Hip Replacement
After Hip Replacement Surgery- Now What?
17/12/10 13:38
Get yourself to physical therapy! Patients can begin physical therapy immediately after surgery. On the first day after surgery, it is common to begin some minor physical therapy while sitting in a chair. Eventually, rehabilitation incorporates stepping, walking and climbing. Initially, supportive devices such as a walker or crutches are used. Pain is monitored while exercise takes place. Some degree of discomfort is normal. It is often very gratifying for the patient to notice, even early on, substantial relief from the preoperative pain for which the total hip replacement was performed.
Physical therapy is extremely important in the overall outcome of any joint replacement surgery. The goals of physical therapy are to prevent contractures, improve patient education, and strengthen muscles around the hip joint through controlled exercises. Contractures result from scarring of the tissues around the joint. Contractures do not permit full range of motion and therefore impede mobility of the replaced joint. Patients are instructed not to strain the hip joint with heavy lifting or other unusual activities at home. Specific techniques of body posturing, sitting, and using an elevated toilet seat can be extremely helpful. Patients are instructed not to cross the operated lower extremity across the midline of the body (not crossing the leg over the other leg) because of the risk of dislocating the replaced joint. They are discouraged from bending at the waist and are instructed to use a pillow between the legs when lying on the non-operated side in order to prevent the operated lower extremity from crossing over the midline. Patients are given home exercise programs to strengthen the muscles around the buttock and thigh. Most patients attend outpatient physical therapy for a period of time while incorporating home exercises regularly into their daily living.
Original article: http://www.medicinenet.com/total_hip_replacement/page4.htm
Physical therapy is extremely important in the overall outcome of any joint replacement surgery. The goals of physical therapy are to prevent contractures, improve patient education, and strengthen muscles around the hip joint through controlled exercises. Contractures result from scarring of the tissues around the joint. Contractures do not permit full range of motion and therefore impede mobility of the replaced joint. Patients are instructed not to strain the hip joint with heavy lifting or other unusual activities at home. Specific techniques of body posturing, sitting, and using an elevated toilet seat can be extremely helpful. Patients are instructed not to cross the operated lower extremity across the midline of the body (not crossing the leg over the other leg) because of the risk of dislocating the replaced joint. They are discouraged from bending at the waist and are instructed to use a pillow between the legs when lying on the non-operated side in order to prevent the operated lower extremity from crossing over the midline. Patients are given home exercise programs to strengthen the muscles around the buttock and thigh. Most patients attend outpatient physical therapy for a period of time while incorporating home exercises regularly into their daily living.
Original article: http://www.medicinenet.com/total_hip_replacement/page4.htm
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Physical Therapy After Hip Replacement
05/11/10 13:45
After having a hip replacement procedure, your journey to a pain-free life is just beginning. Surgery does help alleviate hip discomfort, but physical therapy is crucial to getting on the road to recovery. Many people feel relieved and excited after having hip replacement surgery and are eager to do all of the things they used to be able to do immediately. Alterations to one’s lifestyle must be made to ensure a full recovery. For instance, your therapist may suggest a shower seat or a raised toilet seat to help you slowly ease back into doing daily activities.
For more information and original article:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/hip-pain/hip-replacement-physical-therapy.aspx
For more information and original article:
http://www.everydayhealth.com/hip-pain/hip-replacement-physical-therapy.aspx