly home from hospital. It also gives family or your support person a clearer idea of where you might need help.

A good pre-surgery plan should cover two areas: your home and your body.

How to set up your home for hip replacement recovery

Start by thinking through a normal day at home.

Where do you sleep? Which bathroom do you use? Are there steps at the entry? How far is the kitchen from your chair? Do you normally carry washing, meals or shopping between rooms? Simple home changes may include:

• Removing loose rugs, cords or clutter from walkways
• Placing everyday items within easy reach
• Setting up a firm chair with arms
• Keeping your phone, charger, water and medication close by
• Preparing meals or arranging meal support
• Clearing space for a walking frame or crutches
• Checking lighting in hallways, bathrooms and bedrooms

If your bedroom is upstairs, you may want to arrange a temporary sleeping space downstairs for early recovery. Also, if your shower has a high step, slippery tiles or limited space, discuss equipment or home setup with your care team before surgery.

What should you pack for hospital?

Packing early can make the day of admission feel less rushed and stressful.

Bring comfortable clothes that are easy to put on, supportive shoes, toiletries, personal aids such as glasses or hearing aids, your regular medications in their original packaging and any documents requested by the hospital.

Loose shorts, trackpants or a nightshirt may be easier to manage after hip surgery. Choose clothing with an elastic waistband and avoid items that are difficult to pull over your hips or require bending. Shoes should be secure and have good grip. Avoid loose or backless footwear that could increase the risk of tripping, as well as bringing valuable jewellery or unnecessary electronic devices.

Other useful items may include a phone and charger, a notebook for recording instructions and any mobility aids recommended by your care team.

How do you prepare your body for hip replacement surgery?

Preparing your body does not mean pushing through hip pain or suddenly starting an intense exercise program. It means giving yourself the best starting point you reasonably can.

Dr Kitchen or your physiotherapist may recommend gentle exercises to help maintain strength and movement before surgery. General tips may include:

• Consistently move in a way that does not repeatedly flare your pain
• Eat regular, nourishing meals
• Follow medical advice around smoking and alcohol before surgery
• Review your regular medications with your doctor
• Discuss any diabetes, heart, lung or blood pressure concerns early
• Tell Dr Kitchen and your surgical team about any skin infections, dental infections or new illness before surgery

Small gains matter before and after surgery. Aim for short, regular periods of movement like gentle walks that are more manageable, rather than trying to do too much at once.

What types of support to arrange before surgery

The first week home can be difficult, even if you were active and independent before surgery. Tasks that normally happen without much thought suddenly require planning.

Arrange someone to take you home from hospital and, if needed, stay with you or check in regularly. It is also worth planning help with:

• Grocery shopping, meal prep or a meal delivery service
• Transport for hospital, physiotherapy and follow-up appointments
• Setting up recommended equipment, such as a shower chair and raised toilet seat
• Arranging a walking frame, crutches or other mobility aids before you return home
• Showering and personal care assistance
• Medication collection and other pharmacy needs
• Bins, cleaning, laundry and other household chores
• Pet care and walking
• Childcare or other family responsibilities

If you live alone, tell your care team before surgery so your discharge and home support can be planned, including your first post-operative review, wound checks, physiotherapy and who to contact if needed. If you have any concerns about your home and preparations, also speak to the team about an occupational therapy home assessment.

Work also needs some thought. Desk-based work and physical work place very different demands on a recovering hip. If your job involves driving, prolonged standing, climbing, lifting or visiting work sites, discuss your return-to-work plan with Dr Kitchen before surgery.

Hip replacement in Adelaide with Dr David Kitchen

Dr David Kitchen is an Australian-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with subspecialty training in hip and knee surgery. He performs total hip replacement, robotic-assisted hip replacement using Mako technology and revision hip replacement surgery.

Before surgery, Dr Kitchen will discuss the recommended procedure, preparation, hospital care, and what the early stages of recovery may involve, more specific to you.

Dr Kitchen consults privately at sportsmed Stepney, Henley Beach and The Specialist Clinic Port Pirie.

Plan ahead for your hip replacement

Preparing your home and body before hip replacement surgery can reduce much of the unnecessary difficulty during the early recovery period. It can make everyday tasks safer and easier so you can concentrate on movement, rest and rehabilitation.

If you are considering hip replacement and hip pain is affecting your mobility, independence, or lifestyle, speak with your GP about a referral to Dr David Kitchen for an orthopaedic opinion.

*This article is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. All surgical procedures carry risks and results vary between individuals. Consult with Dr David Kitchen MBBS MA (Cantab) BA Hons PhD FRACS FAOrthA (MED0001951664), Orthopaedic Specialist, for a personalised treatment plan.