Physiotherapy After Hip Surgery

Hip replacement surgery is also popularly known as hip arthroplasty. The procedure involves replacing a broken hip joint with an artificial one. It is usually done to deal with osteoarthritis and other conditions that restrict movement and cause chronic pain. 

But recovery doesn’t end in the operating room. Physical therapy is important, as it makes sure you get the most from your new hip so you can resume your daily activities, safely and successfully. So, keep reading to learn the importance of hip replacement recovery exercises and practical tips for the post-operative phase.

Why is Physiotherapy After Hip Surgery Critical for Patients?

The immediate post-operative phase after hip replacement surgery is critical for a full recovery. Effective rehabilitation after hip surgery is important for several reasons:

• Restoring Mobility

Hip mobility exercises after the operation help in improving the range of motion, which may have been reduced before surgery. The goal of physical therapy and exercise is to increase joint flexibility and overall mobility.

• Muscle Strengthening

After surgery, the muscles surrounding the hip joint must be strengthened to support the new joint and regain normal function. Strengthening exercises are important for improving stability and lowering the risk of further injuries.

• Minimising Swelling and Pain

A well-designed rehabilitation program includes pain management techniques as well as methods for minimizing swelling and discomfort. This expedites the healing process and enhances general comfort.

• Preventing Complications

Proper rehab can prevent problems like blood clots, stiff joints, or dislocations. It also helps to make sure that your new hip joint heals properly and functions well. Physical therapy helps to promote a quicker recovery and keeps you motivated. Physical therapy also prevents the formation of scar tissue, which can happen if you do not exercise or participate in post-surgery hip physiotherapy. 

When to Start Physiotherapy After Hip Replacement?

Depending on whether you had a total or partial replacement, each step of physiotherapy has different timeframes and intensity levels, in addition to adaptability. Here is an extensive list describing what to anticipate at each stage:

1-2 weeks

During the first two weeks of physiotherapy, the main objective is to manage your pain and swelling while gradually limiting any muscle weakness and range of motion (ROM). At this stage, physiotherapy will include:

• Initiating the gait training with assistive technologies, i.e., walker and crutches.
• Ongoing functional transfer training.
• Range of motion (ROM) and strengthening exercises are progressed to the patient's level of tolerance.
• Progression of ambulation over flat surfaces and (if applicable) stairs using the least restrictive devices.

2-6 Weeks

During this stage of your recovery, your physical therapy program will incorporate resistance training in addition to previous mobility exercises. The exercises will help you become more independent in your daily activities. Activities for physiotherapy will include:

• Exercises for strengthening the muscles, such as knee bends, bridging, hip abduction, and seated leg extensions.
• Stretching techniques to improve hip muscle flexibility.
• Increase in walking distance.
• Progression of independence with ADLs.
• Gait re-education training.
• Proprioception and balance training.

6-12 weeks

Your physiotherapist will help you regain functional abilities at this stage of your recovery so you can get back to the activities you previously enjoyed. To make sure you are safe while engaging in your activities, your progress will be closely observed. Your therapy session will include:

• A set of exercises for strengthening the muscles in your legs and hips. 
• You may perform exercises like hydrotherapy, walking, and mild cycling to improve your fitness.

12+ weeks

You will continue to get better with physiotherapy treatment at this point in your recovery to reach your full potential. You will also gradually return to your regular activities. However, it is also important to take care of several things, such as:

• Continue prescribed physical therapy exercises 
• Monitor the signs of complications, including persistent pain or swelling
• Maintain a healthy diet to get a full recovery

Also Read: Benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery 

5 Effective Exercises for the Early Post-Operative Phase

Post-operative physical therapy exercises and techniques are designed to meet your specific goals and medical requirements. The following best physiotherapy techniques for hip recovery will improve circulation to your feet and legs. You can start them soon after surgery to improve your recovery and reduce post-operative pain.

Ankle Pumps

1. Push your foot up and down slowly.
2. Do this exercise multiple times, possibly every five or ten minutes.
3. When you are watching TV, pump your feet every time an advertisement comes on.

Start this workout as soon as possible after surgery and keep doing it until you are completely recovered.

Ankle Rotations

1. Start with your ankle moving inward toward your other foot, and then move it outward away from it.
2. Repeat five times in each direction.
3. This exercise should last three minutes and should be performed three or four times a day.

Bed-Supported Knee Bends

1. Bend your knee and glide your foot toward your buttocks while keeping your heel on the bed. Avoid rolling your knee inward.
2. Hold your knee in the most bent position for 5 to 10 seconds.
3. Stretch your leg straight.
4. Repeat 10 times.
5. This should take three minutes to complete.
6. Practice three or four times a day.

Buttock Contractions

1. Hold your buttocks tight for a total of 5 counts.
2. Repeat 10 times.
3. It should take 90 seconds to complete this exercise.
4. Practice three or four times a day.

Abduction Exercise

1. Slide your leg out to the side as far as you can and then return.
2. Repeat 10 times.
3. It should take 90 seconds to complete this exercise.
4. Practice three or four times a day.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Hip Surgery Physiotherapy

The following seven mistakes should be avoided during the post-hip replacement surgery rehabilitation phase:

• Jumping right into exercises without warming up might lead to unnecessary effort or injury.
• Excessive exertion may lead to edema, increased pain, or even damage to the surgical site.
• Incorrect movements put strain on other regions of the body and impair the exercise's effectiveness. 
• Do not ignore sharp or persistent pain during activity. 
• Skipping workouts or not following the specified schedule may delay progress and lead to muscle tightness or weakening.
• Not eating a nutritious diet will cause you to be deficient in the right nutrients, resulting in a long recovery.
• Not following up with your doctor may prolong your recovery or lead to issues later on. 

Get a Physiotherapist to Recover Quickly from Hip Surgery!

Hip replacement surgery recovery is a gradual process that differs for total and partial replacements and is impacted by pre-surgical activity levels, nutrition, and general health. Resting is important in the days after surgery, but increasing your daily activity routine will help you recover.

Your physiotherapist will guide you on when it is appropriate to put your walking aid aside. Within six weeks, the majority of patients are completely free of any assistance. When your physiotherapist feels you are ready, you should start taking short walks along with hip replacement recovery exercises. At Apollo Spectra, our specialists examine your unique situation to determine your treatment and recovery. Make an appointment today to get personalized care throughout the procedure.