Physical Therapy | 25 Sep 2024
The hip joint is one of the biggest joints in the body and is extremely robust and strong. There are many injuries as well as degenerative changes that can occur over time to the various structures in this area that will never require surgery. Sometimes, if the damage is serious enough, surgery is necessary to allow an individual to return to their full potential. Regardless of the injury, physical therapy after hip surgery is key to a successful recovery.
Types of hip surgery
There are many reasons why someone would need to undergo surgery for the hip. Someone with severe osteoarthritis and changes in their cartilage and bone integrity would undergo a Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Hip fractures may also occur in more serious cases of injury and this could warrant surgery as well. Labral or tendon repairs may also be performed for those who have undergone conservative care, such as PT, and have not responded well. Regardless of the reason, physical therapy after hip surgery is always recommended for patients to return to their best selves.
Regardless of the reason, physical therapy after hip surgery is always recommended
for patients to return to their best selves.
What to expect after hip surgery:
We will focus on total hip arthroplasty (THA) as this is one of the most common hip procedures performed. This is a surgery that allows patients to typically go home the same day as long as there are no complications. Pain, swelling, and limitations in strength and range of motion are all normal post-operatively. There will be surgical restrictions to follow in order to protect the integrity and healing of the implant in the hip joint for several weeks after surgery. A physical therapist may come to the patient’s home to initiate the rehabilitation process until the patient is able to safely go to outpatient physical therapy.
Initial PT sessions focus on hands-on work, with progressions occurring week by week as the patient gains more independence and is able to perform more advanced activities and exercises. The Training Room Doctors of Physical Therapists create a fun and inviting environment where every session is one on one in order to allow the patients to safely work towards their goals and regain full function again.
Pictured above: Dry needling to the hip musculature to help with any soft tissue restrictions post-operatively. Dry needling can help to improve mobility and pain to allow a patient to perform a functional task or exercise better.
What determines good outcomes after hip surgery?
Compliance and consistency are key in having a good return to function post-operatively. Everything may have gone excellently with the surgery itself, but the real work starts once you’re sent home. Having open and honest communication with the PT is likely to result in better outcomes so both you and your Physical Therapist can be on the same page. Additionally, factors such as healthy eating, proper hydration, and sleeping habits all affect the physical therapy process after hip surgery. Leading an active lifestyle is important to maintain stability and strength around the hip joint. At the minimum, daily walking has many benefits in addition to a regular strengthening routine that is safe for the patient to perform. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 90% of patients show improvement in pain and function within one year of surgery, and 90-95% of implants remain intact for at least 10-15 years before requiring a revision.
Have questions? Contact us Today!
At the Training Room we take great pride in helping patients after hip surgery successfully return to their best selves. Our intention is to help patients perform better than they did prior to surgery. We are experts in post surgical rehabilitation and want to help you achieve your goals.
About the Author
Dr. Saini has 9 years of experience working with a variety of patients from young athletes to film/tv stunt performers. Her specialties are in orthopedics, vestibular/concussion rehabilitation, and post cancer rehab. She also goes on U.S. tours with Broadway shows as the sole physical therapist for performers/crew. Dr. Saini earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from University of California, Davis. She went on to earn her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from University of California, San Francisco.