Why Physical Therapy Is Vital Post-Hip Replacement

Does chronic hip pain limit your ability to walk, go up and down stairs, play sports, and do other activities that you typically enjoy? If that’s the case, you may already be looking into or thinking about hip replacement surgery. If so, it is important that you know how hip replacement surgery followed by physical therapy can be a great solution to your current hip pain. 

Hip replacement surgery is truly a phenomenal medical breakthrough. By 2030, it’s expected that there will be more than 600,000 hip replacements each year. Many of these people will need help recovering from the pain, weakness, and stiffness that is present prior to and after surgery. That is exactly what physical therapy can help with.

The Benefits of Combining Physical Therapy with Hip Replacement Surgery

Most people having this surgery have been dealing with pain for many, many years. Typically, the pain and stiffness has resulted in reduced range of motion, decreased strength, decreased balance, and decreased activity overall. All of these things need to be worked through and improved following surgery to ensure that there is a good outcome to the surgery. 

The surgery itself only fixes the surface of the hip joint itself. The muscles and tendons will still be weak and stiff. The surgery doesn’t remedy these problems. Most of the time, doctors recommend that patients walk after the surgery. There may be an exercise sheet that instructs the patient to perform different exercises. However, these recommendations are not individualized to each person. For some people, those exercises might work well to help them gain back their strength, mobility and conditioning. For others, they might not be as suitable.

From a physical therapy viewpoint, an individualized routine based on a patient’s interests, current strength and goals is necessary to ensure a full and true recovery from a significant surgery such as a hip replacement.

Physical Therapy: The Best Way to Meet Your Goals for Recovery after Surgery

Following surgery, everyone will have a different starting point and different goals that they hope to meet. Physical therapy can help you realize your goals. You’ll have someone knowledgeable helping you who is able to answer your questions and concerns that come up during your recovery. They can also create an individualized program that is perfect for your recovery.

If you’re looking into a hip replacement or you have already had one, physical therapy can help you optimize your results. To ensure that you can return to your preferred activities such as hiking, walking, biking or playing pickleball, consult a physical therapist who can help you achieve those goals. 

We’re ready to help you at Full Potential Physical Therapy, anytime you need it. Call us at (616) 537-2837. 

About Nick

Nick received his bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Hillsdale College in 2018, and earned his Doctorate of Physical Therapy (DPT) from Western Michigan University in 2021. Nick has practiced in a variety of settings including Inpatient Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Facilities. Nick has a passion for helping patients and focuses on their success by creating individualized programs that get results. In doing so, he empowers his patients to pursue their passions and live life to the fullest. Nick was born and raised in Holland, Michigan. He loves spending his time outdoors with his dog and his friends, appreciating all that Western Michigan has to offer.