Hip resurfacing surgery helps many active adults stay mobile and keep more of their natural bone. However, the surgery is just the beginning. Your recovery plays a big role in how well your hip works in the future. What you avoid during healing is just as important as what you do.
During the first few months after hip resurfacing, your body is healing and getting used to the changes. Your hip needs time to heal and for the implant to become securely fixed—some parts rely on bone growth, and some may be held with cement. If you put too much pressure on your hip too soon, it can slow down your recovery.
These are some activities you should avoid after hip resurfacing surgery.
- High-Impact Activities During Early Recovery
Running, jumping, and other high-impact movements put a lot of stress on your hip joint. Right after hip resurfacing surgery, the bone around your implant is still healing. Activities like jogging, sprinting, basketball, or plyometric workouts can overload your joint before it is ready.Most surgeons recommend staying away from impact sports while you are healing. Avoid running/jumping for the first few months and only restart after your surgeon clears you based on healing and strength.Even if you do not feel much pain, your hip might not be ready to take the repeated stress. Increase walking gradually and use your PT plan (not pain alone) to guide progression. - Deep Bending and Extreme Hip Positions
Early on, avoid extreme hip positions (deep squats, low seats, twisting) because your tissues are healing and these positions can cause pain or instability.Follow your surgeon’s movement precautions—these can differ depending on the surgical approach. Certain movements can hurt your hip and slow down your recovery. Choose chairs that are the right height and move slowly to keep your hip safe. - Heavy Lifting and Straining
Lifting heavy things puts extra pressure on your hip joint and the muscles around it. This includes carrying heavy items at home. Strength training is helpful, but start with light resistance and perfect form—save heavy lifting until your surgeon/PT clears it.After hip resurfacing surgery, your strength will come back slowly. Lifting too much weight too soon can cause muscle strain or make your joints sore. Light resistance exercises usually start later with supervision, but wait to lift heavy things until your hip is strong and stable again. - Contact Sports
Sports that involve sudden stops, falls, or direct contact can be extremely risky while you recover. Football, rugby, hockey, and martial arts all have unpredictable movements that make it harder to keep your balance and control your joints.Contact and high-collision sports may be delayed longer, and in some cases avoided, depending on your surgeon’s guidance. - Ignoring Pain or Fatigue Signals
Trying to ignore pain or tiredness is a very common mistake. Pain is often a sign that your hip needs rest or that you are doing too much too soon. Listen to pain and call your surgeon urgently for red flags like fever, wound drainage, calf swelling, chest pain, or sudden inability to bear weight. If you notice swelling, stiffness, or aching after activity, your joint may need more time to adjust.You will recover best if you increase your activity slowly over time. Taking rest days is important for healing, and paying attention to how your body feels can help you avoid setbacks. - Long Periods of Sitting
Rest is important, but sitting still for too long can make you stiff and slow your circulation. Avoid long sitting especially in the first weeks—get up regularly, do ankle pumps, and follow your blood thinner plan to lower clot risk.Taking short walks, doing gentle stretches, and changing your position during the day can help you recover more smoothly after hip resurfacing surgery.
In Conclusion
Caring for your hip as you recover from the surgery starts with knowing when to rest. In the first few weeks, follow your surgeon’s specific activity and movement precautions.
I know recovery matters just as much as the surgery itself. With good support and a clear plan, many of my patients get back to the activities they love. If you want to talk about your goals or learn more about hip resurfacing, call my office at (713) 799-2300 to set up a consultation.