When it comes to hip and joint replacements of any kind, just as important as the surgery itself is the physical therapy that follows. Combined, they work in tandem to put you on the road back to living a normal, active lifestyle. At The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, our skilled staff will guide you on your journey to recovery, working with you on targeted exercises that will help ease the pain and swelling, and restore function.
Physical therapy for hip replacement often starts shortly after the surgery itself, in the hospital setting. The goal is to return you to activity as quickly as possible. You might begin with simple exercises such as ankle pumps, leg lifts, and heel slides. Most often you will get up and out of bed with the assistance of a walker or crutches — with the goal of doing some walking.
Most patients are discharged from the hospital after a couple of days and are sent either to a rehabilitation center or to their homes. Regardless, regular physical therapy sessions remain an essential part of hip replacement recovery.
During the first appointment, a therapist will do a check of your new joint and how well it moves, after which a customized treatment plan will be developed. Physical therapy has three main goals: to improve range of motion, to strengthen the muscles, and to return you to a normal lifestyle, while addressing your specific goals. With a new hip, you will learn new techniques for everyday tasks, such as getting in and out of a car and climbing stairs. You may also have a session with an occupational therapist, who will teach you simple ways to navigate around your home.
At The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality of skilled and compassionate rehabilitative care. For more information on our office and the many services that we provide, give us a call today.