What is a hip replacement?

A hip replacement describes the surgical procedure where part or your entire hip is replaced. The diseased part of a hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint or prosthesis.

Structures inside the hip may be worn away or damaged and this may lead to degenerative changes that cannot be managed conservatively.

What causes a hip replacement?

There are several different reasons why a hip replacement may be necessary. Some causes for a hip replacement are:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Gout
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Ligament damage
  • Hip fractures
  • Abnormal bone growth
  • Some tumours

An orthopaedic surgeon can have assess you and have a look at your hip to see if a hip replacement is an option as there are some factors to consider when deciding if somebody is able to have a hip replacement.

Those factors include:

  • Injury severity and diagnosis
  • Degree of disability and pain experienced
  • Age, activity levels and occupation
  • Medical history
  • Potential complications of surgery
  • Cost
  • Expected improvement following surgery

What are the symptoms you present with following a hip replacement?

Common symptoms following surgery include:

  • Swelling
  • Pain
  • Hip stiffness
  • Tenderness

Symptom levels vary from person to person and pain can be felt anywhere within the hip, groin, thigh, knee, calf, ankle or foot.

What treatment can Farrell Physiotherapy offer for a hip replacement?

There are different treatment options depending on the type of hip replacement you have had, how long it has been since you had your hip replacement and your current symptoms. Following assessment you will be provided with an individual treatment programme tailored to you.

When you have a hip replacement there are certain precautions post-surgery that need to be adhered to and these precautions will vary slightly from surgeon to surgeon. Typically you cannot bend your hip more than 90 degrees or cross your legs for a few weeks post -surgery to allow the hip to heal properly.

Your physiotherapist will choose the treatment options most appropriate for you based on your symptoms and response to different treatment methods.

Treatment can include:

  • Mobilisation exercises
  • Strengthening exercises
  • Walking aid advice and education e.g. crutches or frames
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Electrotherapy
  • Anti-inflammatory advice
  • Weight loss advice if appropriate
  • Ice/heat treatment
  • Balance exercises

It is also important to do physiotherapy pre-operatively so that you are in the best possible condition before surgery and to speed up recovery post-operatively.

Benefit of physiotherapy for a hip replacement?

Physiotherapy aims to allow you to maximise your hip replacement and recover as quickly and safely as possible ensuring proper healing. The benefits you feel following physiotherapy will depend on your original symptoms and goals.

The benefits of physiotherapy following a hip replacement include:

  • Reduced pain
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Restored range of movement
  • Increased strength
  • Improved function
  • Increased confidence

If you would like to book an assessment or enquire further, please call 01245 830280 or e-mail: infofarrellphysiotherapy@gmail.com.