Rehabilitation article
Hip replacement prehab: preparing for walking and daily activities
Practise relevant tasks and plan support without assuming one ideal prehab routine.
Published: 7/12/2026
Author: Habilis editorial team
What to focus on
Preparation may involve walking, transfers, home planning and understanding any approach-specific precautions.
Pace the work
Work within a stable symptom range and avoid adding unfamiliar intensity close to surgery.
Keep expectations realistic
Confidence and readiness are useful aims; evidence does not support guaranteed postoperative gains.
When individual guidance matters
Confirm aids, precautions and medication questions with your own team.
Practical takeaways
- Practise relevant daily tasks.
- Plan the home route.
- Confirm procedure-specific precautions.
Related programmes
Scientific backing
Guideline
2022
Preoperative rehabilitation advice for hip and knee replacement
Adults listed for hip or knee replacement should receive tailored, understandable advice about preparation, exercise, lifestyle and recovery expectations.
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence
Review
2024
Prehabilitation before total knee and hip arthroplasty
The review found some potentially relevant improvements, especially around knee arthroplasty, but heterogeneity and risk of bias prevent firm conclusions.
Adebero T et al.
Review
2024
Preoperative expectations and outcomes after hip or knee arthroplasty
Expectations may relate to some outcomes, but the evidence is inconsistent and often at moderate or high risk of bias.
Mooiweer Y et al.