Physical therapy should begin on the first day after hip replacement and continue for 6 to 12 months to restore normal hip movement, maintain strength and range of motion, reduce pain, prevent complications such as removal of the prosthesis or clot formation, and prepare to resume daily activities..
Exercises used for rehabilitation after hip replacement include: stretching, active exercise, strengthening, propioception, walking training and hydrotherapy, but electrotherapy resources such as tension, ultrasound and shortwave can also be used, as well as blocks of ice to control pain and inflammation.
- Post-hip arthroplasty exercises should be guided by the physical therapist as they can vary from person to person.
- Depending on the type of prosthesis used.
- Are used to strengthen muscles.
- Improve hip movement and increase blood circulation.
- Preventing clots from forming.
- Examples of exercises that the physical therapist may indicate:.
After departure, when returning home, it is important to continue performing the exercises under the supervision of the physical therapist, as the person gains more strength, less pain and limitation, other exercises may be introduced such as:
These exercises help maintain strength and range of motion, strengthen muscles, speed recovery, and prepare to return to daily activities.However, other exercises can be performed as needed.Exercises should be done 2-3 times a day, and in case of pain, the physical therapist may use cold compresses at the end of treatment.
Exercises can progress, get harder, with 1.5kg shin guards, plus walking training, endurance cycling, trampoline propioception and bipedal balance.Other exercises such as mini jogging, mini squats can also be done.
You can increase the load as the exercises become easier, since you have to tolerate a weight of 3 kg on each ankle, in addition to short runs with sudden stops, jumps and pressures on the legs.
Water exercises can be performed 10 days after surgery and can be performed in a hydrotherapy pool with water at chest height and a water temperature between 24 and 33 degrees Celsius, in this way you can have relaxation and decrease of muscle spasms, up to an increase in the pain threshold, among other benefits.Small floating equipment such as headboard, collar, palm, tibia and board may be used.
Stretching exercises can be performed on the first day of the postoperative period, passively, with the help of the physical therapist. Each stretch should last from 30 seconds to 1 minute and is important for maintaining range of motion. Stretching is recommended for all muscles.groups of legs and buttocks.
Initially, the person should walk on crutches or a walker, and the time varies depending on the type of surgery performed:
When you are allowed to stand without support, bodybuilding exercises such as mini-squats, elastic band resistance and low weight ankle bracelets should be performed.Gradually increase with one-sided support exercises, such as climbing stairs.