Rehabilitation
Once you have had your surgery, this is just the beginning of your recovery.
The outcome of your surgery is highly dependent on YOU.
You will be asked to complete a series of exercises for at least 12 weeks following your surgery. It is your responsibility to comply with these. These exercises aim to increase your strength, mobility, balance and confidence to help maximise your recovery. Research and evidence reveals that patients who participate in a higher level of activity such as walking and who exercise regularly following their surgery have a better long term outcome. Failure to do your exercises may result in a less favourable outcome following your surgery.
High quality evidence reveals that formalised physiotherapy following total hip replacement produces no greater outcome long term at one year post surgery than independent exercise at home. Therefore, we do not routinely refer our patients on to the physiotherapy department on discharge. We provide you with a comprehensive exercise plan (see the rehabilitation section) that allows you to carry on your rehabilitation independently at home. However, if any issues or needs are identified by the in-patient ward physiotherapy team, then they can refer you on for further out-patient physiotherapy if required.
Exercise Plan
Regular exercise is not only safe but essential to maximise your outcome following your hip replacement. All of the exercises in this booklet are safe to carry out from the start however it makes sense to progress things gradually. Below is a sample progression you can use as a guide. Some people will find some of the exercises easier than others and this may vary day to day. Persevere and always try to do something. In the early days post-surgery, little and often is best, so aim for about 5 minutes of exercise, 8-10 times a day. As you find your energy improving and the hip settling, progress this to 10-15 minutes of exercises done 2-3 times a day.
Probably the best exercise is simple walking and we encourage you to gradually start to build this up early on in your recovery. Some simple ideas are to begin by walking lengths of a long room or hall in your house with your crutches or frame. Progress this to walking with just one crutch and then to fully weight bearing with no supports. Walking outside can be progressed in a similar fashion but is obviously slightly more difficult than inside so you may find yourself walking fully weight bearing indoors but using a crutch when outside. Walking with a friend or partner is helpful too, giving you both reassurance and support as required. At all times when working on your walking, including when on crutches, try to minimise any limp.