Orthopedics focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Learn about the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of bone, joint, ligament, and muscle conditions.
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The surgery installs the hardware; rehabilitation installs the software. Without proper rehab, even the best hip replacement won’t function perfectly. The muscles around your hip have likely been weak and tight for years due to arthritis. Rebuilding this strength is essential for walking without a limp and protecting the new joint.
Rehabilitation starts in the hospital and continues at home for months. It involves a progressive series of exercises designed to restore range of motion, strength, and balance. This section outlines the key phases of recovery and provides practical tips for getting the most out of your new hip.
In the first few weeks, the goal is simple: get moving and prevent clots. “Ankle pumps” (moving your feet up and down) help pump blood back to the heart. ” Quad sets” (tightening your thigh muscle) and “glute squeezes” wake up the muscles that support the hip.
Walking is the best exercise. Take short, frequent walks around the house. Focus on a heel-to-toe gait pattern rather than shuffling. Do not overdo it; rest and elevate your leg if it swells. Adhering to your movement precautions (no crossing legs, no deep bending) is critical at this time to let the soft tissues heal around the implant.
Once the incision is healed and swelling is down (usually weeks 2-6), you can ramp up the intensity. Physical therapy (PT) often becomes more active. Exercises like “standing hip abduction” (lifting your leg to the side) and “mini-squats” build the gluteus medius muscle, which prevents limping.
You may start using a stationary bike. This is excellent for range of motion. Start with no resistance and just work on the circular motion. As you get stronger, add light resistance. Stair climbing is also introduced, teaching you to go “up with the good leg, down with the bad leg” until you are strong enough to use a reciprocal pattern.
By 3 months, most patients are returning to normal activities. The focus shifts to endurance and balance. You might do single-leg stands to improve stability. Walking distances increase.
You can return to low-impact sports like golf, doubles tennis, or swimming. High-impact activities like running or jumping should still be avoided to prolong the life of the implant. The goal is to integrate the new hip into a natural, unconscious movement pattern so you stop thinking about it with every step.
Dislocation occurs when the ball pops out of the socket. It is most risky in the first few months while the muscles heal.
Follow your surgeon’s specific precautions. Use a “reacher” tool to pick things up off the floor so you don’t bend too far. Use a sock aid to put on socks. Avoid low chairs or soft sofas where your knees are higher than your hips.
Your artificial hip is a mechanical device. To make it last, maintain a healthy weight. Every pound of body weight places 3 pounds of pressure on the hip. Staying lean reduces wear.
Take antibiotics before dental work if your surgeon advises it. Bacteria from the mouth can travel to the artificial joint and cause infection. Most importantly, stay active. A sedentary lifestyle weakens the bone that holds the implant. Strong muscles act as shock absorbers, protecting your investment for decades.
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Most patients benefit greatly from formal PT. A therapist ensures you are doing exercises correctly and safely. However, some highly motivated patients can recover well with a home exercise program guided by the surgeon.
A limp often persists because of weak glute muscles (abductors). It takes time to rebuild strength after years of atrophy. Continue your side-leg raise exercises and focus on not dropping your hip when you walk.
Yes. “Start-up stiffness” after sitting for a while is common for the first year. It usually resolves after a few steps. Regular stretching helps minimize this.
Kneeling is generally safe once you are fully healed, but it might feel uncomfortable. Use a cushion under your knee. Avoid kneeling if it causes pain.
Most healing occurs in the first three months, but strength and endurance can improve for a year or more. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint.
Hip pain is a big problem worldwide, affecting millions. Trochanteric bursitis is a common cause that can really disrupt your life. We’re here to help
Did you know that hip pain affects millions of people worldwide? It greatly impacts their quality of life. A common cause of this pain is
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