Most Australians who have a hip replacement will use a walking frame for the first few weeks of recovery. Which frame, how long, and what comes after — these are the questions that come up once you're back home and starting to move around. This guide takes you through what to expect and how to choose the right frame for each stage.
In this article
- What to Expect in the First 6 Weeks
- Which Frame Do You Need After Hip Surgery?
- What to Look For When Buying
- Setting Up Your Home Safely
- Funding Your Walking Frame
What to Expect in the First 6 Weeks
The first two to three weeks after hip replacement typically involve non-weight-bearing or partial weight-bearing — you can't put full weight through your operated leg. A standard walking frame (no wheels) gives you the maximum stability you need at this stage.
From around weeks four to eight, most people are cleared for full weight-bearing and start moving to a wheeled rollator or walking stick, depending on how recovery is going. Your physio or occupational therapist will guide this transition. Follow their timeline, not a generic one.
Which Frame Do You Need After Hip Surgery?
Stage 1: Non-Weight-Bearing to Partial Weight-Bearing (Weeks 1 to 3)
A standard (no-wheel) walking frame is the right choice here. You lift it forward, step the weaker leg in, then bring the stronger leg forward. No wheels to roll away, no brakes to manage — just a stable four-point base.
Most Australian public hospitals provide a basic frame on discharge. If you'd prefer your own frame — which many people do, for hygiene and fit — a folding aluminium frame is the practical pick.
Stage 2: Transitioning to a Wheeled Frame or Rollator (Weeks 4 to 8)
Once your physio clears full weight-bearing, a wheeled rollator allows a more natural walking pattern and takes less effort than the lift-and-place motion. Look for one with a seat — being able to rest mid-walk is genuinely useful during this phase. Your physio will confirm when the switch is right for you.
What to Look For When Buying
Safe Working Load
Choose a frame with a safe working load (SWL) at least 20 kg above your body weight. This matters at any time, but it's especially important post-surgery when you're placing full upper-body load on the frame during the non-weight-bearing phase.
Handle Height and Foldability
After hip surgery, handle height is typically set a little higher than standard — this encourages an upright posture and reduces the forward lean that puts stress on the new joint. Your physio will confirm the right height for you. Foldability matters too, because you'll be moving the frame between rooms. A non-folding frame gets frustrating indoors quickly.
Setting Up Your Home Safely
Before coming home from hospital, it's worth making a few changes:
- Remove rugs and floor mats — they catch on rubber tips and wheel edges
- Raise the toilet seat — standard toilet height may be too low after hip replacement; a raised toilet seat brings it to a safer height
- Check bathroom doorway clearance — measure the doorway and check it against the frame's folded width
- Clear pathways — the frame needs at least 700 mm of clear passage through rooms and corridors
Funding Your Walking Frame
Walking frames for post-surgical recovery may be covered through several Australian programmes. If you're under 65 with an NDIS plan, a walking frame may be claimable under Core Supports. If you're over 65 and receiving aged care support, the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or a Home Care Package may cover it. DVA gold and white card holders are also entitled to mobility aids including walking frames.
For time-sensitive post-discharge needs, we carry Australian stock with next-business-day delivery to most metro areas. Browse our walking frames range — we're happy to answer questions about frame selection for specific recovery stages.