What to Expect After Surgery
Hip replacement can help improve mobility for people suffering from joint damage, injury, or arthritis. While the surgery can be extremely beneficial, rehabilitation can be slow. Physical therapy can ensure a successful recovery.
Physical therapy is key to hip replacement recovery. Structured rehabilitation can help you regain balance and strength, increase flexibility, and return to daily activities. But it’s important to understand what’s involved with hip replacement physical therapy. This way, you’ll feel more confident throughout the journey.
Our experienced staff at Cottage Grove Post Acute provides this guide to help you better understand the process.
Why Physical Therapy Is Necessary After Hip Replacement
Physical therapy will begin immediately after surgery. The goal is to ensure hip mobility without complications. Your therapist will create a personalized treatment plan designed for your particular needs.
The main objectives of hip replacement physical therapy include:
- Decreasing swelling and pain
- Restoring mobility and muscle strength
- Helping with balance and coordination
- Gaining independence and a return to normal activities
Physical therapy can ensure that you move safely and improve long-term outcomes.
Right After Surgery
Physical therapy typically starts immediately after surgery. The therapist wants to help you increase circulation, minimize stiffness, and reduce the risk of complications.
During this phase, physical therapy will focus on assisting you with:
- Getting in and out of bed
- Sitting and standing
- Standing and walking with mobility tools
- Gentle exercises
These exercises are typically done at the hospital before returning home or going to a post acute facility.
First Few Weeks as an Outpatient
For the first four weeks, the goal of physical therapy is to improve strength and mobility. Ankle, heel, glute, and quadricep exercises will be important. The therapist will also help the patient do hip range-of-motion exercises and practice walking.
Most patients will see improvements in mobility and a reduction in pain during this time.
Weeks 4-8
Within this timeframe, surgical tissue should have been mostly healed. Therapy will focus on restoring normal patterns.
Common exercises include:
- Squats
- Step-ups
- Balance exercises
- Standing hip abduction
- Resistance band for strengthening
- Extended walking sessions
- Stair climbing
- Getting in and out of a vehicle
Final Weeks of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy typically ends after 12 weeks. During the latter half of these sessions, patients should be getting stronger and feel better about moving around. Now, therapy will focus on your goals.
That could include:
- Increasing strength and endurance
- Returning to previous daily activities
- Practicing movements related to work, hobbies like golfing or gardening, and other activities
How a Post Acute Facility Can Help with Rehabilitation
Not everyone has a caregiver at home to assist with post-recovery needs. Or your loved one may not be able to do on their own every required task. A post acute facility like Cottage Grove Post Acute provides support when recovery at home may not be feasible.
A post acute facility acts as a transition between the hospital and the home. It provides 24/7 skilled nursing staff and therapists. There will always be someone to take care of the resident’s needs. Daily therapy is available to increase strength, mobility, and balance.
At Cottage Grove Post Acute, we offer expert physical therapy services, including joint replacement and orthopedic rehabilitation. We provide you with the assistance you need to ensure that you have a safe recovery.