Hip replacement surgery is technically known as total hip arthroplasty. In this procedure, an orthopedic surgeon replaces the damaged hip joint with an artificial joint called a prosthesis.
This is a common procedure for people who have severe hip pain and/or disability due to advanced arthritis or another type of hip injury. Thanks to today’s medical developments, hip replacement surgery is now much less invasive than ever before.
Some surgeries only require rest to recuperate, but the case is different when it comes to hip replacement surgery. Physical therapy is a field of healthcare that is focused on preserving, enhancing, or restoring movement. Physical therapists are rehabilitation professionals who know how to follow your doctor’s instructions in guiding you through therapeutic exercises and other noninvasive treatments, especially after having an extensive operation such as hip surgery.
Let’s talk about why physical therapy is key to a full and successful recovery after hip surgery, and where you can go for top-notch therapy services that will get you back to enjoying an active lifestyle as quickly as possible.
How a Physical Therapist Can Help After Hip Replacement Surgery
Some of the main reasons why you will need to have physical therapy after having hip replacement surgery include learning the following:
- Safely moving and using your new hip
- Exercising and stretching the hip area for increased strength and flexibility
- Minimizing pain and discomfort while you heal
- Regaining range of motion and standing balance
- Performing everyday movements and activities
- “Shifting” from standing to sitting to lying down, etc. safely
- Knowing what activities could harm your new hip and how to maintain limits
- Learning beneficial and safe exercises you enjoy, such as swimming
Your physical therapist (PT) will work with you to create a post-op exercise program that is suitable for you, and one which you enjoy doing. After all, if you don’t enjoy it, then you won’t continue with the exercises, and that’s the whole point during rehab after surgery – to keep your new hip in good shape and working properly.
Your physical therapy professional will recommend the number of sets and frequency of these exercises to do each day. They will also explain to you how to perform these exercises properly in order to avoid harming your new hip or causing injury to the adjacent muscles and other structures.
Expert Hip Replacement Surgeon in Clinton, MI
Hip replacement surgery can give you back the active lifestyle you love. The best way to achieve optimal recovery after this operation is to trust your physical rehabilitation team and to continue following the recommended program of exercises and stretches. You will therefore need the skill and expertise of a multidisciplinary healthcare team to help you through this process.
The medical team of Movement Orthopedics, led by Dr. Jeffrey Carroll, includes physical therapists who know how to help you regain function of your hip and leg after hip replacement surgery. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, contact our friendly staff today by calling us at (586) 436-3785 or by filling out our easy-to-use appointment request form online now. We look forward to helping you enjoy a more pain-free lifestyle once again!
