Each year, at least 85,000 Australian undergo a Total Hip Replacement to treat debilitating osteoarthritis in their hip joint. Often, the operation is the easy part - you are asleep! The hard work begins once you are back on the ward and ready to commence your rehabilitation. Rehabilitation post total hip replacement is imperative to a long lasting and successful operation, and it begins just hours after surgery.

Acute Phase of Rehabilitation (0-6 Weeks):

Typically patients stay in hospital for 4-6 days following a total hip replacement. During this period, frequent inpatient physiotherapy is essential to introduce early mobilisation, bed exercises, ice and elevation. This is to prevent deconditioning, improve function for discharge and reduce pain and swelling as much as possible.

Once you are independent with mobilisation on your crutches, you are cleared for discharge and able to return home. You should continue your exercises daily until your two week review.

Normally, you will see your GP or surgeon for a two week review. At this time, it is essential to book in and see your physiotherapist to continue to progress your rehabilitation. Your physio will be responsible for weaning you off your crutches, progressing your exercises and treating any hip related complications.

Subacute Phase of Rehabilitation (6-12 Weeks):

After 6 weeks post-operatively, you should be weaned off the crutches and will begin a more intensive exercises program to aim for equal range, strength and balance compared to your non-operated hip. This will involve introduction to a gym exercise program centred around progressive loading without aggravating pain. This is to achieve sufficient hip strengthening and range to prevent any future pain and complications. When you can complete your functional goals, your physiotherapy reviews will to progress to check-ins over the following months as you continue your strengthening.

During and after this period, All Care Physiotherapy’s rehab exercise classes are the perfect option. At All Care Physiotherapy, we hold exercises classes 4 times a week. These classes are run by Physiotherapists and are tailored specifically to your rehabilitation needs. Additionally, our amazing Exercise Physiologist Liam is in every Wednesday and can run you through an individualised strengthening program in our gym space, Rehab Central.

All of our All Care Physiotherapists have extensive experience with rehabilitating patients who have undergone total hip replacement. We work closely with Brisbane’s leading orthopaedic surgeons at the Brisbane Private Hospital and see these patients through their recovery, from Day 0 (day of surgery) through to when they are back doing the things they love with a brand new hip.

Give us a call on 3112 7700 or book online to kick start your hip rehabilitation today!