Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement surgery is typically recommended for people who have chronic hip pain, severe arthritis, and loss of function and mobility. In a total hip replacement, surgeons replace the joint surfaces to decrease pain and improve function. Hip replacements are usually easier recoveries than knee replacements, but symptoms can still take 3-6+ months to recover and feel “normal” again.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
The physical therapists at Vita will work with you to design a specific treatment program to speed up your recovery from your hip replacement surgery. A well-designed PT and exercise program will help improve hip stiffness and restore range of motion, improve muscle strength in and around the hip, and help you regain balance as you continue to walk and improve.
Typically, the program will include the following:
- Range of motion exercises focusing on hip flexion and extension
- Pain reduction techniques such as dry needling and kinesio taping
- Strengthening exercises for muscles around the hip and knee focusing on quads and hamstrings
- Gait training exercises in order to return to normal gait patterns
- Cross training guidance and progression to full activity
