Episode 8 - Returning to Golf or Your Favorite Activity After Hip Replacement

June 27, 2025

Yes—you can return to golf, running, and the activities you love after hip replacement surgery, with the right mindset and smart modifications.

Returning to Golf, Running, and Favorite Activities After Hip Replacement Surgery (What Actually Works)

Returning to golf, running, and other favorite activities after hip replacement surgery is one of the most common — and emotional — goals patients have during recovery. Many people worry they’ll never move the same way again, won’t be able to swing a golf club, run comfortably, or enjoy the activities that once defined their lifestyle.

In this episode of The Hip Replacement Podcast, host Chris Bystriansky shares his real-world experience returning to golf and other activities after hip replacement surgery, more than 10–12 years after having both hips replaced.

Chris is a double hip replacement patient, lifelong athlete, and active golfer who understands the mental and physical challenges of getting back to what you love. In this episode, he explains how he safely returned to golf, running, and endurance activities — not by rushing recovery, but by making smart, intentional modifications.

This episode covers:

When and how to return to golf after hip replacement surgery
Simple golf modifications that protect the hips without limiting performance
Why walking the course matters — and why carrying a bag may not
How to rebuild confidence after hip replacement surgery
Returning to running after hip replacement (without destroying your hips)
Run-walk strategies that reduce impact and improve longevity
Why softer surfaces matter for hip replacement recovery
How alternative activities like cycling and swimming support long-term health

Chris also shares why modification does not mean limitation. In many cases, modifying technique, pacing, or equipment allows patients to stay active longer, feel better, and even perform at a higher level than before surgery.

Whether your goal is returning to golf after hip replacement, running again, gardening, yoga, or simply staying active without fear, this episode provides reassurance and practical guidance from someone who has lived it.

If you’re searching for:

“Can you golf after hip replacement surgery?”
“Returning to activities after hip replacement”
“Running after hip replacement surgery”
“Life after hip replacement surgery”
“When can I be active after hip replacement?”

…this episode will help you rethink what’s possible and give you a clear, confidence-building path forward.

New hips. New you. Let’s go.

Thanks for joining THE HIP REPLACEMENT PODCAST.

-Chris

LINKS & RESOURCES

Download my Top 12 Tips for Hip Replacement Patients here

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The Hip Replacement Podcast website

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Episode Transcript

Welcome to The Hip Replacement Podcast, where recovery meets motivation and healing leads to a whole new lifestyle.

I’m Chris Bystriansky, your host. I’m an author, athlete, and double hip replacement patient. I’ve been through the surgeries, the setbacks, and the comebacks — and I’m here to help you do the same.
Each week, I bring you tips, tools, expert advice, and inspiring stories to help you take back your life one step at a time.

Thanks for joining The Hip Replacement Podcast. New hips, new you. Let’s go.
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Welcome back to the Hip Replacement Podcast. I’m Chris Bystriansky, your host. I’m now more than 10 years past one hip replacement surgery and more than 12 years past the other. I’ve lived an active, healthy lifestyle since then, and I’m here to share what I’ve learned over the years.

Today, we’re talking about getting back to the activities we love. That looks different for everyone. For me, one of the most important activities I wanted to return to after my recovery was golf.

I have a long history with golf. I grew up playing it, starting as a kid. Golf courses were almost like a babysitter for me. My friends and I would take the city bus to the course, hang out, play golf, head home, and then get ready for baseball practice later in the day. I spent countless hours on golf courses growing up.

I played golf in high school and college, and it’s always been one of the activities I love most. After hip replacement surgery, it was something I couldn’t wait to return to.
Being out on the golf course helps me relax, focus, and recharge. It gives me a break from work, screens, and the demands of everyday life. Golf supports both my mental and physical health.

Your activity might be something completely different — gardening, yoga, running, or something more personal. The specific activity doesn’t matter. What matters is getting back to what you love.
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I started slowly after surgery. It was about six to nine months before I even began chipping and putting. I was terrified of moving the implant and undoing the progress I had made. I took my time and worked my way back gradually.

Before fully returning to golf, I knew I would need to make some modifications. I’ve played golf for a long time and usually play from the farthest tees. I swing hard and generate a lot of hip torque. Surprisingly, I didn’t change my swing much, but I did make some important adjustments.

The first modification was not carrying my golf bag anymore. I still walk the course as often as possible, but I use a push cart. Carrying an extra 15–20 pounds over several miles put unnecessary stress on my hips. The push cart made a huge difference.
I also adjusted my stance by opening my lead foot slightly. This takes pressure off the front hip. I lost a little distance, but it allows me to swing freely and comfortably while still playing at a high level.
I remember the first time I walked 18 holes after surgery. It was a massive milestone. I hadn’t done that in years — even before surgery — because the pain was so severe. Walking 18 holes again gave me confidence that I could return to other activities too.
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Another activity I wanted back was running. I ran through my teens, 20s, and early 30s until hip pain made it impossible. I missed running through wooded trails, early in the morning, surrounded by nature.

When I returned to running, I made modifications:
1. I didn’t rush back. I waited until my body was strong and fully healed.
2. I land on my toes instead of my heels, letting my lower legs absorb impact.
3. I alternate running and walking, usually two minutes each.
4. I run on softer surfaces like trails, grass, or asphalt instead of concrete.

Alternating running and walking reduces impact and helps the hip move more comfortably. It also allows people to complete races and distances without unnecessary strain. There’s no rule that says you have to run the entire distance.
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I also use alternative activities like cycling and swimming. I don’t run nearly as much as I used to, but I stay active through other low-impact options. You might choose tennis, pickleball, or something else entirely.

The key is this: modification does not mean limitation. In many cases, it leads to better performance, better health, and greater longevity.

I’ve modified golf, running, and even volleyball. I don’t jump like I used to, but I’ve developed a strong ground game instead. These changes allow me to stay active and protect my hips long-term.
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Think about the activities you want to return to. Experiment. Modify. Adjust. You may find that you’re just as capable — or even better — than before surgery.

Thank you so much for tuning into The Hip Replacement Podcast. I’d love to hear what activities you’re getting back to.

Until next time, I wish you the very best recovery possible.

Episode 8 - Returning to Golf or Your Favorite Activity After Hip Replacement

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