The duration of your physical therapy plan of care will vary depending on a few variables including how well you are healing and what level of impairments existed prior to and following the surgery. A patient who was unable to walk much prior to their surgery may need a longer course of care than a patient who was able to walk well and only had to restrict activities like hiking or running, for example. While full return of function may take some time, you may begin to see some results right away. You should experience improvements in many symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and inflammation within a couple of weeks.

Progression in strength, flexibility and overall mobility that allows you to stand and walk comfortably or partake in athletics usually takes longer. Achieving long lasting results may take some time, but dedication to your program will help you achieve these results. Your PT will be able to give you a more specific timeline for recovery after your surgery and as you move through the rehabilitation process.

HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Serious joint injuries (can lead to post-traumatic arthritis)
• Avascular necrosis
• Childhood joint abnormalities (can lead to joint problems in adults)

If you decide to work with a physical therapist to help with post-op hip surgery related issues, your entire treatment plan could consist of around 8-20+ different physical therapy for back pain sessions that will each last 60-90 minutes. Once you complete your customized physical therapy treatment plan, you will be able to continue to do the prescribed stretches and exercises utilized during your PT sessions yet in the comfort of your own home.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT FROM PHYSICAL THERAPY AFTER SURGERY?

Right after your surgery your physical therapist may use modalities, manual therapy techniques or passive range of motion to address pain and inflammation and to start restoring motion. Your PT will also prescribe some of the interventions below to begin restoring tissue and muscle function and length. As you progress through your recovery and the surgical site is allowed to undergo more stress, your physical therapist will begin to progress these interventions in order to help you achieve your maximal level of function:
Strengthening: Restoring strength and endurance to the muscles around the hip (as well as the trunk, knee, and ankle), is an important part of post-surgical rehabilitation. It will help decrease pain and assist you in returning to your prior level of function. Strength losses can be attributed to a decreased level of exercise or activity pre-surgery as well as a result of pain, inflammation and modified activity post-surgery.
Stretching: Stretching is often needed after a surgery to restore normal joint motion and muscle length. Restoring full or functional range of motion is very important post-joint replacement and your PT will guide you on how to do this while maintaining hip precautions.
Gait training: relearning how to walk, climb stairs and even run normally after a hip replacement is often needed.
Neuromuscular Re-education: This type of treatment is used to improve the motor control and coordination of muscles around the hip joint so the limb functions well during both daily tasks and higher impact activities like athletics or job duties.
Sport and job-specific tasks: For athletes returning to sport or workers returning to a job, sport- and job-specific exercises will be incorporated later on in your rehabilitation to prepare the surgical site for the demands of returning to these activities.
Having any type of surgery can feel daunting but my team of physical therapists and I are here to help make that process as smooth as possible. Call Evolve today to get started on your recovery from hip replacement surgery.