Hip replacement surgery is often the last treatment option for patients with a severely damaged hip. The damage can be caused by trauma, osteoarthritis, osteonecrosis (bone death), or rheumatoid arthritis.
There are 2 main types of hip replacement, and they both entail the removal of the damaged bone and cartilage from the hip.
What is the difference between a partial and total hip replacement?
In total hip replacement surgery, the head of the thigh bone and the socket where it is attached is removed and replaced with prosthesis or artificial parts made of ceramics, plastic, or metal.
In a partial hip replacement, only the head of the thigh bone is removed and replaced. If both hips are problematic, double hip replacements, though rare, may be performed.
How many hip replacement surgeries are performed each eyar?
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has shown that over 300,000 hip replacement surgeries were performed in 2010 to patients aged 45 years and above.
This surgery aims to relieve hip pain that no longer responds to conventional treatments, improve hip function, and help the patient move better.
But these goals cannot be achieved through surgery alone. Patients need to undergo physical therapy to help them recover.
Physical therapy before hip replacement
Your physical therapist can help prepare yourself and your body before the surgery through:
- Teaching useful flexibility and strengthening exercises
- Coaching how to use mobility aids like a walker or crutches
- Recommending necessary changes that you need to do in your home to improve safety post-surgery.
Why is physical therapy a must after a total hip replacement
To fully recover, patients need to attend several physical therapy sessions post-surgery because physical therapy can:
- Ease the pain after surgery
- Restore your joint to full strength
- Bring back your range of motion
- Help you achieve balance when upright
- Relieve your fear of falling
- Assist in your transition to normal life
There are several considerations that patients need to observe after a successful hip replacement surgery to minimize your risk for hip dislocation. Our physical therapists at Ritecare Medical Center in Hialeah will help you follow and stick to these measures, which differ depending on the surgical techniques used.
After a successful surgery, the only way to maximize its benefits and regain your hip’s optimal function is to undergo physical therapy. Your commitment and dedication to a pain-free life and the assistance of experts in physical therapy in Hialeah, when put together, is a sure way to successful rehabilitation.
What our physical therapists do to help with your recovery
The length and frequency of sessions differ from one patient to another. After your discharge from the hospital, your outpatient physical therapy sessions with us will mainly focus on:
- Regaining your balance. Your balance is usually impaired after surgery, and this increases your risk for falls
- Strengthening your muscles through appropriate exercises
- Improving your movement and range-of-motion through stretching and flexibility exercises
- Restoring the full function of your hip through weight-bearing exercises and activities
- Assisting your return to everyday life through lifestyle exercises like climbing stairs, lifting, pushing and pulling, and light jogging.
During rehabilitation, you should feel comfortable about asking your physical therapist questions, as well as expressing any discomfort or anxiety.
Qualities of our physical therapy experts in Hialeah
At Ritecare Medical Center, our physical therapists are:
- highly skilled and board-certified
- experienced in treating patients who underwent total joint replacement surgery
- knowledgeable in treating various injuries and conditions related to the musculoskeletal and nervous system
- up-to-date with the latest developments and research in the field of physical therapy
- client-centered, supportive, and compassionate
Learn more about physical therapy services at Ritecare Medical Center, Hialeah
Supportive care and rehabilitation here at the Ritecare physical therapy clinic in Hialeah can help patients regain control of their motor movements through specialized rehab programs customized to each patient’s needs. We accept walk-in clients as well as online appointments – whichever is more convenient for you.
We also offer COVID-19 testing in Hialeah. For inquiries, call us at (305) 200-1225.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
