A hip replacement can be life-changing—but your outcome depends just as much on preparation as it does on the surgery itself. Patients who go in informed, organized, and physically ready tend to recover faster, experience fewer complications, and feel more confident throughout the process.

Here are the five most important things you should do before your hip replacement:

1. Know Your Surgeon

This is your body and your outcome—you should feel confident in the person performing your surgery.

Before surgery, make sure you:

• Understand your surgeon’s experience and volume with hip replacements
• Feel comfortable asking questions
• Know how to contact their team with concerns

You don’t need to be an expert—but you should feel informed and confident in your care.

2. Understand Your Procedure

Not all hip replacements are identical. Knowing what to expect removes anxiety and helps you recover smarter.

Ask questions like:

• What type of hip replacement am I getting?
• What approach will be used (anterior, posterior, etc.)?
• What are the risks and expected outcomes?

The more you understand:

• The less intimidating the process becomes
• The more engaged you’ll be in recovery

3. Know Your Precautions Before Surgery

Different surgical approaches come with different precautions—especially early on.

You should clearly understand:

• Movements to avoid after surgery
• Weight-bearing status
• How you’ll sit, sleep, and move safely

Knowing this before surgery is key—because you’ll be expected to follow these immediately afterward.

4. Plan Your Physical Therapy (and Start Prehabilitation)

Don’t wait until after surgery to think about rehab.

Have a physical therapist lined up:

• Know where you’ll go (or who will come to your home)
• Schedule early appointments

Start “Prehab” now:

Strengthening before surgery improves outcomes.

Focus on:

• Glutes
• Quadriceps
• Core stability

Benefits:

• Faster recovery
• Better mobility
• Less post-op weakness

5. Prepare Your Home and Know the Plan

Your home becomes your recovery space—set it up ahead of time.

Prepare your environment:

• Remove rugs and trip hazards
• Set up a safe walking path
• Consider:
  • Grab bars
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Shower chair

Know your recovery plan:

• When will you walk? (often same day or next)
• Will you go home or to rehab?
• What help will you need?

Have support ready:

• Meals
• Transportation
• Assistance during the first few days

Final Takeaway

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful procedures in medicine—but success starts before the operating room.

If you know your surgeon, understand your procedure, prepare your body, and set up your recovery environment—you’ll give yourself the best chance at a smooth and successful outcome.