Pain in the hip when moving and when at rest. One leg that’s become shorter than the other. Joint deformities. People with these symptoms are likely suffering from end-stage hip osteoarthritis. 

One common treatment option for this condition is a hip replacement. One medical study shows that the number of total hip replacements performed in the U.S. increased by 28% in 2011. This trend has continued to the point that more than 450,000 of these procedures are being performed in the U.S. annually. Recovering from a hip replacement can be a long process. However, physical therapy can offer multiple benefits for patients after a hip replacement. 

Two types of physical therapy that can benefit you after a hip replacement

There are two primary types of physical therapy that can benefit you after a hip replacement procedure. The first of these is called pre-surgical rehab, or pre-hab. 

Historically, physical therapy has been considered helpful only after surgeries are performed. Yet, recent evidence has shown that pre-hab with a specially trained physical therapist before most procedures can offer many benefits. Some benefits pre-hab can offer include: 

• Speeding up recovery
• Reducing pre- and post-surgical pain
• Relieving pre-surgical anxiety
• Increasing strength in muscles around the surgical site
• Increasing familiarity with your therapy team 
• Boosting familiarity with therapy techniques that will be used after your surgery

The second type of therapy that can benefit you following your hip surgery is post-surgical rehab. This is the more traditional of the two therapy forms. Medical studies report that doing post-surgical rehab after a hip surgery can lead to benefits like: 

• Improved hip function
• An almost 48% improvement in hip extensor muscle strength 
• A nearly 37% increase in postural stability 
• Reduced pain
• Improved ability to use assistance devices like walkers or canes

Find effective physical therapy after your hip replacement at Franklin Rehabilitation

Not sure where you can go to find effective physical therapy after a hip replacement? Look no further than our therapy team at Franklin Rehabilitation. We offer complimentary screenings that can identify ways pre- and post-surgical rehab can benefit you. Our team also excels at building personalized pre- and post-surgical rehab programs to fit your needs. You can even come see us about these services without first getting a doctor’s referral. 

Don’t wait to find out more about how we can help you before and after hip surgery. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule your initial appointment.