Hip fracture recovery timelines vary based on age, overall health and the type of surgery. Understanding what to expect — from surgery through inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation — can help patients and caregivers prepare for a safer, more confident recovery.
A hip fracture, or broken hip, is a serious injury that typically occurs in adults age 65 or older and is more common in women due to bone weakening caused by osteoporosis. About 88 percent of broken hips are caused by falls and can threaten mobility and independence.
Prompt hip repair, followed by a well-coordinated hip rehabilitation program, offers the best chance for recovery. However, every injury is different, and hip fracture recovery timelines can vary.
A broken hip will likely require surgery. If so, hip rehabilitation should start almost immediately following the procedure.
"They are going to want to get you up and moving as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours," said Megan Lopez, a senior physical therapist at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital, a partner of Washington Regional in Fayetteville, Arkansas. "That prevents muscle atrophy or bed rest implications.”
What to expect after hip surgery
There are four main types of hip fracture surgeries, each with different recovery timelines:
- Total hip replacement. During this surgery, the hip joint is removed and replaced with artificial parts. This is the most invasive of the four procedures.
- Hemi-arthroplasty. Only part of the hip joint is removed and replaced with artificial components.
- Percutaneous pinning. This is the least invasive option. A pin is inserted through a small incision near the hip to stabilize the bone.
- Open reduction internal fixation. This surgery places the fractured bone back into the correct position.
After surgery, a typical acute care hospital stay ranges from two to four days, though some patients may stay up to a week or longer. If you were healthy and active before the injury, you may even be a candidate for outpatient hip surgery and return home the same day.
Early movement is important to help restore mobility and reduce the risk of complications such as blood clots. Over-the-counter and prescription pain medications may be used to help manage discomfort, and antibiotics may be prescribed following surgery.
When should therapy begin after a hip fracture?
Therapy usually begins almost immediately after the repair procedure. You may transfer to a chair within hours after surgery and may even stand. On the first or second day you may be encouraged to bear weight on your injured side, depending on the type of fracture and surgical repair.
Some patients are fully weight-bearing soon after surgery, while others may be non-weight bearing or partial weight-bearing. Your physical therapist and care team will guide you on when and how to safely bear weight.
A physical therapist may also help you practice standing and bed transfers so you can begin moving safely again. You may require a cane, walker or crutches while you heal.
Your care team will also instruct you on hip precautions based on the severity of your injury and the type of surgery performed. These precautions may be necessary for six to 12 weeks after surgery.
"That could include not bending your hips past 90 degrees, not crossing your legs or rotating your toes inward," Lopez said. "For those who have either hemi-arthroplasty or total hip replacement, we would recommend you go to inpatient rehabilitation because education is needed on hip precautions and any weight-bearing precautions."
Inpatient rehabilitation for hip fracture recovery
At an inpatient rehabilitation hospital, a coordinated team of physicians, therapists and nurses supports your recovery. Healing can take longer in older adults, so care plans are customized to each patient’s diagnosis, abilities and goals.
What happens during inpatient rehabilitation
A typical inpatient rehabilitation stay is between seven and 14 days, though some patients may need more time. Therapy focuses on helping you safely return to your community and perform everyday activities.
During your stay, you will receive three hours of therapy, five days a week, with sessions spread throughout the day to allow for rest. Physical and occupational therapists work together to help you rebuild strength, improve balance and regain independence with daily tasks.
"That's one of the main benefits of coming to an inpatient rehabilitation hospital," Lopez said. "We have an interdisciplinary approach. PT and OT will be working hand in hand. There are also educational sessions, so we'll be providing you with education on hip fractures, diet, fall prevention, supplements and more. Nursing can also help educate on medications and wound care from your surgery, so you have that side, as well."
A case manager will also assist with discharge planning and connect you with community resources such as transportation.
How inpatient rehabilitation supports long-term recovery
Early rehabilitation and movement help prevent the risk of blood clots and muscle weakness. Your therapists will progress gradually, focusing on exercises to help you regain strength and balance. The goal is to help you walk, climb stairs and perform activities of daily living as tolerated. Expect to start slowly and build as your strength and endurance increases. A positive outlook and active participation in therapy have been shown to support better recovery outcomes.
Outpatient rehabilitation for hip fracture
Because recovery from a broken hip can take several weeks or months, many patients continue therapy after discharge. Outpatient therapy helps build on the progress made during inpatient care and focuses on strength, range of motion and daily activities.
If your hip fracture and surgery were less invasive, you may return home directly after hospitalization and begin outpatient therapy right away.
How long does outpatient therapy last?
Outpatient therapy typically lasts four to eight weeks, though this could vary.
During this phase, pain should continue to decrease while balance and mobility improve. Many hip fracture patients can drive again around six weeks after surgery and return to activities such as golf and cycling within 12 weeks. Recovery following a total hip replacement may take six months or longer.
Full recovery requires ongoing effort even after formal therapy ends. Daily exercise, a balanced diet, regular social interaction and fall prevention strategies all support continued improvement. The time and effort you put into your recovery will help you return to an active, independent lifestyle and reduce the risk of future injury.