23/06/2025
Hip arthroplasty, or total hip replacement, is a surgery performed to replace a damaged hip joint by a prosthesis. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery, helping the patient restore hip mobility, strength, and function while preventing complications.
Physical Therapy Goals:
- Recover Mobility: Promote the safe and effective movement of the hip joint, improving the range of motion.
- Muscle Strengthening: Strengthen the muscles around the hip, especially the glutes, quadriceps and ischiotibial muscles, to support the new joint.
- Prevent Complications: Reduce the risk of complications, such as deep venous thrombosis (TVP) and hip lengthening, through exercise and postural guidance.
- Improving Balance and Coordination: Work in gait and balance to ensure the patient regains the ability to walk independently.
Physiotherapy Treatment:
- First Days: Early mobilization, with exercises of passive and active range of motion, as well as light strengthening exercises.
- Following Weeks: Progression for more intense strengthening exercises, walking training with the assistance of walkers or crutches, and stretching techniques.
- Medium to Long Term: Focus on complete restoration of function, with balance exercises, proprioception, and training for daily life activities.
Physiotherapy is essential post-operative hip arthroplasty, speeding up recovery, restoring function, and allowing patients to return to their daily activities safely and efficiently.
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