Returning to Yoga After Hip Surgery
Safe tips, pose guidance, and expert advice from Mr Khaldoun Bitar
If you’ve recently had a total hip replacement or hip resurfacing, you may be wondering when — and how — to return to yoga safely.
In my practice, I aim to help patients return to doing the things they love following surgery — including activities such as yoga. For some patients, yoga offers not just movement, but peace of mind during recovery. But to protect your new joint, a few precautions are necessary. Here’s how to approach returning to yoga after hip surgery safely and with confidence
Know your surgery: THR vs BHR
Understanding your surgery helps shape your recovery path:
- Total Hip Replacement (THR): Replaces the full hip joint.
- Hip Resurfacing (BHR): Preserves more bone, allowing more flexibility in some cases.
The surgical approach (posterior or anterior) also affects how and when you can safely return to yoga. Always discuss this with your surgeon. In my practice, I use a modified posterior approach which preserves key muscles to allow quicker recovery. This approach still requires care and precautions to avoid dislocation.
Which yoga poses are safe to do after hip surgery?
Yoga is a great relaxing activity that includes many poses — some of which are best avoided, some need to be modified and executed with care, and others are generally safe for the new hip joint.
| Pose Category | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Gentle / Safe | Mountain, Bridge, Cobra, Corpse | Great for balance and relaxation. |
| ⚠️ Modify / Caution | Warrior I & II, Tree, Easy Pose | Avoid deep rotation or long holds. |
| ❌ Avoid (Always) | Pigeon, Lotus, Fire Log, Forward Folds | May stress or dislocate the hip. |
Your 5-Step Safe Return to Yoga
Follow these steps to ease back into yoga with safety and confidence:
Listen to your body, do not work through pain or discomfort.
Start slowly with gentle sessions or Hatha yoga.
Use props like blocks or pillows to avoid extreme range of movement.
Work with your instructor.
Consult your surgeon and seek guidance from your physiotherapist.
“Some of my own patients have been surprised by how well their body responds to gentle yoga, even after major surgery. With the right mindset and guidance, progress often comes sooner than expected.”
For the yoga pros..
Below you can find a link to download a full guide for wide range of yoga poses and their suitability for hip replacement and hip resurfacing.
Final thoughts
Returning to yoga after hip surgery is a journey — not a race. With the right support, mindful movement, and personalised guidance, you can rebuild strength, stability, and serenity.
As a hip specialist in Wolverhampton, I ensure my patients are well informed about their care and recovery. You can find more posts relevant to recovery after surgery. Check out my related post on precautions following hip replacement.
Disclaimer: This post is intended as a general guide. Practices may vary among surgeons, so please consult your own surgeon for advice tailored to your individual situation.