Hip Surgery: Tips and Tricks, What to Expect, How to Recover & How Cold & Hot Therapy Can Help

Undergoing hip surgery can feel like a major turning point, and whether you’re preparing for a Total Hip Replacement or a hip arthroscopy, knowing what to expect and how to recover well makes a big difference. At HurtSkurt®, we believe recovery shouldn’t just be about getting back to baseline—it should be about coming out stronger, smarter, and pain-free. In this guide we’ll walk through key topics like hip surgery types, recovery timeline, and how to use ice & heat packs and targeted recovery gear (yes, our very own HurtSkurt® prints!) to support your healing

“Hip surgery” covers several different procedures—let’s break them down:

Types of Hip Surgery

• Total Hip Replacement (THR)

This is when the damaged hip joint (typically the femoral head and acetabulum) is replaced with artificial components.

• Hip Arthroscopy

A minimally-invasive surgery to address labral tears, cartilage damage, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and other hip joint issues.

• Partial Hip Replacement

Sometimes only part of the hip joint is replaced; less common than full THR.

• Revision Hip Surgery

A follow-up surgery when a previous hip replacement fails or wears out.

• Severe osteoarthritis causing hip pain, stiffness and loss of mobility

• Hip fractures (especially in older adults)

• Labral tears, hip impingement or cartilage injury in younger & active patients

• Avascular necrosis of the femoral head

• Failed prior hip replacement or prosthesis problems

Pre-Op Evaluation & Optimization

• Medical clearance: check heart /lung function, lab tests

• Physical therapy assessment to strengthen nearby muscles

• Pre-hab: simple exercises to improve hip & core strength before surgery

• Home prep: clear pathways, arrange support and a dedicated recovery zone

• Pack essentials: ice/heat therapy supplies, our ultra-soft recovery wraps (HurtSkurt®!), easy clothing

Setting Realistic Expectations

• Discuss with your surgeon what your target outcome is (pain relief, mobility, return to sport)

• Ask: How long will I be on crutches? When can I drive? When can I resume sports?

• Recovery outlook varies: age, health status, surgery type all matter

⸻

Here is a general timeline for hip replacement (arthroscopy is faster but still structured):

Day 0–2

Post-op in hospital: manage pain, begin gentle movement Use cold packs (ice-therapy) on hip region to reduce swelling and pain

Week 1–4

Walk with assistive device, physical therapy starts Alternate cold (swelling) with gentle heat (before PT session) for muscle prep

Month 1–3

Increased mobility, reduce device, more PT work Continue cold/heat; use stretch-friendly recovery fabric for comfort when seated

Month 3–6

Return to more normal activities, strength building Gradually reintroduce sports; ensure hip stability; cold for flare-ups

Month 6+

Many patients resume most activities; full recovery often by 12 months Maintain hip health: warm-ups, conditioning, occasional cold after heavy activity

• Reduces post-surgical swelling and inflammation

• Slows nerve conduction—less pain sensation

• Helps you tolerate early mobility easier

• Prepares muscles/joints for activity or PT by increasing circulation

• Relieves stiffness in later recovery stages when swelling has subsided

• Cold packs: Use for 15-20 min every 1-2 hours in early recovery; always wrap in cloth to avoid skin damage

• Heat packs: Use 10-15 min before therapy sessions (only when medically cleared)

• Avoid applying heat if there’s active swelling or open wounds

• Listen to your body: if therapy increases pain or swelling, scale back

• Choose ultra-soft, stretch-friendly clothing—especially for seated times and early mobility (hello, HurtSkurt® wraps!)

• Use a foam roller or gentle hip-specific mobility tools (after surgeon approval)

• Focus on sleep: elevate leg slightly, use pillows for comfort, maintain proper hip alignment

• Nutrition: anti-inflammatory diet, lean protein for tissue repair, hydration

• Set realistic goals: returning to full sports may take 6-12 months, depending on individual factors

• How long until I can drive? Usually when you can walk safely without aids and are off narcotic pain meds—often 4-6 weeks, but confirm with your surgeon.

• Will I feel normal again? Many patients report dramatic pain relief and improved mobility after hip replacement, though some residual sensations (metallic/squeak) may persist.

• When can I fly or travel? Avoid long flights until you’re walking well and swelling is under control (often 6-8 weeks). Use compression and move frequently if you must fly.

• What if I’m younger and active? For hip arthroscopy or younger replacements, focus on muscle strength, joint stability, and sport-specific rehab.

• How to handle flare-ups? Use cold packs for swelling, heat before activity, rest, and notify your surgeon/therapist if pain persists.

At HurtSkurt®, our mission is to blend functional recovery gear with style and comfort. For hip surgery patients, our products are designed to:

• Provide ultra-soft fabric that won’t irritate surgical sites or irritate mobility

• Feature fun prints to boost mood (because recovery is more than physical)

• Be compatible with cold-pack pockets or overlays (supporting “cold therapy for hip pain”)

• Offer stretch and ease-of-wear during early mobility phases

⸻

If you or someone you know is preparing for hip surgery—whether a total hip replacement or hip arthroscopy—download our Hip Recovery Checklist & Cold/Heat Therapy Guide from HurtSkurt®.

Explore our collection of ultra-soft recovery wraps and hot/cold supportive gear designed to make your hip surgery recovery more comfortable, stylish and effective.

And if you want more blog posts on topics like “exercises after hip replacement”, “sleep positions post hip arthroscopy”, or “when to return to sport after hip surgery”—just let us know.

Hip surgery recovery is a journey—and one where the right preparation, therapy tools (like cold/heat packs), lifestyle adjustments, and recovery gear can make a big difference.