What to expect after Hip replacement surgery?

You got the surgery!!! Now what?

The Process of rehabilitation following hip replacement surgery might seem daunting, but it does not have to be a pain in the butt!!

Physiotherapy after hip replacement aims to reduce pain, improve ability to move, regain strength, and enhance overall function. Here are some common aspects of hip replacement physiotherapy:

However, here's a general outline that is commonly followed in many hip replacement rehabilitation programs:

1. Immediate Post-Op (Day 1-3):

   1. Pain Management:

      • Administer pain medication as prescribed.

      • Use ice to reduce swelling.

   2. Mobility:

      • Begin with gentle ankle pumps, knee bends, and static quadriceps contractions.

      • Encourage bed mobility and turning.

   3. Weight-Bearing:

      • Start with non-weight-bearing or touch-down weight-bearing, as per surgeon's instructions.

   Week 1-2:

   1. Ambulation:

      • Progress from a walker or crutches to a cane as tolerated.

      • Focus on a normal gait pattern, emphasizing heel-to-toe walking.

   2. Range of Motion Exercises:

      • Perform passive and active-assisted range of motion exercises for the hip.

      • Work on hip flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal and external rotation.

   3. Strength Training:

      • Initiate gentle isometric exercises for quadriceps, hamstrings, and gluteal muscles.

      • Gradually introduce resisted exercises with resistance bands or light weights.

   4. Balance and Stability:

      • Begin simple balance exercises, progressing to more challenging activities.

      • Incorporate weight shifts and single-leg standing.

   Week 3-6:

   1. Weight-Bearing Progression:

      • Gradually increase weight-bearing as per surgeon's guidelines.

      • Focus on normalizing gait pattern and reducing dependence on assistive devices.

   2. Strength and Endurance:

      • Intensify resistance training for hip muscles.

      • Include exercises that target overall lower limb strength and endurance.

   3. Functional Activities:

      • Work on activities of daily living, such as sitting and standing from a chair, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of a car.

   4. Cardiovascular Conditioning:

      • Introduce low-impact cardiovascular exercises like stationary cycling or aquatic therapy.

   Week 6-12:

   1. Progressive Strength Training:

      • Increase resistance and intensity of strength exercises.

      • Include more dynamic and functional exercises.

   2. Functional Progression:

      • Focus on more advanced functional activities and challenging environments.

      • Emphasize proprioceptive and agility exercises.

   3. Return to Activities:

      • Discuss and plan a gradual return to specific recreational and work-related activities.

      • Assess joint stability and function during more dynamic movements.

   Beyond 12 Weeks:

   1. Maintenance and Progression:

      • Continue strength and flexibility exercises.

      • Monitor and address any residual gait abnormalities or muscle imbalances.

   2. Long-Term Exercise Program:

      • Encourage the adoption of a long-term exercise program to maintain joint health and overall fitness.

   3. Surgeon Follow-Up:

      • Attend scheduled follow-up appointments with the surgeon.

      • Discuss any concerns or issues related to the hip replacement.

It’s never too early to start your Post-op Hip Rehab!

Book with one of our licensed Physiotherapists today!