The recovery from hip replacement surgery can be a difficult journey. The procedure is intended to restore mobility after a hip fracture or joint damage caused by arthritis.
Recovering from hip replacement surgery is a major milestone, but everyday activities, such as bathing, can feel difficult and even risky in the early stages. Stepping over a high bath edge, losing balance on wet surfaces, or bending the hip too far can increase the risk of falls or complications.
After surgery, most people spend several days in hospital followed by a recovery period at home that can last several weeks or even months.
If you have just been told that you may need hip replacement surgery you might have some work to do to prepare yourself and your home for your upcoming operation. While friends and family may offer their support, bathing and keeping clean is quite a private activity so remaining independent while recovering will allow you to keep your dignity.
Cleaning Your Body After Surgery
You may have been told that you’re not supposed to not bathe or go swimming for a few weeks after your surgery. This doesn’t mean that you cannot clean your body during this time. It usually means using a shower or sponge bath until you can safely soak in water without risking complications with your incision. Treat your incision sites with care by washing them gently with a mild soap and rinsing carefully.
The 90 Degree Restriction
A common instruction after hip replacement surgery is to avoid bending the hip beyond 90 degrees. This is sometimes described as an “L shape limit”. In practical terms, it means avoiding bringing the knee too close to the body or lifting it higher than the hip, as this may increase the risk of dislocation. Movement is still possible up to this point, but not beyond it.
What Do You Do If You Only Have a Bath?
Without safer access to your bath, stepping in and out during early recovery may be difficult and potentially unsafe due to the need to avoid excessive hip bending. In some cases, an occupational therapist or healthcare professional may recommend equipment such as a bath board or stool. With careful, controlled movements, sitting down slowly and avoiding twisting can help reduce strain on the hip.
Safe Bathing Advice
Stepping over a high bath edge during early recovery after hip replacement surgery can increase the risk of falls and strain on the joint. Any solution that reduces the step height can improve safety and confidence when bathing.
All it takes is 1 day with the UDOOR bathtub door installation service
UDOOR offers a practical solution to improve bath access during recovery after hip replacement surgery by increasing your accessibility to your bath. The tall sides of your bath may be preventing you from entering and exiting the bath safely.
In just 1 day we are able to convert your existing bath into a walk-in bath with our bathtub door, reducing the need to step over the full height of the bath edge.
What is a bathtub door?
A bathtub door is a sealed, watertight door fitted into the side of an existing bath. It allows easier access by reducing the need to step over the high side of the bath and allows for safer entry and exit without requiring a full bathroom renovation.
The tall sides of your bath may be preventing you from entering and exiting the bath safely. We convert your existing bath into a walk-in bath with our bathtub door which considerably lowers the step-in level of your bath.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a bath after hip replacement surgery?
Most people are advised to avoid soaking in a bath for several weeks after surgery. Once your doctor confirms it is safe to bathe, attention should then be given to safe access in and out of the bath.
How soon can I safely get in and out of a bathtub?
This depends on individual recovery progress and medical advice. In most cases, stepping over a high bath edge is not recommended during early recovery.
Is a bathtub door suitable after hip replacement surgery?
A bathtub door can reduce the need for lifting your leg and prevent awkward movement when entering or exiting the bath, making bath access safer once bathing is permitted by your healthcare professional.
We can also provide bath boards, grab bars, and anti-slip coating for the bath surface. When used alongside a bathtub door, these additions may help support safer bathing and greater independence during recovery, without requiring major bathroom alterations meaning that you won’t have the extra headache of major changes to your bathroom while you recover.
Medical and mobility note:
Bathing guidance after hip replacement surgery may vary depending on individual recovery and surgical approach. Always follow advice provided by your surgeon or occupational therapist. This article provides general information on post-operative mobility and home safety considerations.
Last updated: 10/04/2026
