Where possible early return to work should be encouraged. After the first few weeks there is no reason that you cannot go back to work as long as your return has been planned and is supported.
This may involve a modified work role or reduced hours to start with.
It can be extremely difficult to decide how long you need to be off work. However, we recognise that many people need a figure as a basis for planning their return and for their employer.
Based on the findings of our previous research we suggest starting with a target of between 7 and 10 weeks to return to work after surgery. However, there are a number of factors that we know can impact on the time you take to return to work. We therefore suggest that you look at the following factors that can impact on the time you might need off work after a hip replacement. It can be difficult to know how these might impact on the 7-10 weeks target, some people might expect to take a few weeks longer to start their return to work (e.g. 10-13 weeks) and others might expect to take a few weeks less (e.g. 4-7 weeks). The important thing is to have a rough idea of a date so that you can work towards it.
Factors to consider when planning a return to work date
- People aged under 50 years have a greater chance of returning to work and are more likely to return to work earlier. In contrast people aged over 65 years may take longer.
- People working in the month prior to surgery often return to work earlier than patients that have been on sick leave in the month prior to surgery.
- People with arthritis in their other hip and knee joints can find it takes them longer to return to work after surgery.
- Previous research has suggested that patients in more sedentary ‘desk-based’ occupations often return to work sooner than patients with more physically demanding jobs.
- People undergoing hip or knee replacement for a diagnosis of osteoarthritis tend to return to work sooner than patients having surgery for a diagnosis of rheumatoid or inflammatory arthritis. These conditions often affect other joints and can impact upon recovery times.
- Self-employed people have a tendency to return to work sooner.
- People working alone can take longer to return to work as they do not have the same support and cannot delegate or share tasks with colleagues.
- People that work in a friendly workplace with a helpful and approachable manager and work colleagues can find it easier to return to work. It can be harder for people that do not have a supportive and friendly work environment to return to work after surgery.
- Doing a job that allows you to organise your own hours / times of work, decide on the order in which things are done and plan how you do your work can help you return to work earlier as you will have some control over the work you do when you go back to work.