Rehabilitation for Hip Replacement Recovery

Today, hip replacement surgery is a far more common procedure. As such, modern methods require a shorter, oftentimes outpatient stay. About 300,000 hip replacements are performed annually in the US and this number is only expected to increase by 2030.

This surgery may be recommended to address osteoarthritis, which does not always respond to non-surgical treatments. While patients may report being in less pain after the procedure, that does not negate the need for rehabilitation to address the new joint and improve stamina, balance and strength.

How Hip Replacement Rehab Works

Rehabilitation typically begins in the hospital, where you practice walking with a walker or crutches. To address day-to-day activities, you’ll work on standing up from a chair, putting on shoes and improving leg strength. Visits may also include occupational therapy to help with washing, dressing and getting around the home with your new joint.

From the hospital setting, a patient may begin a two- to three-week stay at a short-term rehabilitation center, depending on other comorbidities. As joint movement improves and the swelling goes down, physical and occupational therapists help you with stretching, bending and straightening the hip joint.

Why Short-Term Rehabilitation?

You may still need help climbing a flight of stairs, doing laundry or preparing a meal. A short-term rehabilitation facility acts as a transition, offering the professional assistance you need for a successful recovery. The goal of any rehabilitation program is to prepare you to safely move about your home and help you resume your life without pain.

Your stay at a short-term rehabilitation facility often addresses the following issues:

• Contractures and Mobility: Contractures create scarring around the new joint, which reduces joint mobility. Physical therapy assists a patient with improving their range of motion and occupational therapy addresses any temporary accommodations needed. Therapy is targeted toward posture, lying down bending at the waist and sitting to reduce strain and prevent joint dislocation.
• Muscle Strengthening: Therapy further addresses any adaptive behaviors that could be affecting your mobility. Prior to hip replacement surgery, patients may have limited the use of certain muscles or walked in a way that reduced pain. Sessions focus on the coordination needed for walking, standing and dancing by strengthening weak muscles.
• Recovery Rate: Your pre-surgery state directly influences your recovery. We know not all patients get back on their feet at the same rate and outside factors can play a role in that timeline.

Work with West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center to recover from your recent hip replacement. To learn more about our short-term rehab services, contact us today.