We aim to commence your physiotherapy as soon as it is safe to do so. It is very likely that the physiotherapist may commence your mobilisation and exercises regimen on the same day of your surgery depending on the time your surgery took place. 

The physiotherapist will initially assess your muscle function and movement. Once satisfied that your muscles are working well, they will assist you with mobilisation. This is usually done with a walking frame/sticks for a short distance. Early mobilisation helps to reduce the risk of developing blood clots and improves recovery. 

The following day, our physiotherapist will help you progress with your mobility and negotiate stairs safely. You will also receive adequate advice regarding various exercises to be performed over the coming days and weeks. Your stay in hospital can vary but most patients are discharged within 24 to 48hrs.

Once discharged, it is important to follow the advice received from our physiotherapist. We will organise an out-patient review appointment with our physiotherapist approximately 2 weeks after your surgery. Our outpatient physiotherapist will help guide your recovery and answer any questions you may have but it is important that you take control of your recovery in order to achieve a good result.

Physiotherapy:

Pain Relief:

You need to provide your body with sufficient calories and nutrition to aid the healing process.

It is recommended to have 50% more calories after major surgery to help heal the wound, muscles and bone after surgery. Additional protein intake in particular is very important after surgery. Foods rich in Protein includes red meat, poultry, fish, nuts, eggs, cheese, soybeans and tofu. Ideally, you should try to include a good source of protein with every meal, including breakfast.

It is common to have reduced appetite after surgery making it difficult to consume enough calories/protein. It is however important to continue eating healthy food for faster recovery. If you are struggling with big meals, try smaller portions but more frequently and try having foods that you enjoy.

Most supermarkets now stock a good selection of protein rich foods such as protein drinks, yoghurts and bars. They can also help boost your calorie and protein intake if you are struggling with regular food.

Food:

Regular exercises allow you to get the best out of the surgery and significantly reduces the risk of a stiff hip. Exercise should be done frequently throughout the day. 

It is important to recognise your tolerance level with the exercise regimen. You need to be aware of how hard to push the exercises, how many to do in one session and how frequently to do them over the day. Please speak to our Physiotherapist. They can help you with finding the tolerance level. Once you are tolerating the exercises, you can slowly increase your endurance by holding stretches for longer duration, performing more repetitions or increasing the frequency. 

Do not perform all the exercises together as this will potentially cause unnecessary swelling and pain. We recommend that you break the exercises routine into more manageable chunks. First pick a couple of exercises to perform. An hour or two later pick a different set and repeat this process throughout the day.

Below are some exercises that are commonly prescribed after your Total Hip Replacement.  Only perform exercises prescribed to you by your physiotherapist. 

Exercise:

Please note:

Exercise can be uncomfortable however, severe pain during or after exercise is not beneficial. If you are experiencing severe pain, you may need to reduce the frequency or the intensity of your exercises and contact a member of our physiotherapy team. It is important to find a correct balance between exercises and rest. If you rest too much your hip may become stiff and your hip may become painful if you exercise too much.

Standing hip flexion

As shown in the above picture, stand tall by holding on to kitchen counter for support. Raise your affected leg in front of you as shown in the picture and go as far as you feel comfortable. Do not force the leg into an uncomfortable/painful position. Return to starting position and repeat this exercise 10-12 times, 3-4 times a day.

Standing hip abduction

As shown in the above picture, stand tall by holding on to kitchen counter for support. This time, lift your affected leg to the side as shown in the picture. Keep your toes pointing forward. Go as far as you feel comfortable and do not force it. Return to starting position and repeat this 10-12 times, 3-4 times a day. 

Standing hip extension

As shown in the above picture, stand tall by holding on to kitchen counter for support. Now, lift your affected leg behind you as shown in the picture. Go as far as you feel comfortable, do not force it. Return to starting position and repeat this exercise 10-12 times, 3-4 times a day.

Bridging exercise

Lie flat on bed/couch with knees bent as shown in the above picture.

As shown above, tense your stomach muscles and slowly raise your hips towards the ceiling. Hold this position for 1-2 seconds and slowly lower yourself down while maintaining tension in your core. Repeat this exercise 10-12 times, 3-4 times a day.

Supine hip flexion

As shown in the above picture, lie on couch or bed with legs flat on surface.

Gradually, glide your heel toward your bottom and return to a straight leg. Perform on bed or couch – do not get on floor. Use a plastic bag under your foot to make the exercise easier. Repeat this exercise 10-12 times, 3-4 times a day.