Total Hip Replacement
A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the diseased cartilage and bone of the hip joint is surgically replaced with artificial materials.
Total hip replacements are most commonly performed because of the pain and immobility caused by severe arthritis in the hip joint. The most common type of arthritis leading to total hip replacement is degenerative arthritis, or osteoarthritis, of the hip joint. This type of arthritis is generally seen with aging, congenital abnormality of the hip joint or prior trauma to the hip joint. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis, injury to the hip or childhood hip disease. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful operations in all of medicine. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality reports that more than 285,000 total hip replacements are performed each year in the United States.
Physical Therapy for Total Hip Replacement
Physical therapy is an essential part of rehabilitation following a total hip replacement. In addition, statistics show that patients who receive physical therapy (PT) pre-surgery attain superior outcomes (e.g. significantly faster recovery) than those who only receive PT post-operatively. In the case of hip replacements, the patients have generally had arthritis and therefore pain and difficulties for quite some time. So, emphasis is placed on education in correct gait, increasing range of motion and strengthening of all muscles that surround and support the hip.
Modalities: Cold laser and/or infrared light therapy, electric stimulation, icing.
Related Services:
For more information, Contact Us Today.
Latest Blogs
These 3 physical therapy methods are top-notch for hamstring injuries
Hamstring injuries are one of the most common injuries experienced by athletes. Sports such as football, track and field, and especially soccer have a very high incidence of hamstring injuries. Hamstring injuries are the most common injury among soccer players,...
3 physical therapy methods that can ease torn meniscus symptoms
Meniscus tears are an injury that occurs when the shock absorbers located in the knee become damaged due to a sudden impact or a forceful twist. This is a more common injury than you might think. Studies have shown that 61 out of every 100,000 Americans have torn a...
4 ways PT can help boost your wrist flexion
Wrist flexion is part of the normal range of motion for your wrists. It describes the motion of bending your hand downward at the wrist and is the motion we use when writing, turning a doorknob, and styling our hair. In fact, there are many daily activities that...