PT Post Hip Replacement: Walk Without Pain

Hip replacements are some of the most demanding orthopedic surgeries, but they are also quite common. The Rheumatology Research Foundation estimates that as of this year, about 550,000 are performed annually in the United States. This operation gives many patients their mobility back and can sometimes even solve the most severe forms of joint pain. However, that doesn’t mean that patients who get hip replacements don’t face challenges. The recovery process for any surgery can be difficult, and it’s all the more so when the surgery installs a prosthetic in one of the most important joints in the body.

Getting hip replacement surgery is a big, necessary step for many individuals with arthritis, bone tumors, ankylosing spondylitis, and other musculoskeletal health conditions. But in the long term, the proper physical therapy plan is key to regaining independence and pain-free movement. At JAG Physical Therapy, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania’s rehabilitation source, one of our specialties is pre- and post-operative treatment for people who are scheduled for orthopedic surgery. Our skilled therapists have helped many local residents prepare for and recover from hip replacements with great success. Schedule an appointment now to get started or read more below on how physical therapy is helpful after a hip replacement operation.

Why Physical Therapy Is Essential After Hip Replacement

Post-surgical PT for a hip replacement can make a huge difference in the overall success of the procedure. Complications of any kind of joint replacement could include stiffness, weakness, recurrent pain, and improper gait that increases the risk of falling. The ideal outcome of a joint replacement is to have the prosthesis work as well as a healthy natural joint, and any complication would get in the way of this goal.

Pre-operative PT plays its own role in preparing for a hip replacement surgery, helping to manage symptoms until the day of the operation and creating ideal conditions for the surgical team to work with. But in this case, the post-op phase of PT is the most important period of time. If you will need a hip replacement in the near future, know that countless other people in your position have been able to rebuild their strength while working back up to a full, pain-free degree of hip motion simply by working closely with a physical therapist.

What to Expect During PT Post Hip Replacement

The total recovery time for hip replacement surgery is anywhere from 6 to 12 weeks. Many circumstances determine how long it takes to recuperate, such as the patient’s age, any issues they may have with circulation, their muscles, or their connective tissue, and lifestyle factors like physical activity level. Regardless, whether recovery takes a relatively short few weeks or several months, the basic points on the timeline are similar.

In the initial physical therapy sessions soon after discharge and for the first week or two, your therapist will assess your condition and mainly help you work on mobility, usually with active and passive range of motion techniques. After two to three weeks have passed, most patients can then move on to strengthening and agility exercises for the affected area, using more resistance as time goes on and the hip joint heals more.

The last weeks of the recovery timeline can be the most varied from person to person, as the goal is to return to daily activities. Everyone’s routine is different, and so specific techniques come into play. If you want to reach high shelves in your house, for example, the therapist may concentrate on getting you used to standing on your tiptoes. As there are even physically active older people who need hip replacements, if you are involved in athletics or fitness, your therapist will advise you on returning to these activities also.

Techniques Used in PT for Hip Replacement Recovery 

At JAG PT, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and all of our patients receive a custom treatment plan, especially those recovering from orthopedic surgery. Still, there are some core methods that our physical therapists can use to help most people who have gotten hip replacements, alongside more uncommon or customized modalities.

As with most people receiving physical therapy, individuals who have had hip replacement can benefit greatly from manual therapy treatment. After a hip replacement, manual therapy may include medical massage, heat and cold therapy, and especially joint mobilization. Strength training, which is also widely applied in PT, is highly important during recovery from a hip replacement. Your therapist will direct you not only to do a variety of hip and thigh exercises, such as abductions and rotations with a resistance band, but also core strengthening and other forms of strengthening that are appropriate to your specific condition.

When you are regaining the ability to walk pain-free, your physical therapist will likely also recommend gait training and balance and stability exercises. Gait analysis is often the first step, so that the therapist can find and correct any abnormalities in your walking pattern. This is potentially very helpful as you get used to a new artificial joint. As your balance and stability increase, so will your confidence and your overall ability to undertake your usual daily activities. A number of JAG PT locations also use the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill, which helps joint replacement patients much more quickly start walking and running training by using air to support much of the body weight.

Tips for Walking Without Pain After Hip Replacement

The best thing you can do to reduce pain from walking after a hip replacement is to consistently attend your PT sessions and follow your therapist’s instructions. Doing the exercises you are instructed to, daily and with enough repetitions, will gradually build your abilities and lower pain in turn.

Beyond being mindful about your exercises, you should also pay attention to your walking mechanics – to the best of your ability, make sure your steps are sure and at an even rate. If you are using a mobility aid, pay careful attention to the instructions for use. This may seem obvious, but it can be easy to be inattentive, and this can lead to accidental injury.

You should consider wearing supportive footwear for the duration of your recovery, especially if your physical therapist has said to do so. Even orthotic inserts for regular shoes can be helpful. Finally, you may be excited and impatient to get back to your routine, but gradually increasing your activity level and never overexerting is paramount.

JAG Physical Therapy Helps Support Your Recovery 

JAG PT’s experienced, skilled, and compassionate therapists are passionate about helping you heal and get back to your daily life after a joint replacement. All of our patients receive a custom recovery plan and get the advantages of cutting-edge equipment and advanced techniques when needed. With over 160 locations throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, we have the services you need at a clinic near you. Book your appointment now to begin personalized post-hip replacement rehabilitation.

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