After you undergo partial or total hip replacement surgery, it’s recommended that you receive physical therapy in an outpatient setting. Most individuals are referred to specialized medical professionals where they receive unique, personalized treatment plans. A physical therapist is the most important medical practitioner to see after undergoing an operation.
The Importance of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is needed after a hip replacement to monitor and improve the results of surgery. A therapist looks for the early signs of a complication right when it occurs. He or she makes sure that the patient is receiving the full benefits of surgery.
After a total hip replacement, many patients feel hip pain and muscle stiffness that limit movement. They are usually prescribed painkilling medications or ice packs to reduce swelling. However, this pain management plan does not address the underlying causes of postoperative problems.
Next, the therapist develops a comprehensive, multistage treatment plan that takes weeks or months to complete. The complexity of the plan depends on the type of hip replacement, whether it’s partial or total, and the severity of the patient’s underlying health conditions. Generally, a regular exercise plan is recommended to increase the range of motion and prevent the loss of sensation and movement.
Treatments for Hip Surgery Patients
For hip patients, therapists usually perform exercises that imitate the daily activities of walking, sitting, standing, climbing and jumping. They perform these treatments regularly to strengthen muscles in the patient’s legs, thighs and buttocks that support the new hip.
Patients continue their active treatments at home. They learn to use various mechanical devices, such as prostheses, orthoses and assistive walking devices. They are educated about hip pain management that includes the use of hot and cold compresses. Certain therapists may introduce them to innovative technologies like the use of electrical stimulus or sound wave technology.
Physical therapists focus on the wellness of the whole person. They encourage their clients to follow an active, healthy lifestyle that includes a wholesome diet and regular exercise outside of the doctor’s office.
As the recipient of a new hip, hire a physical therapist to improve your range of movement, increase your strength and reduce pain. Many patients have trouble getting in and out of bed, sitting down comfortably and climbing the stairs without difficulty. Maintaining the good results of your surgery cannot be done solely with a primary care physician’s help. Contact a physical therapist at POSMC in Plano, TX, to develop a treatment plan.