Rehabilitation After Hip Prosthesis

One of the important parts of prosthesis treatments is physical therapy and rehabilitation. Hip replacement is an apparatus that replaces severely damaged, irreparable hip joints. In order for this apparatus to fully adapt to the tissues and to be able to use the person’s hip again and as before, physical therapy should be performed. Thanks to the appropriate exercises after hip replacement surgery, the quality of life of the person can be increased. The movement capacity of the hip joints can be improved and the person can independently perform their own work.

You can find more information about hip replacement in the continuation of our article. For rehabilitation after hip prosthesis, you can contact the clinic of Specialist Dr. Nural Aydın in Ankara.

What is Hip Replacement?

Hip replacement; is an artificial joint apparatus, which replaces damaged joints in the hip. It is often used in the treatment of hip pain that cannot be treated with medication or conservative methods. It is mostly preferred in our patients over 65 years of age. The main function of hip prosthesis; By increasing the range of motion of the joints, it is to improve the movement functions.

Why is a hip replacement fitted? 

Hip replacement;

  • Severe degeneration due to calcification
  • Treatment of rheumatoid pain
  • Pain due to femoral head necrosis or fracture
  • Advanced hip dislocations
  • Bone tumors
  • It can be worn for the treatment of tuberculous arthritis

Why is rehabilitation done after hip replacement?

The rehabilitation process after hip prosthesis is important for the hip prosthesis to adapt to the tissues and to strengthen the surrounding muscles. Hip replacement helps greatly reduce damage to the hip. However, if there is no rehabilitation, there may be limitation of movement despite the prosthesis. Since it is a preferred treatment especially in elderly individuals, the importance of rehabilitation is increasing. In older individuals, muscle tissues become weak over time. For this reason, it is important to work the muscles around the prosthesis.

What are the Benefits of Rehabilitation After Hip Replacement?

  • Strengthening of the abdominal and back muscles
  • Stretching of the hip flexors
  • Strengthening of hip and knee extensors
  • Reducing pain during movement as much as possible
  • Making walking easier
  • Opening and strengthening of the joints that remain immobile after surgery
  • Ensuring that the prosthesis is loaded gradually, correctly.

How is Total Hip Replacement Rehabilitation Performed?

In total hip prosthesis, it is aimed to gradually load the patient’s hip area. Thus, without any injury, the muscles in the hip area are strengthened. It is necessary to wait about 12 weeks for walking with full weight. After this period, the person can walk with full weight to the hip area. In the first 6 – 8 weeks after surgery, walking is done on the fingertip. In the next process, the weight is transferred gradually.

In the first week of rehabilitation after hip replacement;

  • First of all, positioning and prevention of deep vein thrombosis are provided.
  • Active or assisted flexion extension exercises are performed on the hip joint.
  • With isometric exercises, hip and knee muscles are strengthened.
  • Exercises are performed on a high chair.
  • Short walks are made with the walker.
  • Exercises are performed to strengthen the extremities of the abdomen and back.

In the second week of rehabilitation after hip replacement;

  • Exercises are performed in the hip that increase joint mobility and muscle strength.
  • It is ensured that the patient walks, moves independently with the walker.
  • The patient is informed about what should be considered after surgery.
  • Patients Using Hip Prosthesis Should Pay Attention To:
  • Patients should be prevented from lying on their side on the operated hip.
  • A pillow should be kept between the legs when in the supine position.
  • Patients should lie on their backs for at least 30 minutes a day.
  • The patient should not sit in low chairs and armchairs until full recovery. Instead, high stools and chairs should be preferred.
  • When sitting, leaning forward and throwing legs over legs should be prevented.
  • Patients can get help from the toilet riser to enter the toilet comfortably.
  • Bending over, wearing socks etc. is very dangerous for patients who have hip replacement surgery. Therefore, patients must get help for these actions.

Rehabilitation After Ankara Hip Replacement

Rehabilitation after Ankara hip replacement is very important in terms of increasing the quality of life of the patient and the success of the operation. For this reason, rehabilitation planning after hip replacement should be made by an experienced physical therapist.

You can contact our clinic to get information about hip replacement rehabilitation and other physical therapy applications in Ankara; you can make an appointment.