Recovering from hip replacement surgery is a major milestone, but everyday activities—especially bathing—can feel challenging and even risky in the early stages. Stepping over a high bathtub edge, maintaining balance on wet surfaces, or bending the hip incorrectly can increase the risk of falls or complications.
You may spend several days in a hospital and anywhere from several weeks to months at home recovering.
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 the 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 few weeks after your surgery – this doesn’t mean that you cannot clean your body in the meanwhile. It simply means that you should take a shower or a sponge bath until you can safely soak in water without risking complications with your incision. Treat your incision sites with care by washing it gently with a mild soap and rinsing well.
The 90 Degree Restriction
One thing you may have heard is that you should not raise your knee higher than your hip joint. Your doctor may have told you that you have an “L shape limit”, or that you cannot bend your leg more than 90 degrees. This simply means that you should not bringing your knee close to your body or higher than your hip to reduce the risk of dislocation. You can bend up to that point, but just not beyond it.
What do you do if you only have a bath?
Unfortunately, without better access to your bathtub it might be too dangerous to enter your bath without risking a dislocation from bending your leg more than 90 degrees. However, your occupational therapist or physician may help supply you with a bathboard or stool for your bath. With some careful and controlled movements you should gently sit down without twisting your hips.
Safe bathing tip:
Stepping over a high bathtub edge during the early recovery period after hip replacement surgery significantly increases the risk of falls and joint strain. Solutions that reduce step-in height can help improve safety and confidence.
However, your occupational therapist or physician may help supply you with a bathboard or stool for your bath. With some careful and controlled movements you should gently sit down without twisting your hips.
All it takes is 1 day with UDOOR bathtub door installation service
UDOOR offer a simple solution to helping you with your recovery from 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. Our bathtub door considerably lowers the step in level of your bath.
What is a bathtub door?
A bathtub door is a sealed, watertight opening installed into the side of an existing bath. It allows low-step entry, making it easier and safer to access the bath without stepping over high edges or carrying out a full bathroom renovation.
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. Our bathtub door considerably lowers the step in level of your bath.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a bath after hip replacement surgery?
Most patients are advised to avoid soaking in a bath for several weeks after surgery. Once approved by your doctor, safe access to the bath becomes essential.
How soon can I safely get in and out of a bathtub?
This depends on your recovery and mobility, but stepping over a high bath edge is usually discouraged during the early recovery period.
Is a bathtub door suitable after hip replacement surgery?
A bathtub door can reduce the need for high leg lifting and awkward movements, making bath access safer once bathing is permitted by your healthcare professional.
We are able to supply you with a bath board, fit grab bars and apply an anti-slip coating to the floor of your bath. This, combined with our bathtub door could help you with retaining your independence while you are in recovery. Meaning that you won’t have the extra headache of major changes to your bathroom while you recover.
Medical and mobility note:
Bathing recommendations after hip replacement surgery may vary depending on individual recovery and surgical technique. Always follow the advice of your surgeon or occupational therapist. The information in this article reflects general post-operative mobility and home safety guidance.
Last updated: 11/12/2025
