Living an active life requires full mobility. However, due to various reasons, you may experience orthopedic issues that may impede you from doing things freely.
For instance, if you are experiencing pain that travels from your hips to your knees for an extended period of time, it may be an indication that something’s wrong with the hip joint. It’s important to get examined to see if you need a hip replacement.
If you do need to get a hip replacement, here are the things you need to know about it and how you can recover after one.
What Is Hip Replacement?
The hip is a ball-and-socket type of joint; the ball refers to the femoral head, while the socket refers to the acetabulum. Hip replacement surgeries can either be total or partial.
Total hip replacement involves the removal and replacement of both the ball and socket. This is usually done when the damage involves a great part of the joint. Meanwhile, partial hip replacement involves the removal and replacement of the ball only.
A hip replacement procedure is also called hip arthroplasty. This surgery is usually done when medications and other non-pharmacologic treatments don’t work anymore.
During surgery, a surgeon removes the damaged portions of your hip joint and replaces them with metal, ceramic, or medical-grade plastic. This new artificial joint will allow you pain-free movement and even improved function. You will need to undergo physical therapy afterward, so your body can adapt to the new hip.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a non-invasive treatment modality that promotes improvement and restoration of body functions.
Patients are encouraged by their doctors to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery. Those patients who show no other health problems could be discharged and be advised to return for outpatient rehabilitation such as physical therapy.
Therapy may last for several weeks to ensure the patient has regained their muscle strength and exhibited a good range of motion. During rehab, the physical therapist will determine if the patient has improved function and check for the presence of pain.
Aside from in-clinic therapy sessions, a physical therapist will also recommend exercises and light physical activities for the patient to do at home.
How Is Physical Therapy Used After Hip Replacement?
Your doctor may recommend that you undergo physical therapy before and/or after a total hip replacement surgery. This helps to prepare you for surgery and prevents you from developing complications such as hip dislocation. Additionally, physical therapy helps to maximize the patient’s functionality and help restore full mobility.
Several clinical studies show that physical therapy after a hip replacement is an effective way to improve patients’ quality of life. Positive long-term effects of physical therapy were improved balance and mobility, stronger core, and lower susceptibility to injuries.
In comparison, studies show that patients who skip physical therapy sometimes have recurring pain and needed another round of treatment. Delaying or skipping physical therapy sessions has also been reported to require a longer healing time.
While it is recommended to do physical activities at home, it is important to do it under the advisement of your doctor or therapist, too. Activities done in physical therapy sessions are different from what the patients usually do at home. It is therefore vital to consult your therapist about the activities you do to prevent overexertion.
Orthopedic Doctors in Merriam and Overland Park, KS
Persistent and chronic hip pain can hinder you from living your life to the fullest. It is important to get tested immediately if the pain is keeping you from doing what you love. You may be a candidate for hip replacement and physical therapy.
If you’re searching for the best orthopedic services to treat your condition, look no further than Midwest Orthopaedics P.A. Our board-certified healthcare providers can help you with your orthopedic concerns or injuries. Our highly-trained staff will make sure to provide you with the finest care from diagnosis to treatment and rehabilitation.
To know more about our joint replacement, sports medicine, and orthopedic physical therapy services, you may reach us at (913) 362-8317. For your convenience, you may also secure an online appointment form. Our team is ready to help you live the pain-free life you deserve!
