{"id":24562,"date":"2026-05-10T12:27:50","date_gmt":"2026-05-10T12:27:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/?p=24562"},"modified":"2026-07-08T08:49:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-08T08:49:57","slug":"prothese-de-hanche-recuperation-marche","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/prothese-de-hanche-recuperation-marche\/","title":{"rendered":"Recovery after prosthesis: when can I walk again?"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Resuming walking after a hip or knee replacement: timelines, stages and advice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">After the installation of a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/prothese-totale-de-hanche\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"20358\">hip prosthesis<\/a>\u00a0or a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/prothese-totale-de-genou\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"20356\">knee prosthesis<\/a>, The question comes up systematically:\u00a0<em>When will I be able to walk normally again?<\/em><br><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Resuming walking is indeed a central objective of recovery. It is essential for autonomy, confidence, and a return to an active life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Contrary to popular belief, walking is today\u00a0<strong>very early after orthopedic surgery<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thanks to modern techniques and optimized recovery protocols, recharging is done quickly, in a controlled and progressive manner.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div style=\"max-width: 350px;\"><blockquote class=\"instagram-media\" data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DVGRUbDgbln\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DVGRUbDgbln\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> <div style=\" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;\"> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 19% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;\"><svg width=\"50px\" height=\"50px\" viewbox=\"0 0 60 60\" version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"https:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\"><g stroke=\"none\" stroke-width=\"1\" fill=\"none\" fill-rule=\"evenodd\"><g transform=\"translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)\" fill=\"#000000\"><g><path d=\"M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631\"><\/path><\/g><\/g><\/g><\/svg><\/div><div style=\"padding-top: 8px;\"> <div style=\" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/DVGRUbDgbln\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">A post shared by Coulin Center of Movement (@coulinmedical)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Resuming walking often begins within the first few hours<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most cases, walking begins very soon after the procedure. Depending on the type of prosthesis and the protocols used, it is often possible to stand up.&nbsp;<strong>the same day or the following day<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This early mobilization is not a coincidence. It offers numerous benefits:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>it stimulates blood circulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It reduces the risk of phlebitis.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It reduces joint stiffness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It accelerates functional recovery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first weight-bearing exercise is always done with the help of a healthcare professional, usually a physiotherapist, in order to secure the supports and learn the correct movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The first steps: walking with assistance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At first, walking is done with assistance, most often crutches or a walker. The goal is not to walk for long periods, but to&nbsp;<strong>regaining good support and coordination<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The first few days are devoted to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>learn to get up properly<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>walking short distances<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>manage transfers (bed, chair, toilet)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>go up and down a few steps if necessary<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This phase is essential to regain confidence and avoid making bad moves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does it take to walk normally?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The recovery of walking depends on several factors: type of prosthesis (hip or knee), age, physical condition, muscle quality and adherence to rehabilitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On average, the observed delays are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>after a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.revmed.ch\/infos-patients\/prothese-de-la-hanche\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hip prosthesis<\/a>, Walking without assistance is often possible between&nbsp;<strong>2 and 4 weeks<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>after a <a href=\"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/prothese-totale-de-genou\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"20356\">knee prosthesis<\/a>, It may take a little longer, often between&nbsp;<strong>3 and 6 weeks<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, it is important to understand that \u201cwalking normally\u201d does not simply mean moving forward without crutches. It implies a smooth gait, without a limp, with good balance and without significant pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A step-by-step progression<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Recovery doesn&#039;t happen all at once. It follows a logical progression, respecting the capabilities of the joint and muscles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In the first few weeks, priority is given to safety and the quality of movement. Speed and endurance come later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The main stages of resuming walking are generally:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>walking with technical aids (crutches)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>progressive and symmetrical support<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>reduction of walking aids<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>independent walking on flat terrain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>resumption of longer distances<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Each step must be validated before moving on to the next.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The key role of rehabilitation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Walking depends not only on the prosthesis, but primarily on the muscles and joint control. This is why rehabilitation plays a central role.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It allows you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>strengthen the muscles (quadriceps, glutes, calves)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>improve stability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>correct the compensations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>regaining natural coordination<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without appropriate rehabilitation, walking may remain imperfect, with a limp or excessive fatigue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pain and apprehension: common obstacles<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even if the surgery is successful, some patients hesitate to walk again for fear of pain or instability. This apprehension is normal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Post-operative pain is usually&nbsp;<strong>well controlled<\/strong>, However, some discomfort may persist for the first few weeks. It is important not to wait until the pain is completely gone before moving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">On the contrary, a progressive and supervised activity allows you to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>reduce pain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>improve traffic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>accelerate recovery<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Confidence returns with repetition of movements and support from healthcare professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Resuming an active life: beyond walking<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Resuming walking is a key step, but it is part of a larger objective: to return to an active life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gradually, it becomes possible to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>walk longer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>go outside<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>resume activities such as shopping or daily commutes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>engage in gentle physical activities (cycling, swimming)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The return to full activity depends on the rate of recovery, but the majority of patients regain satisfactory autonomy within a few weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Mistakes to avoid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Certain errors can slow recovery or compromise the quality of walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is important to avoid:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>wanting to go too fast and skip steps<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>walking with poor posture or a limp<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>abandoning rehabilitation too early<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>to remain too sedentary out of fear of movement<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Finding the right balance between rest and activity is essential.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When should you worry?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In most cases, recovery is straightforward. However, certain signs should prompt a consultation:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>severe pain that does not subside<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Excessive or persistent swelling<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>difficulty putting foot on the ground<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A marked feeling of instability<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Regular monitoring allows for adjustments to the care plan and for the rapid correction of any potential problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Recovery is now faster and better managed.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thanks to advances in surgery and rehabilitation, resuming walking after a prosthesis is now faster and safer than before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern protocols allow patients to be mobilized very early, with often very satisfactory results in terms of pain, mobility and quality of life.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Resuming walking after a hip or knee replacement is gradual, but often faster than one might imagine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>the walk usually begins the next day<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is done initially with assistance<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>autonomy is regained in a few weeks<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rehabilitation is essential for a complete recovery<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Progress must be steady and supervised.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With appropriate support and good patient involvement, it is possible to regain a smooth, comfortable and sustainable gait.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Resuming walking after a hip or knee replacement is a key step in recovery, which requires progressive support to regain autonomy, stability and confidence safely.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":24809,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[103,98,97],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24562","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-suivi-et-reeducation","category-genou","category-hanche"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24562","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=24562"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24562\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25201,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24562\/revisions\/25201"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/24809"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=24562"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=24562"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coulinmedical.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=24562"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}