Daily life guide
Returning to work after hip replacement
How soon you go back to work depends mostly on what your job asks of your body. Here's how to plan.
The short answer
- Desk-based work is often possible within a few weeks.46
- Jobs with a lot of standing, walking, lifting or climbing usually need longer, often around three months.46
- Being able to drive or commute safely is often the real deciding factor.29
- A phased return, with shorter days or lighter duties, helps many people.
By type of job
| Job type | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Desk or remote work | Often within a few weeks |
| On your feet, light lifting | Often around 6 to 8 weeks |
| Heavy physical work | Often around 3 months, sometimes longer |
General ranges only. Your surgeon and therapist will advise you based on your recovery.46
Planning your return
- Talk to your employer before surgery about time off and any temporary changes.
- Ask about working from home, a raised chair or a stool, and breaks to walk and stretch.
- Plan the commute, especially if you can't drive yet. See driving after hip replacement.
- Ask your surgeon's office for any forms or notes your employer needs.
Sources
- Patel PV, et al. Doctor when can I drive? A systematic review and meta-analysis of return to driving after total hip arthroplasty. Hip Int. 2023;33(1):17-27. doi:10.1177/1120700021998028
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, OrthoInfo. Total hip replacement. orthoinfo.org/bodypart/hip-thigh/total-hip-replacement