Recovery in phases
Recovery after a hip arthroscopy takes time — more time than you might expect beforehand. The first weeks are focused on rest and careful movement, followed gradually by building strength and, eventually, a return to sport and all daily activities. How long each phase takes depends on what was treated during surgery.
The role of physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a fixed part of your recovery, starting from the first few days after surgery. Your physiotherapist guides you step by step: from careful movement to strength training and, eventually, sport-specific exercises. Read more on the page about physiotherapy.
The practical side of recovery
Alongside physiotherapy, there's a fair amount to manage practically in the first weeks: wound care, using crutches, pain medication, and the question of when you can return to work or driving. Read more on the page about practical aspects of recovery.
Phases of recovery: the general course
Phase I: settled hip (0-6 weeks) — walking with crutches, wound heals, stitches removed
Phase II: supple hip (4-12 weeks) — building up load, fewer or no crutches, check-up with orthopaedic surgeon around week 8
Phase III: strong hip (8 weeks-6 months) — building strength and endurance
Phase IV: return to sport (12 weeks-9 months) — sport-specific build-up, back to your previous level after around 9 months on average
These are averages, not hard deadlines — your physiotherapist and orthopaedic surgeon adjust the pace to your recovery and to what was done during surgery. Read the phases in detail on the page about physiotherapy.