Learn about Total Hip Replacement (Hip Arthroplasty) surgery, including the procedure, recovery time, and rehabilitation. Discover how Palms Physiotherapy aids in recovery with personalized rehabilitation programs in our advanced therapy gym.

Total Hip Replacement (Arthroplasty): Procedure, Recovery & Rehabilitation

What is Total Hip Replacement (THR)?

Total Hip Replacement (THR), also known as Hip Arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure where a damaged or diseased hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint (prosthesis). The procedure is typically recommended for patients with hip arthritis, hip fractures, or other conditions that cause chronic pain and limit mobility. The goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve the quality of life for individuals who have not responded to conservative treatments such as medication or physical therapy.

Conditions Leading to Total Hip Replacement

• Osteoarthritis: The most common cause of hip joint deterioration, leading to chronic pain and stiffness.

• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease causing inflammation and damage to the hip joint.

• Hip Fractures: Severe fractures from accidents or falls that do not heal with other methods.

• Avascular Necrosis: A condition where the blood supply to the hip bone is disrupted, leading to bone death and joint deterioration.

• Developmental Dysplasia: A hip joint deformity that can lead to arthritis and pain over time.

The Procedure

1. Preoperative Preparation:

   • Prior to the surgery, your surgeon will evaluate the degree of joint damage through X-rays and MRI scans.

   • You will also undergo pre-surgical physiotherapy to improve your muscle strength and mobility, which can help accelerate recovery post-surgery.

2. During the Procedure:

   • Total Hip Replacement typically takes 1-2 hours and is done under general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia.

   • The surgeon will make an incision over the hip to access the joint. The damaged ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) are removed and replaced with prosthetic components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.

   • The prosthesis is designed to mimic the natural function of a healthy hip joint, allowing for smoother movement and pain relief.

3. Postoperative Care:

   • After surgery, you will be closely monitored for pain management and complications.

   • The hospital stay typically lasts 2-3 days, depending on your progress. During this time, you’ll begin early physical therapy to promote mobility and reduce the risk of blood clots and stiffness.

Healing and Recovery Time

• Initial Recovery (Week 1):

  • The first week involves pain management, wound care, and reducing swelling around the surgical site.

  • You’ll begin using a walker or crutches to avoid placing weight on the affected leg.

  • Basic range-of-motion exercises are often introduced to maintain joint flexibility without putting strain on the new hip joint.

• Early Recovery (Weeks 2-6):

  • Physical therapy will focus on hip strengthening, improving mobility, and restoring balance.

  • You will start partial weight-bearing exercises, gradually increasing the load on the hip joint as directed by your healthcare team.

• Intermediate Recovery (1-3 Months):

  • By 1-3 months, most patients can begin to gradually walk without assistance, but it’s important to avoid high-impact activities such as running or jumping.

  • Strengthening exercises will focus on the hip abductors, quads, and hamstrings to improve overall leg strength and prevent muscle atrophy.

• Full Recovery (3-6 Months):

  • Full recovery from hip replacement surgery can take 3-6 months, with many patients returning to regular activities like walking, cycling, and swimming.

  • More active exercises such as strength training and balance exercises will be incorporated to further enhance stability.

Rehabilitation After Total Hip Replacement

Recovery from Total Hip Replacement requires a well-structured rehabilitation process. Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health offers comprehensive services to assist with every step of your recovery, from pre-surgical preparation to post-surgical rehabilitation.

1. Pre-Habilitation:

   • Our prehabilitation program focuses on preparing your body for surgery by improving muscle strength and joint mobility before the operation. This includes exercises to strengthen the hip and leg muscles and improve balance, which will aid in a smoother recovery.

2. Postoperative Rehabilitation:

   • After surgery, you’ll begin a carefully structured rehabilitation program to restore mobility, strength, and function in your hip joint.

   • The rehabilitation process will include:

3. Phase 1: Initial Recovery (Week 1-2)

   • Range-of-motion exercises will help improve flexibility and prevent stiffness in the hip joint.

   • Pain management techniques and swelling reduction will be a key focus during the first few days to promote optimal healing.

   • Early weight-bearing exercises will be introduced as tolerated, focusing on mobility without overloading the joint.

4. Phase 2: Early Strengthening (Week 2-6)

   • Once you’ve gained sufficient mobility, strengthening exercises will be introduced to target the muscles surrounding the hip joint, including the glutes, quads, and hamstrings.

   • Walking with minimal assistance will be encouraged, and you may progress to using a cane or walking independently by the end of this phase.

5. Phase 3: Strengthening and Endurance (Month 1-3)

   • During months 1-3, your focus will shift to strengthening exercises that promote functional movement patterns, such as squats, lunges, and step-ups.

   • Balance exercises and core stability training will also be incorporated to improve overall strength and reduce the risk of falls.

6. Phase 4: Advanced Strengthening and Return to Activity (Month 3-6)

   • By months 3-6, you’ll begin engaging in low-impact aerobic exercises, such as swimming or stationary cycling, to further build strength and endurance.

   • More advanced strength exercises using resistance bands or weights will continue to improve overall stability and functionality of the hip joint.

7. Rehabilitation Gym at Palms Physiotherapy:

   • Fully Equipped Rehabilitation Gym: Our state-of-the-art rehab gym offers specialized equipment ideal for post-surgical recovery. This includes leg press machines, hip abduction/adduction machines, and resistance bands, all of which are used to safely strengthen and stabilize the hip joint.

   • Aquatic Therapy: For those who prefer low-impact rehabilitation, we offer aquatic therapy to help build strength, flexibility, and joint mobility without putting undue stress on the hip.

   • Individualized Programs: Each rehabilitation program is customized to meet your unique needs and recovery pace. We will guide you through each phase of rehabilitation, from initial mobility to advanced strengthening exercises.

8. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustments:

   • Our team will monitor your recovery regularly and adjust the program as necessary to ensure that you progress safely toward full recovery. This may involve changing exercise intensity, introducing new movements, or adjusting your treatment to optimize recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the recovery time for a Total Hip Replacement?

• Full recovery from total hip replacement typically takes 3-6 months, though you may return to some activities after 6-12 weeks. High-impact activities should be avoided for at least 6 months.

2. When can I drive after a Total Hip Replacement?

• Most patients can resume driving after 4-6 weeks, once they have sufficient strength and mobility to safely operate the vehicle.

3. Will I be able to return to sports after a Total Hip Replacement?

• You can return to low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, and walking after full recovery. High-impact activities, like running or jumping, should be avoided for a longer period.

4. What should I avoid after a Total Hip Replacement?

• Crossing your legs, bending the hip beyond 90 degrees, and twisting the hip should be avoided, particularly in the first 6-8 weeks, to prevent dislocation or strain on the new joint.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Can Help

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide a comprehensive approach to post-surgical rehabilitation for Total Hip Replacement patients. From pre-surgical prehabilitation to post-surgical rehabilitation, our team is here to support your recovery every step of the way.

Contact Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health

If you or a loved one is considering Total Hip Replacement surgery or recovering from it, contact us for expert physiotherapy support. Our team will work with you to ensure a smooth and effective recovery.