Skip to main content

Recovery timeline

Recovery after hip fracture surgery: from ward to home

Recovery after a hip fracture begins the day after surgery, with physiotherapy to stand and walk. Hospital stays average one to four weeks, pain relief continues for around six weeks, and a return to wider activity takes months.

Last checked: 2026-10-03

Key facts

At a glance.

  • Start

    Physiotherapy helps you stand and move from the first day or so after surgery.

  • Hospital stay

    Averages one to four weeks, according to NHS guidance.

  • Pain relief

    NHS Inform advises continuing prescribed pain relief for around six weeks.

  • Activity

    Gradual return to activities and work at six to twelve weeks; higher-impact activity from twelve weeks.

  • Driving

    From six weeks if you can do an emergency stop and fully weight-bear, with insurance confirmed.

What recovery after a broken hip involves

Recovery means getting back to the independence you had before as far as possible. The NHS is open that some people never regain their earlier strength and movement and may need aids or carers. A team of surgeons, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and nurses works toward your own goals.

The figures here come from NHS and NHS Inform pages. They are averages, and age, the type of fracture, the operation and existing health all shift them.

Phases at a glance

Typical ranges taken from NHS trust leaflets. They vary between hospitals and people, and your surgeon's instructions override this table.
PhaseWhat is normalFocus
Day 0-2Surgery on the day of admission or the next day; out of bed with physiotherapists soon after.Pain control, standing, first steps with a frame or sticks.
Week 1-4Hospital stay averages one to four weeks; swelling and bruising come and go.Walking practice, transfers, stairs, planning for home.
Weeks 4-6Ongoing pain relief; regular exercises at home or in a community unit.Walking on even surfaces for short periods, then longer.
Weeks 6-12Fracture clinic review as arranged by your hospital; driving may restart from six weeks; gradual return to activities and work.Longer walks, uneven ground, stronger exercises.
3 months+Higher-impact activity becomes possible from about twelve weeks.Balance, strength and falls prevention.
BeyondRecovery of strength and confidence may continue for many months.Review of walking aids and home support.

Pain, swelling and the wound

NHS Inform advises continuing the pain relief you were prescribed on leaving hospital for around six weeks, because comfortable walking helps healing. Swelling around the hip and thigh is common and may come and go for weeks.

Tell your GP if the wound leaks, itches or separates, or if pain remains high despite medicines. Daily skin checks help catch problems early, especially if you spend long periods sitting or in bed.

Walking, home and driving

NHS Inform suggests walking first on even surfaces, aiming to walk confidently for five minutes and adding time every few days as you feel able. Talk to local musculoskeletal services if you need help progressing or changing walking aids.

For driving, NHS Inform says you may drive from six weeks if you can do an emergency stop and fully weight-bear on the leg. Insurance cover must be confirmed, and trying a short drive in a quiet place first is recommended. GOV.UK advises asking your doctor and telling the DVLA if you are still unable to drive three months after surgery.

Returning home, pacing, planning routines and regular breaks help. Structural changes to the home are rarely needed but can be assessed after discharge.

Exercise and getting stronger

Exercises start in hospital and continue at home. Physiotherapists tailor the programme to your pattern of fracture and operation. Strengthening, balance work and stairs practice are usual, and NHS Inform places higher-impact activity from about twelve weeks.

Falls prevention matters as much as the hip itself. Ask about vision checks, medicine reviews and a bone health assessment.

Follow-up

The pages used for this article do not give a fixed review date, so ask your hospital when your fracture clinic review will be. Community rehabilitation teams may visit at home or run a local unit.

Red flags

  • Persistent pain despite your medicines.

  • Wound leaking, itching or opening.

  • Calf or thigh pain, or red or darkened skin: possible clot, contact your GP urgently.

  • Chest pain or sudden breathlessness: call 999.

  • A fall or inability to put weight on the leg.

Frequently asked

Questions people ask.

Quick, plain-English answers to the questions we hear most.

  • How soon do I get out of bed?

    Physiotherapists help you stand and move from the day after surgery or soon after, according to NHS guidance.

  • How long will I be in hospital?

    The NHS gives an average of one to four weeks.

  • How long should I take painkillers?

    NHS Inform advises continuing prescribed pain relief for around six weeks so you can move comfortably.

  • When can I drive?

    From six weeks if you can make an emergency stop and fully weight-bear, with insurance in place, according to NHS Inform.

  • When can I go back to work?

    NHS Inform describes a gradual return to activities and work at six to twelve weeks.

  • How should I build up walking?

    Start on even surfaces and aim for five minutes of confident walking, adding time every few days.

  • Will I need help at home?

    It depends on how you were before and how you recover. The NHS notes some people need mobility aids or carers.

  • Why is falls prevention part of recovery?

    Because a fall is the commonest cause of a hip fracture, and preventing another is part of rehabilitation planning.

  • What should I report to my GP?

    Wound leakage, persistent pain, calf or thigh pain and red or darkened skin.

Where this comes from

Sources and checking.

This guide is for information, not medical advice.

Your GP or consultant knows your history and can tell you which parts apply to you. If your symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or come with red-flag features, seek urgent medical care. Figures and availability change, so treat them as a guide and confirm with the provider.

Published 2026-10-03, next review 2027-10-03.

Related guides

Keep reading.