After Hip Replacement: Managing Your Pain

Man holding pill and glass of water.

Medicines may have been prescribed for you to use once you get home. You may also be instructed to take over-the-counter medicines that don't need a prescription. You may be directed to use these with or instead of prescription medicines. With pain under control, you’ll be able to get back to an active life sooner. Use pain medicine only as directed. Take each dose on schedule, before pain becomes severe. Tell your healthcare provider if the medicine doesn’t control your pain enough, or if you suddenly feel worse.  Ask your provider about possible side effects such as drowsiness, constipation, or becoming dependent on the medicine.

Your surgeon may also recommend one or more nonmedicine treatments for your pain.  These may include:

  • Relaxation techniques

  • Massage therapy

  • Acupuncture

  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (a TENS unit)

  • Continuous passive motion

Often a combination of medicine and non-medicine therapy works best.

« Back to Health Library