Key Takeaways
- Preparing well for hip replacement surgery can shorten recovery time, reduce complications, and improve long-term results.
- The right pre-surgery exercises strengthen the muscles around the hip and make rehab smoother.
- Lifestyle adjustments in the weeks before surgery, like quitting smoking, eating well, and arranging home support, set the stage for a successful recovery.
- Knowing what to expect on the day of surgery reduces anxiety and helps you arrive prepared.
- Post-surgery recovery tips, including following physical therapy and protecting the joint at home, are key to long-term success.
- Dr. Kevin McCarthy in Hollywood, FL, is a leading hip doctor near you, offering advanced anterior hip replacement and personalized support throughout the process. Request an appointment today.
Why Preparation Matters Before Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement is one of the most successful procedures in modern orthopedics, but the way patients prepare in the weeks leading up to surgery has a real impact on how the recovery goes. Strong muscles, a healthy baseline, an organized home, and clear expectations all translate into a smoother experience and a faster return to daily life.
Patients preparing for hip replacement surgery with Dr. Kevin McCarthy in Hollywood, FL, benefit from a structured approach that covers the body, the home environment, and the mindset. The Hip Replacement (Arthroplasty) page outlines the techniques and technology Dr. McCarthy uses, and the steps below explain how to get ready.
Step 1: Understand the Procedure and Approach
Not all hip replacements are performed the same way. Dr. McCarthy takes an anterior approach, accessing the hip from the front of the leg rather than the side or back. This technique works between muscles instead of cutting through them, which often allows for a quicker, less painful recovery.
The implants Dr. McCarthy uses are part of the Enovis family of hip systems and are matched to each patient's anatomy. These include:
- EMPOWR Acetabular® System for an optimal fit and improved mobility
- EMPOWR™ blade stem for durable performance and joint function
- EMPOWR Dual Mobility™ to reduce the risk of dislocation and support joint longevity
- EXPRT® Revision Hip for revision cases that require advanced support
Dr. McCarthy also uses ARVIS Augmented Reality during surgery to support precise implant placement, which contributes to faster recovery and a more reliable result.
Step 2: Pre-Surgery Exercises and Conditioning
Going into surgery stronger almost always means coming out of it recovering faster. In the weeks leading up to your procedure, focus on building strength in the hip, core, and upper body so you're well-prepared for early rehab.
Dr. McCarthy generally recommends discussing a personalized program with your physical therapist or surgical team, but common pre-surgery exercises include:
- Glute bridges to strengthen the hip extensors
- Seated marches to maintain hip flexor mobility
- Heel slides for gentle hip and knee range of motion
- Standing hip abductions for lateral hip stability
- Quad sets and ankle pumps to support circulation and leg strength
- Upper-body work with light weights so you can safely use a walker after surgery
Avoid pushing into pain. The goal is consistent, comfortable movement, not exhaustion.
Step 3: Lifestyle Adjustments in the Weeks Before Surgery
The body heals better when the basics are dialed in. In the 4 to 6 weeks before your hip replacement, focus on:
- Nutrition. A balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports tissue healing.
- Hydration. Stay well-hydrated leading into surgery.
- Smoking and alcohol. Stopping smoking, even temporarily, significantly improves wound healing and lowers complication risk. Limit alcohol in the weeks before surgery.
- Weight management. If your team has discussed weight loss before surgery, even modest progress helps reduce stress on the new joint.
- Medication review. Share your full medication and supplement list with the surgical team. Some blood thinners and supplements need to be paused before surgery.
- Dental and skin checks. Address any active infections, including dental issues, before surgery to lower the risk of complications.
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons offers a helpful patient overview of total hip replacement that complements Dr. McCarthy's pre-surgery checklist.
Step 4: Prepare Your Home for Recovery
A few thoughtful changes at home make the first weeks after surgery much easier. Before your procedure, walk through your space and adjust for safety and convenience.
Home Setup Checklist
- Clear pathways of rugs, cords, and clutter that could cause a fall.
- Set up a recovery zone on the main floor with everything within reach.
- Place commonly used items between waist and shoulder height.
- Install grab bars or a raised toilet seat in the bathroom if recommended.
- Have a sturdy chair with armrests for sitting and standing.
- Stock the kitchen with easy-to-prepare meals.
- Arrange a support person to help with errands, meals, and rides for the first week or two.
Helpful Items to Have on Hand
- A walker or crutches as prescribed
- A long-handled reacher and shoehorn
- A shower chair and a non-slip mat
- Loose-fitting, easy-to-pull-on clothing
- Ice packs and pillows for elevation
Step 5: What to Expect on the Day of Surgery
Knowing what the day looks like takes a lot of the stress out of it.
| Phase | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Arrival and check-in | Final paperwork, vitals, and a meeting with the anesthesia team |
| Pre-op preparation | IV placement, surgical site marking, and any pre-surgery medications |
| Surgery | The procedure itself usually takes 1 to 2 hours |
| Recovery room | Close monitoring as you wake up, with pain control started early |
| Same-day mobilization | Many patients stand and take a few steps the same day |
| Discharge planning | Same-day or short-stay discharge, depending on your plan |
You'll receive specific instructions about what time to stop eating and drinking, which medications to take or skip that morning, and what to bring with you. Comfortable clothing and a list of current medications are essentials.
Step 6: Post-Surgery Recovery Tips and Care Instructions
Hip replacement recovery is a progression, not a sprint. The first few weeks focus on safe mobility and pain control, and the months that follow build strength and endurance.
Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline
- Days 1–7: Walking with assistance, beginning home exercises, and managing pain and swelling.
- Weeks 2–6: Increasing walking distance, transitioning off walking aids when cleared, and ramping up physical therapy.
- Weeks 6–12: Returning to most daily activities, light work, and low-impact exercise.
- 3–6 months: Continued strengthening and gradual return to higher-demand activities.
Recovery Tips to Get the Best Results
- Follow physical therapy faithfully. PT is the single biggest predictor of a strong recovery.
- Move regularly but rest when needed. Short, frequent walks beat occasional long ones early on.
- Stay on top of pain control. Don't wait until pain is severe to take prescribed medication.
- Watch for warning signs. Increasing redness, drainage, fever, or sudden new pain should be reported to the surgical team right away.
- Protect your new hip. Avoid extreme positions that your team specifies in your post-op instructions.
- Be patient. Most patients feel dramatically better at 6 weeks and continue to improve well past 6 months.
How Dr. McCarthy Supports Patients Throughout the Process
Dr. Kevin McCarthy is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Hollywood, FL, who specializes in advanced hip replacement using the anterior approach and Enovis implant technology. From the first consultation through long-term follow-up, Dr. McCarthy provides honest, transparent communication so patients understand each step and feel confident moving forward.
For patients who aren't ready for surgery or want to explore every option first, Dr. McCarthy also offers non-operative treatments like physical therapy, viscosupplementation, and steroid injections to manage hip pain and delay or avoid surgery when appropriate.
Take the Next Step Toward a Successful Hip Replacement
A well-prepared patient is a successfully recovering patient. With the right exercises, a ready home, clear expectations, and a strong surgical team, hip replacement surgery can mean a real return to comfortable, active living.
Request an appointment with Dr. Kevin McCarthy in Hollywood, FL today to learn more about hip replacement surgery and start your personalized preparation plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should I spend preparing for hip replacement surgery?
Most patients benefit from 4 to 6 weeks of structured preparation, including pre-surgery exercises, home setup, lifestyle adjustments, and a thorough medical review.
What is the best hip replacement surgery preparation routine?
A combination of strengthening exercises, a balanced diet, stopping smoking, organizing your home for recovery, and meeting with your surgical and physical therapy teams. Dr. McCarthy customizes the routine based on each patient's needs.
How long is hip replacement recovery?
Many patients return to most daily activities by 6 to 12 weeks and continue to gain strength and endurance for 3 to 6 months. Following your physical therapy plan is the most important factor in recovery.
How do I find a hip replacement near me in Hollywood, FL?
Dr. Kevin McCarthy in Hollywood, FL, offers advanced anterior hip replacement using Enovis technology. You can request an appointment online or call the office to schedule a consultation.
What's the best way to find a hip doctor near me?
Look for a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip replacement, uses modern techniques like the anterior approach, and clearly explains the procedure and recovery. Dr. Kevin McCarthy meets these criteria and welcomes new patients in Hollywood, FL.
