Total Hip Replacement: Post-Operative Physiotherapy

Undergoing a total hip replacement surgery can be a life-changing experience, providing relief from hip pain and improving mobility. However, the road to full recovery doesn't end with the surgery itself. Post-operative physiotherapy plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful outcome.

Benefits of Post-Operative Physiotherapy

1. Pain Management: Physiotherapy helps manage post-operative pain through various techniques such as ice or heat therapy, gentle exercises, and manual therapy, thereby reducing the need for pain medications.

2. Improved Mobility and Strength: Physiotherapy aims to enhance joint mobility, strengthen the surrounding muscles, and restore normal walking patterns, allowing you to regain independence and perform daily activities with ease.

3. Faster Recovery: Engaging in a structured physiotherapy program can expedite your recovery, enabling you to resume work, hobbies, and social activities sooner.

4. Prevention of Complications: Physiotherapy helps prevent complications such as blood clots, muscle weakness, and joint stiffness that can arise after surgery.

What to Expect during Physiotherapy

Range of Motion Exercises

• Ankle pumps, knee bending, and hip rotations to maintain joint flexibility.

• Passive and active-assisted exercises to gradually increase the range of motion.

Strengthening Exercises

• Gentle resistance exercises targeting the hip, thigh, and core muscles.

• Gradual progression to weight-bearing exercises like squats and lunges to improve strength and stability.

Walking/Gait Training

• Gradually increasing weight-bearing activities to restore normal walking patterns.

• Use of assistive devices like crutches or walkers initially, with a transition to walking without support.

Balance & Coordination Exercises

• Balance exercises to improve stability and reduce the risk of falls.

• Coordination activities to enhance the mind-body connection and improve overall movement control.

Pain Management Techniques

• Application of hot or cold packs to alleviate pain and swelling.

• Soft tissue mobilization and gentle massage to relieve muscle tension.

Post-operative physiotherapy is a crucial component of the recovery process after total hip replacement. By adhering to a structured program, you can experience numerous benefits such as pain management, improved mobility, faster recovery, and reduced complications. At Aeon Health, our physiotherapists will guide you through the appropriate exercises and techniques tailored to your specific needs.