Physiotherapy is a key part of your recovery from a hip replacement operation. The main purpose of physiotherapy after a hip replacement is to improve mobility, restore strength and movement in your new hip by strengthening your muscles so as to allow independence. While you are in hospital, you will be given some exercises by your physiotherapist which you will be required to continue once you get home. Physiotherapy can help you move better and reduce your pain. It also makes daily tasks and activities easier, like walking, going up stairs, getting in and out of bed and on and off the toilet. You’ll get much more out of your hip replacement surgery if you do your physiotherapy as recommended.
The role of the Physiotherapist in hospital
Give you exercises to improve movement and strength
Ensure you are walking safely
Maximise your independence
Provide advice and education
Provision of walking aids
Physiotherapy immediately after surgery
Physiotherapy starts immediately after surgery. Simple exercises like pumping your ankles while in bed will help improve your circulation and reduce the risks of blood clots forming.
The physiotherapists will assess you as a whole individually so make sure you inform them of any pain or disability in any of your or other joints as these may affect on how you use the walking aids. They will initially teach you how to get on and off the bed and measure you for some walking aids and teach you how to use them.
Your responsibilities:
Do your prescribed exercises at least three times a day
Mobilise regularly as shown if safe to do so on your own
Aim to be independent with washing and dressing
Sit in the chair for meals if medically fit to do so
Ask questions for clarity if you do not understand
What special equipment will I be using in hospital?
You will be given a walking aid such as crutches or a walking stick depending on how stable you are on your feet. The physiotherapist will adjust the height of these accordingly and teach you how to use them effectively. Some patients may find the crutches difficult to use if they have shoulder or arm problems so discuss your concerns with your therapist.
If you have stairs at home, a stair assessment will be carried out to ensure you can do so safely. Even if you do not have stairs at home, it is good to have a practice just in case you go out to a place with
What equipment will I need at home?
There are special equipment items that are designed to make life easier for you but also assist you with adhering to hip precautions. The physiotherapist will go through these with you.
Below is a list of such items. The physiotherapist will be able to provide you with the following:
Raised toilet seat
Shower perching stool
Long tongs to lift thing off the floor
Below are smaller items you can purchase yourself in advance to your surgery
Sturdy pillow/cushion for low chairs
A sock aid - to help you put on your socks without bending over to reach your feet..
A dressing stick is a lightweight, thin rod with hooks at each end to help you get dressed without bending or reaching for your clothes.
A log tongs or braai tongs, that allows you to reach or pick up objects that otherwise would be difficult to grasp without bending or extending the body.
A long-handled shoe horn which will enable you to slip on shoes without bending over.
A long-handled bath sponge will enable you when showering to reach your feet, back, or other body parts without over-extending or bending.
Elastic shoelaces are a great alternative for people who want to continue wearing their tie shoes but are limited in their ability to bend down to tie them.
References
NHS, 2018, Recovery - Hip Replacement, viewed 22 December 2020, <https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hip-replacement/recovery/ >
NHS, 2018, Overview: Physiotherapy , viewed 22 December 2020
Versus Arthritis 2018, Hip Replacement Surgery, viewed 18 December 2020,