Returning to Work After Hip Replacement: What’s a Realistic Timeline?
Published by Dr Oliver Khoo at Monday, December 8, 2025
Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful orthopaedic procedures, often giving patients dramatic improvements in movement, mobility, and overall quality of life. But one of the biggest questions people ask before surgery is: “When can I go back to work?”
The truth is that returning to work after a hip replacement looks different for everyone. Your timeline will depend on several factors—your age, general health, type of surgery, physical demands at work, and how well you follow your rehabilitation plan.
This guide breaks down realistic return-to-work expectations for office workers, moderately physical jobs, and heavy-labour roles. It also explains what to expect during recovery, and how to return safely and confidently.
Before looking at work-specific timelines, it’s important to understand what recovery typically involves.
Most patients spend 1–3 days in hospital after surgery (although some may go home the same day, depending on the surgeon and hospital protocol). Once home, the focus is on pain control, wound care, reducing swelling, and early mobility. Physiotherapy begins almost immediately and continues over several months.
Even though many people feel much better by the six-week mark, full recovery can take up to 6–12 months. Returning to work should always align with what your surgeon and physiotherapist believe is safe, not just how you feel physically.
Below are general guidelines for different types of occupations. Everyone recovers at their own pace, so consider these as ranges rather than fixed deadlines.
People in desk-based, administrative, or remote work roles generally return the earliest.
Typical return-to-work timeframe:
2–6 weeks
Most office workers feel comfortable returning around the 4-week mark, particularly if they have the option to work from home or reduce their hours at first. Good ergonomics—an elevated chair, standing desk options, and keeping essential items within easy reach—make the transition easier.
Before returning, make sure you can:
If you commute, consider whether you can safely get in and out of a car or manage public transport without discomfort.
These include occupations that involve standing, light lifting, or frequent movement, such as retail, hospitality, teaching, and patient-facing healthcare roles.
Typical return-to-work timeframe:
6–12 weeks
These jobs require longer recovery time because the new hip must tolerate more repetitive motion and load. Many patients begin part-time or with modified duties before fully resuming their pre-surgery tasks.
Before returning, make sure you can:
Requesting graduated duties or a phased return helps reduce fatigue and prevents setbacks.
Construction workers, tradies, farmers, emergency responders, and anyone performing heavy lifting or climbing will need the longest recovery period.
Typical return-to-work timeframe:
3–6 months
High-impact activities put substantial stress on the hip joint. Returning too early increases the risk of dislocation or implant wear. Surgeons often require imaging and strength assessments before clearing people in physically demanding roles to return to full duties.
Before returning, make sure you can:
Some people may return earlier with modified duties, while others may need the full six months before resuming heavy labour tasks.
Minimally invasive or anterior-approach hip replacements may allow for faster return to mobility compared to traditional posterior approaches. However, individual results vary.
Patients who engage in pre-operative strengthening—sometimes called “prehab”—often progress faster.
Controlling inflammation early on significantly improves comfort and mobility.
Regular exercises improve strength, flexibility, and confidence, all essential for returning to work.
Employers who allow gradual return, modified duties, or ergonomic adjustments help prevent complications.
Even if you're cleared to return, avoid jumping straight into long hours or full physical loads. Fatigue is common after hip surgery.
Make sure you can safely sit, brake, accelerate, and turn when driving. Most surgeons recommend avoiding driving for at least 4–6 weeks.
For office workers, this may include:
Pain is normal during early recovery. Discuss suitable medication or non-medication strategies with your doctor.
Sharp pain, instability, or swelling after work is a sign you may need to scale back temporarily.
Most people can drive again after 4–6 weeks, provided they can safely perform an emergency stop and are no longer taking strong pain medications. Always check with your surgeon before driving.
Yes. Many people begin light computer-based tasks from home within 2–3 weeks, as long as they can sit comfortably and take breaks often.
Many patients benefit from reduced hours or lighter duties initially, especially those in physical roles. A gradual return helps prevent fatigue and overuse.
Low-impact activities like walking or gentle cycling may begin early in recovery, while higher-impact sports usually require 3–6 months. Your physiotherapist will guide you.
Yes. Your body is still healing, and your muscles are adjusting to the new joint. Stiffness and mild fatigue are common and should gradually improve with time.
Not usually. It’s better to return safely and with confidence rather than rush and risk complications.