Hip replacements have become one of the most common orthopedic surgeries performed. Since first being introduced in 1960, the technique and the prosthesis used have been continually improved upon and perfected over time. All along, the goal has been to help patients recover more quickly and with less pain, so they can get back to doing the things they love.

Hip replacement surgery—which can be either a complete or partial replacement— is used to treat patients with severe osteoarthritis or a hip fracture after all other conservative (non-surgical) treatments have failed. The procedure removes damaged bone and cartilage from the painful hip and replaces it with a prosthetic, or artificial hip. The goal of a hip replacement is to relieve pain, improve joint mobility and restore or improve a patient’s ability to safely perform normal daily activities like walking, standing, running and climbing stairs.

The surgery itself, however, is not the end of the story. In order to have a complete and successful recovery, it’s incredibly important that the patient follows a course of physical therapy following the hip replacement. Physical therapy is a necessary component of the recovery process that will help patients regain their flexibility, build back their strength, and gradually return to everyday activities.

Acute phase (in hospital)

In most cases, a physical therapist will come to your bedside on the first or second day after surgery to begin post-operative treatment. This period of time is called the acute phase of recovery, and the therapist will help you with the following:

• Turning in bed and getting up to a sitting position
• Getting out of bed to stand and move a chair
• Walking with an assistive device like a walker or crutches a short distance
• They will also begin some gentle exercises to increase flexibility and strength

Sub-acute phase (after discharge)

After being discharged from the hospital, some patients will do a short stay in a rehab facility before they go home, while others will be sent directly home and begin additional therapy there. This depends on your age and physical capabilities. Once you are comfortable and strong enough to leave the house, outpatient physical therapy at a local clinic will begin. Physical therapists will continue to focus on these areas:

• Walking and stair climbing
• Balance, which may be impaired after surgery
• Full movement of the leg and new hip
• Transferring to the bed, chair and car
• Specific muscle strengthening to improve the ability to stand and walk safely and independently

Treatment will progress as you improve and regain your strength, flexibility and functional abilities. Your therapist will also be mindful of your goals and will cater treatment specifically to helping you accomplish them, in order to get back to the level of activity you hope to achieve.

At CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services, our Glenn Dale physical therapists treat patients recovering from hip replacement surgery on a regular basis, and we are committed to helping you return to your life before your hip got in the way. To find out how we can help you during your recovery, contact us at 301-853-0093 to schedule an appointment at any of our four locations in Laurel, Hyattsville, Glenn Dale/Bowie or Parkville/Baltimore, MD. For additional exercises to help with hip replacement recovery, click here.