Recovery after
Recovery after Hip Surgery: Working with your Physical Therapist
The true work begins after the hip replacement surgery: recovery and rehabilitation. The hip prosthesis has been implanted, but that doesn’t mean you’re suddenly pain-free. To maximize the results and get you back on your feet as quickly as possible, the physical therapist will visit you while you’re still at the clinic.
What can I expect during rehabilitation?
For a while following surgery, you will need crutches to walk. Although the prosthesis is weight-bearing from the start, the incision and capsule still need to heal. There’s a risk that you might collapse from the pain. That’s why it’s important to use the crutches until you feel safe walking without them. You will work with the physical therapist to build up your mobility again. This starts almost immediately after surgery. In fact, the physical therapist will visit you on the day of the surgery after the procedure.
Exercises for Recovery
You will have to do a series of exercises after the operation. These are designed to train your muscles and the hip capsule to make them stronger and more flexible. The physical therapist will guide you in this.
How long will my recovery take?
You will need time to recover and rehabilitate after hip replacement surgery. The amount of time this rehabilitation takes is different for everyone. In general, most of your recovery occurs in the first 6 weeks to 3 months. It can take up to a year, however, to achieve the final result.
When will I be able to…?
Will I be in pain after hip replacement surgery?
It is customary to feel some pain shortly after surgery. We use painkillers to combat this. The pain from hip replacement surgery will diminish after about 2 weeks and continue to gradually dissipate further after that. Within 3 to 4 months after surgery, you should see a considerable improvement. Some people, however, require up to a year to achieve the final result and feel fully recovered.
Will I be able to resume all my normal activities with a new hip?
Yes. That is to say, after you’ve recovered, you can get back to your normal life. Moderately intense exercise, such as cycling and hiking, should become possible once again. Some people with a prosthetic hip joint also engage in more vigorous activities, such as skiing or jogging. While this is often possible, it also brings with it a higher risk of wear over time. The most important thing is your quality of life: exercise is healthy.
Any other questions about the recovery process? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We’ll be happy to answer all of your questions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Recovery
Will I be in pain after the surgery?
It is customary to feel some pain shortly after surgery. We use painkillers to combat this. The pain from hip replacement surgery will diminish after about 2 weeks. It will continue to gradually dissipate further after that. Within 3 to 4 months after surgery, you should see a considerable improvement. Some people, however, require up to a year to achieve the final result and feel fully recovered.
How long will it take to recover from hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery requires considerable rehabilitation. Most of your recovery occurs in the first 6 weeks to 3 months after surgery. That is not to say that the final result is achieved by that point. Some people require up to a year to achieve the final result and feel fully recovered.
Will I be able to resume all my normal activities with a new hip?
Yes. That is to say, after you’ve recovered, you can get back to your normal life. Moderately intense exercise, such as cycling and hiking, should become possible once again. Some people with a prosthetic hip joint also engage in more vigorous activities, such as skiing or jogging. While this is often possible, it also brings with it a higher risk of wear over time. The most important thing is your quality of life: exercise is healthy.
I’m already a bit older and wonder about how useful hip replacement might be. How well do older people recover from this surgery?
There are obviously tremendous individual differences in terms of recovery. CortoClinics provides a personalized care plan that includes taking steps in advance of surgery to ensure that rehabilitation goes as smoothly as possible. Recent studies have shown good results with therapy started before surgery. We will discuss all of the options with you and provide you with the information you need to make the decision that’s right for you.
