According to a CDC study, hip replacement surgery is an increasingly common procedure, with the rate almost doubling from 2000 to 2010 alone and not showing any signs of slowing down in the ensuing years. This procedure is so prevalent due to an aging population and the increase in conditions like arthritis and bursitis. While the procedure itself serves an important function in replacing worn-out bone with a durable implant, the recovery process is also critical to ensuring that patients are able to regain movement and function in their hips. 

Particularly, attending physical therapy sessions consistently can help lower the risk of complications and increase the likelihood of a return to regular activities for a number of key reasons. To help you gain a clearer picture of why physical therapy after hip replacement surgery is important, we’re happy to share the following guide. Please feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or want to learn more about what to expect from physical therapy. 

Why you should attend physical therapy after hip replacement surgery

Here are the big reasons why physical therapy sessions help patients who have recently undergone hip replacement surgery: 

1. It encourages healing — Any type of surgery involves trauma to soft tissue, and hip replacement surgery is no different. With active and passive techniques, physical therapists help break up damaged tissue and increase blood flow to the area, which is very important to good healing. 
2. It helps you relearn hip movement — Patients requiring hip surgery have often dealt with years of dysfunction in this region. Combine that with the insertion of new hardware, and you have a situation where you will need to learn and relearn many of the body mechanics needed for daily activities. As experts in biomechanics, physical therapists can help with balance, stability and gait training. 
3. It builds stronger and more resilient hips — Weak hips can be both the result and cause of many hip problems, creating a vicious cycle where a sedentary lifestyle can worsen hip pain. If you’ve recently undergone a hip replacement, a physical therapist will help you strengthen your hips and core to help ensure a positive outcome with improved long-term hip function. 

It’s important to work with a therapist whom you are personally comfortable with and who can provide continuity of care with your surgical team. 

Hip replacement physical therapy with a team you can trust

At Rehab Access, we’ve built our practice on a commitment to compassionate care and expertise. If you’ve undergone or are planning to undergo hip replacement surgery, we can help you create a comprehensive recovery plan that is customized to your individual needs. Our therapists have decades of combined experience helping hip replacement surgery patients achieve their treatment goals and get back to a healthy and active lifestyle. 

Contact us today to schedule your initial appointment at the location that is right for you.