PT in Hip Surgery Rehab
Hip surgery, whether a replacement, osteotomy, synovectomy, or the placement of a pin or fixator, marks a crucial turning point in an individual’s recovery journey. After such procedures, the role of physical therapy (PT) becomes indispensable, helping patients regain mobility, strength, and a sense of normalcy in their daily lives.
Hip Replacement and Osteotomy Recovery
For those undergoing a hip replacement, PT is essential in restoring joint function and improving flexibility. The focus in the initial stages is on regaining range of motion and learning proper walking techniques. As strength and stability improve, therapy progresses to more functional exercises aimed at rebuilding muscle around the new joint, which is key to long-term success. Similarly, hip osteotomy—a procedure that realigns the hip joint—also requires comprehensive rehabilitation to ensure proper healing and to prevent further joint damage.
Synovectomy and Pin/Fixator Placement
For patients who undergo a synovectomy—the removal of inflamed joint tissue—PT helps reduce stiffness and promote fluid movement in the hip. This is especially important for those with conditions like arthritis, where inflammation can hinder joint function. Meanwhile, for those who need pins or fixators to stabilize fractures or joint deformities, PT begins as soon as the device is safely in place, focusing initially on gentle movement and muscle activation before progressing to weight-bearing exercises as healing continues.
Here to Help!
Physical therapy provides the necessary structure and support, guiding patients toward a full recovery, while helping to reduce pain, prevent complications, and restore independence post-surgery. In our clinic, we spend one hour with each of our patients working on a one to one basis (one therapist to one patient). This ensures that each patient has sufficient time to work through their plan of care and recover from their injury efficiently. Each patient is provided with a home exercise program and works through exercises while in the clinic but we also have ample time to work through their areas of myofascial tightness and musculoskeletal dysfunction.
