How to Get in Bed After Hip Replacement (Safely and Comfortably)

Many patients struggle with how to get in bed after a hip replacement safely during early recovery. 

The good news is that there are tools that make getting in and out of bed after hip surgery safe. We will discuss these strategies and tools in this article.

Understanding Hip Replacement Recovery Restrictions

Hip precautions after surgery depend on the type of surgery you had, the approach used, your age and strength, and how well you heal. However, there are general guidelines to help you know what to expect:

The first 6-12 weeks are the most important: Your new joint is healing into place, and everything in this area is vulnerable.

Doctors advise patients to avoid crossing their legs, bending at the hip beyond 90 degrees, twisting the leg inward, and using low chairs or couches.

The reason for these post-hip-surgery movement restrictions is to prevent joint dislocation.

Anterior hip replacements sometimes have fewer restrictions because the muscles are disturbed less, allowing for reduced movement restrictions and a quicker recovery.

Restrictions that might last longer: This varies from person to person, but some people may have to limit:

• High-impact activities

• Running

• Aggressive twisting sports

• Activities that risk heavy falls

Mistakes to avoid

When people start to feel better, they often do too much too soon, which can damage tissues before they are fully healed. That is why you should gradually resume activities with your doctor’s permission.

Why Getting in and Out of Bed Is Difficult After Surgery

Getting in and out of bed is challenging because during surgery, the muscles, soft tissues, and joint structures around the hip are moved, stretched, or cut, depending on the type of surgery.

This means the tissues are swollen, irritated, and weakened during healing. Now add the movements required to get into bed.  

You have to lift the leg that has undergone surgery by rotating it at the hip, shift your body weight using your core muscles, and control your balance all at once.

Another factor is the pain and swelling that cause your surrounding muscles, such as your hip flexors, glutes, and core muscles, to shut down. Your leg will feel heavy and stiff as a result.

This is why learning how to get in bed after a hip replacement is so crucial.

Step-by-Step: How to Get in Bed After Hip Replacement

Always follow your surgeon’s instructions, but here are some general guidelines:

1. Use your walker or crutches to back up to the bed. Stop when your legs touch the bed.

2. Slide your working leg slightly forward to avoid over-bending your hip.

3. Reach back for the bed with one hand, and keep your other hand on your walker to avoid twisting.

4. Lower your body slowly onto the edge of the bed, then sit tall with knees apart.

5. Move your bottom back toward the center of the bed before lifting your legs up.

6. Lift your good leg onto the best first, then slowly bring the operated leg up.

7. Keep your toes pointed up to prevent the operated leg from rolling inward.

8. Lie back slowly using your arms for support. 

9. If instructed, use a pillow between the knees to keep your hips aligned.

A leg lifter or a towel can be used if lifting your leg onto the bed is difficult. Loop it around your foot on the operated leg to help guide your leg onto the bed.

Safe Sleeping Positions After Hip Replacement

Safe sleeping positions depend on the type of surgical approach and your doctor’s recommendations, but this overview will help:

Sleeping on your back

In early recovery, this is a common sleeping position because it keeps the hips in a neutral position, reduces twisting, and lowers the risk of dislocation.

Placing a pillow under your knees will relieve pressure on your lower back. Keep your toes pointed upward and your legs slightly apart. Do not cross your legs.

Side sleeping

After some healing, side sleeping may be allowed, depending on your doctor’s orders. Usually, they recommend sleeping on the side of the non-operated leg first.

Place a pillow between your knees and ankles to keep your legs aligned, and avoid twisting the top leg inward.

Avoid sleeping on your stomach: This position can twist your hip, strain healing tissues, and create an uncomfortable rotation. 

Bed Transfer Techniques After Hip Replacement

During hip replacement recovery, bed mobility focuses on safely getting in and out of bed. In the previous section, we covered how to get into bed safely. Now let’s explain how to get out of bed safely.

1. Move toward the edge of the bed using your arms to scoot to the edge.

2. Lower your legs off the bed without twisting inward.

3. Push yourself upright using your arms to sit before standing.

4. Slide the operated leg slightly forward.

5. Push up using the bed.

6. Stabilize your balance before walking.

How Step2Health Products Can Help

Step2Health offers mobility aids for hip-replacement recovery that make your life safer and easier to manage.

Step2Bed: Our regular model has a wide, stable platform with secure handrails for support. It reduces the risk of falling during bed transfers. It also features interchangeable handrails to accommodate left- or right-side entry and nighttime lighting for added safety.

Step2Bed Mini: The mini offers the benefits of the regular model in a space-saving design for smaller bedrooms. It features adjustable height, a support rail, and a stable platform that keeps you safe when getting in and out of bed.

Step2Bed Deluxe: The deluxe model includes everything our regular model does, plus additional accessories for comfort and convenience. 

Added features include glow-in-the-dark rubber leg tips, a mesh pouch for extra bedside storage, a foam step pad for added comfort, and a cane holder clip for easy access.

Everything you need in a convenient, easy-to-access system designed to keep you safe when getting in and out of bed.