How to get in a bath after hip replacement surgery

Having hip replacement surgery can be a life-changing procedure, relieving pain and improving mobility for those living with conditions like osteoarthritis. However, the recovery process will require making some adjustments to your daily routine, including how you bathe. 

Stepping into a high-sided bathtub, for example, could put your new joint at risk of dislocation. For those who don’t have a walk-in shower, learning how to get in a bath after hip replacement surgery can be challenging. Fortunately, there are a number of bathroom aids that can make transfers to the bath much easier and safer. Read on to learn more.

How soon can I bathe after hip replacement surgery?

Immediately following your hip replacement surgery, it’s important to avoid getting your hip wound or dressing wet. Keeping the area dry and covered will help the wound to heal faster, and will also lower your risk of infection. 

You may be advised not to shower or bathe for up to two weeks after your surgery. During this time, you can have a strip wash using a long handle sponge which will assist you in getting to those difficult places without bending, provided you keep water away from your wound. Using a perching stool will also give some support whilst having a strip wash at the sink. 

After this initial recovery period, you can use a walk-in shower – one that has a low threshold or step-free access. However, you will not be able to step into or sit at the bottom of a bath for two to three months after your hip replacement.

Getting in and out of the bath after a hip replacement

While recovering from hip replacement surgery, it’s important to avoid movements that might put your new hip at risk of dislocation. These include crossing your legs or ankles, twisting your operated leg, and bending your hip past 90 degrees. In other words, you must not raise your knee any higher than hip-level. 

Unless you have a very low-sided bath, this means that climbing into a bath is usually not possible. It also means that you can’t lower yourself down to sit on the bottom of the bath. For this reason, you should stick to showering for at least two months.

But what if you don’t have access to a walk-in shower, and only have a shower over your bath? Fortunately, there are several bathroom aids available to help you get into the bath without damaging your new hip joint.

Bath boards

A bath board is a plastic board or bench that fits securely over the top and sides of the bath. It provides a stable, non-slip surface to sit on, allowing you to use your shower-over-bath without having to step in.

To use a bath board safely after your hip replacement surgery:

1. Stand next to the bath and turn around, so that you are facing away from the bath.
2. Carefully lower yourself down onto the edge of the bath board, keeping your operated leg as straight as possible.
3. Reach back with your hands and slide yourself backwards onto the board as far as you can.
4. Holding the bath board with both hands, lift your legs and slowly swing them round into the bath. Make sure not to lean forward or raise your knees higher than your hips, do not twist or rotate your hips when doing this.
   

Once sitting on the board with your legs in the bath, you can now shower while in a seated position. If you cannot reach the controls without leaning forward, you may need to have someone turn the shower on for you. 

To get out of the bath, slide to the side edge of the bath board and carefully swing your legs out of the bath, keeping them as straight as possible. 

As this may be a new technique for you to access the bath, you should only use this method if you are confident in your ability to get in and back out. Always consult your health professional for advice.

Powered bath lifts

Like bath boards, bath lifts (or bath lift chairs) provide a sturdy surface to sit on while getting into the bath. However, they are also fitted with an electric motor that allows the seat to move up and down at the touch of the button. 

To get in the bath, raise the seat up and lower yourself onto it carefully, as you would a bath board. Once you’re sitting comfortably, you can then lower the seat down into the water.

Remember that you should not flex your hip past 90 degrees for the first two months following hip replacement surgery. During this period, keep the bath lift level with the top of the bath, and only use it for showering in a seated position.

Bathroom grab rails

Following hip replacement surgery, you may find it more difficult to sit or stand. Bathroom grab rails can help to support you while getting in and out of the bath, reducing the risk of slips or falls.

Grab rails are screwed securely into the wall and are designed to support a person’s weight. This gives you something sturdy to hold onto while lowering yourself down onto your bath board or bath lift. You can also install grab rails in your walk-in shower and next to the toilet. We would recommend installation by a qualified tradesperson. 

For more information on our bathroom and mobility aids, contact Complete Care Shop. You can also reach out to our Occupational Therapists for free, expert advice on choosing the right bathroom products for you.