Undergoing hip replacement surgery is frightening, but there is a phase after surgery that is not only frightening but also requires much patience, i.e., the recovery phase.
The reason could be attributed to the period of inactivity before your surgery and the trauma your body would experience during surgery. Additionally, your muscles, ligament, and tendon lose their strength, making it difficult to use your body after the surgery fully. Fortunately, your orthopedic treatment plan will also include physical therapy that will help you reap the greatest benefits of the surgery.
Let’s talk about what post-op physical therapy will involve, how it benefits after hip replacement surgery, and where you can go in San Antonio, TX, for outstanding orthopedic care.
Physical Therapy After Hip Replacement Surgery
After your hip replacement surgery, a physical therapist will show you how to use your new joint. Getting moving is crucial to get circulation in your legs and prevent blood clots following hip replacement surgery. The movements to improve circulation can be performed while in the bed. To improve blood circulation, you will need to wear elastic stockings and/or pneumatic sleeves.
You will either stay in the hospital for 3 to 10 days or discharge from the hospital after some time. Either way, you may benefit from physical therapy that will enable you to perform certain tasks and help you regain your normal function.
Physical Therapy Exercise Guide
Regular exercise can significantly help recover from hip replacement surgery by restoring normal hip strength and motion. A physical therapist recommends 20-to-30-minute exercise twice or thrice daily during early recovery from hip replacement surgery.
Most exercises can be performed while laying on your back with legs slightly spread apart. Some of these exercises may include:
- Ankle rotation
- Ankle pump
- Buttock contraction
- Straight leg raises
- Abduction exercise
- Quad set
- Standing exercises
- Standing knee raises
- Standing hip extensions
- Standing hip abduction
- Bed-supported knee bends
Benefits of Physical Therapy After Hip Replacement Surgery
Exercises and strategies involved in post-op physical therapy are designed to your unique goals and healthcare needs. This is why you can reap many benefits from a physical therapy plan after surgery. Typically, physical therapy can:
- Ease your pot-op pain and stiffness
- Reduce inflammation and swelling
- Improve and maintain blood circulation
- Restore your hip joint mobility and strength
- Strengthen the muscles supporting your hip joint
- Eliminate muscle stiffness
- Improve your balance
- Help regain your normal gait
- Help safely get back into normal activities
- Avoid risk for falls, especially in older adults
Aside from keeping you motivated and hastening your recovery, physical therapy also prevents the development of scar tissues which may otherwise develop if you don’t move or engage in post-op physical therapy. The scar tissues can further restrict the movements and weaken the muscles surrounding the joint.
Therefore, you must show up at each outpatient physical therapy session to speed up your recovery and protect your joints. By the time your outpatient physical therapy sessions ends you’ll be able to walk without the need for any assistive device.
Hip Replacement in San Antonio, TX
At the Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine, our orthopedic doctors and physical therapists work to begin your recovery immediately after the replacement surgery. They ensure your complete healing and recovery without pushing you to the point of pain and discomfort.
If you are in the San Antonio area and seek care for your hip condition, call us today at (210) 692-7400 or request an appointment online.
We look forward to serving you!
