HEALTH
The Importance of Following Up Hip Replacement Surgery With Physical Therapy
When you discussed your hip replacement surgery with your physician and surgeon, they probably suggested that you complete physical therapy after the procedure. As you searched “physical therapy near me,” you may have wondered why it was so important to complete a program. Therefore, these are reasons you should seek out a physical therapist after your hip replacement surgery.
Prevent Injury
When you get a hip replacement, there are some movements you need to avoid. For example, you should not bend your body at a 90-degree angle to prevent your hip from dislocating. You also need to keep your blood flowing properly and prevent clots, which require specific movements. A therapist can also teach you how to walk using assistive devices, such as a walker and crutches, and help you prevent muscle atrophy while you heal from the surgery.
To prevent injury, you should start your physical therapy nearly immediately after surgery. In fact, many surgeons suggest you start mere hours after you leave the surgical suite. Although this may seem scary, this immediate movement helps you prevent further injuries.
Regain Mobility
Once you discharge from the hospital, you need to find a clinic that can help you regain your mobility. The professionals in these clinics work with you to strengthen your muscles, regain your range of motion and improve your gait and balance. The exercises they teach you are progressive, so they get harder as you begin regaining function and mobility in your hips and legs.
Range of motion exercises begins within days of your surgery. They typically involve stretching, weight-bearing, range-of-motion and strengthening exercises. Often, these exercises will focus on muscles that help you return to work, sports or your daily activities.
Prevent the Build Up of Scar Tissue
Your physical therapist also works to reduce and prevent scar tissue buildup. They use the same principles as they would for physical therapy exercises for shoulder pain in that they target the damaged area. They also use massage techniques, such as Graston techniques, to release any built-up scar tissues. These professionals use metal tools to stretch muscles and soft tissues.
The therapies focus on where your surgery scar is. The massage and exercises you complete keep the tissues loose so they remodel properly.
Allow Your Body To Get Used to Your New Hip
When you get a new hip, you need exercises that help your body get used to the new joint and use it properly. These exercises strengthen and stretch your hip joint muscles. As your muscles begin forming and strengthening, your body relaxes a bit so you can move properly.
To help your body get used to your new hip, your therapist may have you complete specific exercises for 20-30 minutes two to three times a day. In addition, you will begin climbing stairs, walking, sitting and standing, using the bathroom, getting dressed, bathing and bending properly.
Physical therapy is a tool to help you regain your lifestyle, but it can take six to 12 weeks or more, depending on your dedication. Find a physical therapist who works at your pace yet challenges you and helps you get back to your life.
Kenneth is a proud native of sydney, born and raised there. However, he pursued his education abroad and studied in Australia. Kenneth has worked as a journalist for almost a decade, making valuable contributions to prominent publications such as Yahoo News and The Verge. Currently, he serves as a journalist for The Hear Up, where he focuses on covering climate and science news. You can reach Kenneth at [email protected].
