HIP REPLACEMENT RECOVERY
Post-Hip Replacement Precautions
After a hip replacement, it’s essential to follow certain precautions to avoid dislocation or other complications. These precautions will vary depending on the type of hip replacement surgery (posterior, anterior, or lateral approach), but generally include:
1. Avoid Certain Movements:
No Crossing Legs: Avoid crossing your legs at the knees or ankles, whether sitting or lying down.
Limit Hip Flexion: Do not bend your hip beyond 90 degrees. This means avoiding low chairs, bending to pick up objects, or tying shoes.
Avoid Twisting Movements: Do not twist your hip inward (internal rotation), such as when turning your body to reach behind you.
Use Assistive Devices: Use grabbers or reachers to avoid bending at the waist, and use a raised toilet seat to avoid deep hip flexion.
2. Sleep Precautions:
Sleep on Your Back: Sleep on your back with a pillow between your legs to keep your hips properly aligned.
Side Sleeping: If sleeping on your side is allowed, place a pillow between your legs to prevent the operated leg from crossing midline.
3. Weight-Bearing Precautions:
Follow Weight-Bearing Restrictions: Your surgeon will advise on how much weight you can place on the operated leg. This could range from partial to full weight-bearing.
Post-Hip Replacement Physiotherapy Milestones and Exercises
1. Immediate Post-Operative Phase (Days 1-7)
Milestones:
Begin movement in the hip joint while following all precautions.
Start weight-bearing as tolerated with assistive devices.
Manage pain and reduce swelling.
Exercises:
Ankle Pumps: Flex and point your toes to encourage blood circulation.
Quad Sets: Tighten your thigh muscles, pressing the knee down into the bed for 5-10 seconds.
Gluteal Squeezes: Tighten your buttocks muscles to strengthen the gluteal region.
Heel Slides: Slowly slide your heel toward your buttocks to bend the knee and hip, then straighten the leg.
2. Early Rehabilitation Phase (Weeks 1-3)
Milestones:
Improve hip range of motion (ROM) while adhering to precautions.
Progress from using crutches or a walker to a cane.
Control swelling and minimize pain.
Exercises:
Hip Abduction (Side-Lying): While lying on your non-operated side, lift your operated leg upwards and slowly lower it.
Standing Hip Extensions: Stand and extend your operated leg backward, keeping the knee straight.
Heel Raises: Stand on your toes, lifting your heels off the ground, then slowly lower them.
Seated Marching: While seated, lift your knees alternately to mimic marching.
3. Mid-Rehabilitation Phase (Weeks 4-6)
Milestones:
Achieve increased hip ROM.
Transition to full weight-bearing without assistive devices.
Strengthen the hip muscles and improve gait.
Exercises:
Mini Squats: Perform shallow squats, ensuring you don’t bend the hip beyond 90 degrees.
Bridging: Lie on your back with knees bent, lift your hips off the bed, then lower them slowly.
Standing Hip Abduction: Stand and move your leg sideways away from your body, keeping it straight.
Stationary Cycling: Use a stationary bike with minimal resistance to promote mobility and strength.
4. Late Rehabilitation Phase (Weeks 7-12)
Milestones:
Achieve near-normal hip ROM and strength.
Return to most daily activities, such as walking and light household chores.
Improve overall hip function and stability.
Exercises:
Lunges: Perform forward or backward lunges, taking care not to overextend your hip.
Single-Leg Stands: Practice balancing on your operated leg to improve stability.
Resistance Band Exercises: Use resistance bands for hip abduction, adduction, flexion, and extension.
Swimming: Engage in water exercises to reduce joint stress while improving strength and flexibility.
5. Long-Term Rehabilitation (Months 3-6 and Beyond)
Milestones:
Return to low-impact recreational activities like swimming, cycling, and walking.
Maintain strength and flexibility in the hip joint.
Prevent future injuries and enhance overall mobility.
Exercises:
Advanced Strength Training: Incorporate more resistance in exercises like leg presses, squats, and lunges, ensuring proper form to avoid hip stress.
Aquatic Therapy: Continue water exercises to build strength and endurance with minimal joint stress.
Walking or Hiking: Gradually increase distance and intensity to improve cardiovascular fitness.
Yoga or Pilates: Focus on gentle stretching and core-strengthening exercises to enhance flexibility and balance.
These guidelines are general and may vary depending on your specific surgery, overall health, and surgeon's recommendations. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider and physiotherapist are crucial for tracking progress and ensuring safe recovery. If you require any assistance with your rehab our expert physiotherapist will be able to assist.