Is hip replacement painful? How many weeks does it take to walk normally again? When can I get back to work?
If you’re planning to undergo hip replacement surgery or caring for someone who is, these are the most common questions that come to mind. In India, over 1.2 lakh joint replacement surgeries are performed every year, and that number is rising steadily due to improved surgical techniques and increasing awareness.
Dr. Supreet Bajwa highlights how innovations in surgery like the Direct Anterior Approach are transforming recovery outcomes. Patients now regain mobility within days, not months.
Dr. Supreet Bajwa, a fellowship-trained Hip & Knee Orthopaedic Surgeon trained in India and Australia, specializes in minimally invasive and robotic joint replacement. His expertise helps patients recover faster with less pain and fewer complications.
A hip replacement surgery can indeed be expensive in a private hospital. A direct anterior approach to Hip Replacement , for example, may seem like a costly proposition for an average person. However, it is important to evaluate how cost-effective it truly is in terms of your overall lifestyle.
If you undergo surgery at the optimum time using an optimal surgical technique, it usually helps you return to your normal functionality at a much faster pace, compared to using suboptimal implants or getting operated at a substandard center.
"My advice to people is to look at the finances associated with these once-in-a-lifetime surgeries from a different perspective," says Dr. Bajwa. "If you choose the right technique, you may be able to return to your routine activities within one or two days. That, in turn, allows you to regain your financial footing much quicker."
So, instead of taking six months to get back to life after surgery, you may be able to resume your life in just two to three weeks. This will help you regain control of your life-financially, economically, socially, and emotionally.
Kindly make a well-calculated decision about where you want to get your surgery done, and don’t base it solely on the financial cost.
Week-by-Week Guide to Hip Replacement Recovery
Within 6 Hours – Start Walking
After undergoing hip replacement with a muscle-sparing technique, patients are encouraged to begin walking with assistance as early as 6 hours post-surgery. This early mobilization helps prevent complications like blood clots and significantly boosts confidence and recovery speed. The absence of muscle cutting allows for faster functional recovery and reduced pain.
Within 2 Days – Get Discharged
Most patients are ready for discharge within 48 hours of the procedure. By this time, they are usually able to walk short distances, manage basic self-care activities, and tolerate oral medications. The quicker discharge is possible due to minimal soft tissue trauma and stable joint mechanics provided by the no muscle cut approach.
Within 7 Days – Perform Routine Activity
By the end of the first week, patients can perform most routine daily tasks independently or with minimal support. This includes walking indoors, sitting, bathing, and eating without assistance. Physiotherapy helps improve balance, muscle strength, and confidence, allowing a return to a near-normal lifestyle within just a few days.
Within 3 Weeks – Back To Active Lifestyle
Around the third week post-surgery, patients can typically return to a more active and independent lifestyle. Walking without support, climbing stairs, and engaging in social or professional activities become possible. Thanks to the muscle-preserving approach, recovery is not only quicker but also smoother with fewer restrictions.
Week 6 and Beyond: Full Recovery Phase
Patients generally resume full independent activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and outdoor tasks by week 6.
Why Choose Direct Anterior Approach?
This technique minimizes muscle damage, reduces scarring, allows faster return to activities, and avoids movement restrictions.
Tips to Speed Up Your Recovery
- Attend every physiotherapy session
- Avoid smoking and alcohol
- Eat well-balanced meals
- Stay positive and consistent with rehab
Common Questions From Patients
When can I start driving again?
Usually after week 6, once you regain leg control and can brake comfortably.
Is hip replacement safe for elderly patients?
Yes. Age is not a barrier. Recovery depends more on overall health than age.
What is the Cost of Hip Replacement?
If you’re planning to undergo hip replacement surgery or caring for someone who is, these are the most common questions that come to mind. In India, the cost of a hip replacement can range from INR 1.5 to 4.5 lakhs, especially at private hospitals offering advanced options like the Direct Anterior Approach. But beyond the cost, what truly matters is the speed and quality of your recovery.
Choose the Right Surgeon for Long-Term Results
Hip replacement isn’t just about replacing a joint-it’s about restoring your life. Choosing the right surgeon can make all the difference in how quickly and smoothly you recover.
Dr. Supreet Bajwa is a Fellowship-Trained Hip & Knee Orthopaedic Surgeon, having trained at the Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group, Australia, and mentored by Dr. Daevyd Rodda-a pioneer in modern joint techniques.
He is among the few surgeons in India who perform:
- Direct Anterior Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement
- Kinematic Knee Replacement
- Robotic-Assisted Knee Surgery
- Cooled Radiofrequency Ablation for Chronic Hip and Knee Pain
Dr. Bajwa practices at:
- Wockhardt Hospital (Mumbai Central & Mira Road)
With over 10+ years of experience and 1300+ successful joint replacements, Dr. Supreet Bajwa offers personalized care, precision, and faster recovery for every patient.
For appointments or more information, you can contact Dr. Supreet Bajwa at +91 9820727046. Whether you're exploring surgical options or for a second opinion, Dr. Bajwa and his team are committed to offering world-class joint care with a focus on faster recovery and long-term results.