Total Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery

Hip replacement patients stay in the hospital for 2 to 5 days following the surgery. Patients who require extra attention or don’t have home support may be shifting from the hospital to a rehabilitation center. Depending on the doctor’s preference and surgical technique, the patient may be given "hip precautions" to avert the implant from dislocating. These "precautions" include: avoiding crossing of legs, excessive twisting or rotation of the hip. Special pillows will be put between the legs to help refrain from those positions and to keep the patient comfortable.

After The Surgery

Within 24 hours following the surgery, most patients can sit at the side of the bed and stand, and many will be inspired to walk with support. A physical therapist or a nurse will teach patients how to move safely while protecting the new hip as it recovers. For those patients with "hip precautions," they should continue to avoid crossing of legs and dark hip twists for a minimum of 6 weeks. Patients may be asked to wear special compression stockings and may be given blood thinners for several days to weeks to decrease the chances of forming blood clots in the legs. It takes most patients between 6 weeks and 3 months to stop taking painkillers and regain the ability to walk and perform the daily activities. During that time a patient may be using walking aids, like a walker, crutch or a cane. Patients should not drive or perform any other physical activities without doctors’ prior consultation.

Recovery by Physical Therapy

A successful long-term healing depends in large part on not stressing the new joint to the point of risking injury and following a physical therapy routine. Under the supervision of a physical therapist, a patient will learn exercise, stretches that—

• Promote flow of blood to the hip joint

• Increase the strength of muscle

• Decrease the development of scar tissue and expand the hip’s range of motion.

By slowly building strength and flexibility, the patient can finally walk unaided. Pain should be managed well enough for patients to participate in physical therapy. Some pain during physical therapy is fine, and it is frequently helpful to take some painkillers approximately half an hour before performing therapy to be able to participate fully in the exercises. Patients can use cold or warm compresses for 10 to 20 minutes to help warm up the joint before and manage is swelling following the therapy. Patients who undergo much pain should tell their doctors or physical therapists.

Life after Hip Replacement

After healing, a patient should continue an exercise routine to keep the hip muscles flexible and vigorous. Physicians usually recommend low-impact aerobic activities like walking, bicycling (or stationary biking), and pool therapy or swimming. Even after a successful healing, a replaced hip will be less flexible than a healthy, natural hip. For example, while Hip Replacement Surgery gets better most patients’ ability to put on socks and shoes, some patients may still require a reaching tool to do so. Other activities that might stress the hip, like sitting with legs crossed, may remain hard to perform.