Physical Therapy After Hip Replacement Surgery

Physical therapy is crucial after hip replacement surgery to strengthen muscles and speed up recovery. Follow prescribed exercises to reduce pain and swelling.

Following hip replacement surgery, physical therapy is crucial to achieve the best results. Modern advances in surgical techniques involve minimal intervention. However, patients still need several weeks or months to recover. Physical therapy helps speed up this recovery process, strengthening the muscles and ligaments that support the hip joint.

Your orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist may recommend specific exercises for you to follow. As a general rule, 20 to 30 minutes per day is sufficient – although that can be 2 to 3 times per day during your early recovery.

This guide covers the key considerations and exercises you should understand as you head home from your hip replacement surgery – especially if you travelled abroad.

• What is Physical Therapy?
• Exercise, Pain, and Swelling Advice
• Hip Exercises
• Walking and Stairs Advice

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy (PT), or physiotherapy, refers to the movements and exercises you can perform to improve function, reduce pain, and live better. Usually, physical therapy is recommended by a healthcare professional after an injury or operation.

Orthopaedic physical therapy is the gold standard of postoperative treatment following hip replacement surgery. It can occur in outpatient clinics, hospitals, skilled nursing homes, or even in your home.

According to a 2017 study, patients who underwent PT twice weekly after a total hip replacement saw significant improvements in walking speed and hip function compared to a control group who followed the "usual care protocol." Physical therapy is now initiated immediately after surgery to rebuild as much lost strength as possible.

Exercise, Pain, and Swelling Advice

Some pain and swelling are normal after your operation. Staying motivated and performing your prescribed exercises is essential for a successful recovery.

Ice packs applied for 15-20 minutes can reduce swelling and numb the area to ease pain. You can also elevate your leg above your heart level to further minimise swelling. Just be careful not to overtax the hip joint.

Pain management is also necessary throughout the postoperative period. Standard analgesics like paracetamol are a sensible option alongside anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen. However, you should not take ibuprofen long-term due to the potential risks. In the hospital, you may receive stronger pain medication for the immediate discomfort.

Regular exercise can relieve pain and swelling. Performing your exercises for 20-30 minutes per session is recommended, either every day or even 2-3 times daily initially. Avoid activities that involve prolonged sitting or standing to prevent increased swelling. If pain or swelling becomes severe, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Hip Exercises

Simple Exercises

You should begin slowly and gradually become comfortable with each exercise before moving on. Hold each exercise for two to three seconds and repeat ten times initially. As you become stronger, you can hold for longer or perform more repetitions. Eventually, you'll want to move on to more advanced exercises.

Standing Hip Flexion

1. Stand upright, holding onto a sturdy surface like a countertop or chair for balance.
2. Slowly raise your operated knee in front of you, bringing it up until your hip forms a right angle. Hold for a few seconds, then lower your leg back down.
3. Repeat as advised by your physical therapist.

Standing Hip Abduction

1. Stand upright, holding onto a sturdy surface such as a countertop or chair for support.
2. Slowly lift your operated leg to the side, away from your non-operated leg. Keep your body straight and avoid leaning towards your non-operated side.
3. Hold for a few seconds, then return your leg to the starting position. Repeat as directed by your physical therapist.

Standing Hip Extension

1. Stand upright, holding onto a sturdy surface like a countertop or chair for stability.
2. Slowly move your operated leg backwards, keeping your knee straight. Avoid leaning forward as you extend your leg.
3. Hold for a few seconds, then bring your leg back to the starting position. Repeat according to your physical therapist's instructions.

Advanced Exercises

Only begin advanced exercises as advised by your physical therapist. Perform each exercise for a minute or so, leaving a short rest (around 1-2 minutes) between each round of exercise.

Step Up

1. Stand at the bottom of your staircase, holding onto the banister or rail for balance if needed.
2. Step up onto the bottom step with your operated leg.
3. Push through your operated leg to lift yourself, then bring your non-operated leg up to join it on the step. Repeat as advised by your physical therapist.

Static Lunge

1. Hold onto the back of a sturdy chair or table for balance.
2. Take a step backwards with your non-operated leg.
3. Lower your non-operated (back) leg by bending both knees maintaining your balance.
4. Push through your operated (front) leg to stand back up. Repeat as directed by your physical therapist.

Walking and Stairs Advice

Most patients find they can walk soon after the operation. In fact, it's often a relief to do so without any grinding pain in the hip joint. At first, you may require support for walking, e.g., crutches or a frame. However, as your hip begins to heal, you should wean yourself off your walking aid, returning to normal walking.

Often, people find that years of walking with an "antalgic gait" (or painful gait) makes it hard to walk normally. You should try to maintain a good walking pattern, even if it feels unnatural. Practice keeping an even stride length and spending equal time when standing on one leg and moving on the next. Gradually, your former gait pattern will return.

Stairs pose another problem. Take the stairs slowly, using a crutch or banister at first. Don't rush yourself. After a few weeks, you'll find it easier and easier to ascend and descend a staircase.

Hip Replacement Surgery Abroad at Kardiolita Hospital

Kardiolita Hospital is a world-class facility specialising in orthopaedic surgery. As a leading private hospital in Lithuania, we provide top-quality care at a fraction of the hip surgery price in Ireland. Our skilled orthopaedic surgeons have an extremely low complication rate, achieving excellent outcomes.

We also provide postoperative rehabilitation for 10-14 days before returning home. However, you can choose to continue your rehabilitation in Ireland.

Learn more about hip replacement surgery abroad.