Hip Replacement: On the Road to Recovery

When the arthritis in the hip begins to deteriorate and damage the hip joint gradually, hip replacement surgery is performed. But only surgery does not make for the normal and successful functioning of the joint. The battle is won completely when with the help of physical therapy muscles around the hip joint along with the muscles of legs are strengthen and your implanted joint becomes mobilize and begins to work like a normal hip joint.

Need of Hip Replacement Therapy

 Initially after surgery, patients feel stiffness and pain in the hip. So minor Physical Therapy begins on the first day after surgery and is recommended and needed to :

• Ease and overcome the surgical pain
• Improve hip’s range of motion
• Strengthen the muscles around the hip joint
• Strengthen the muscles of legs
• Prevent clotting of blood
• Provide patient education regarding fall, preventions and walking without limp
• Prevent the loosening and dislocation of the implant

Patient education provided during Hip Replacement Therapy:

• Patients are advised not to pressurize and stress the hip joint with heavy lifting
• Specific body posturing and sitting techniques are instructed
• Patients are briefed not to cross the operated leg over the other one as it can cause the dislocation of the replaced joint
• Patients are acknowledged about the precautions and safety measures that they should follow while performing the routine activities
• Patients are educated about the available adaptive  and supportive equipment and their usage

 Exercises recommended under Hip Replacement Therapy:

Physical therapists suggest that to accomplish full recovery and to restore normal hip motion, regular exercises should be performed. During initial days, therapists recommend to exercise 20 to 30 minutes for 2-3 times a day. Following exercises may be suggested and administered by the physical therapists  :

• Ankle Pumps: It involves pushing your foot up and down.
• Ankle Rotations: It involves moving your ankle inward and outward the other foot.
• Buttock Contractions: Involves tightening of buttock muscles.
• Hip Extension: Involves contracting your hip muscles without holding your breath.
• Hip Abduction and Adduction: Involves sliding of each leg in and out then back with straight knees and pointed toes.
• Bridging: Includes lifting up the buttock with bent knees and flat feet.
• Standing Exercises: These exercises are administered to help you to regain strength for standing independently.
• Walking, Stair climbing and Descending Exercises: These exercises improvise  strength, mobility and endurance of your knees, hip and legs. Further more, these exercises also help you to regain your balancing skills.

Contact Active Physical Therapy if you are looking forward to the treatment plans that are designed according to your urgencies, preferences and capabilities. Our trained and proficient therapists will provide you with best possible assistance and care and help you to regain your health and well being.