Discharge Information & Instructions | Hip
Physical therapy will begin on the first day after surgery to help you strengthen the muscles of your hip and to help you regain your hip's range of motion. The physical therapist will treat you at your bedside and will be responsible for guiding your rehabilitation efforts. Your physical therapy is never done for you, but along with you. You will start your therapy the day after your surgery. Thereafter, physical therapy personnel will see you twice daily except on Sunday when each patient has one treatment. You will be expected to continue your rehabilitation program when physical therapy personnel are not available. (You will be instructed to perform your exercises five times per day.)
Your First Therapy Treatment
During your first treatment, you will be assisted to sitting on the side of the bed. If you are able to sit comfortably without dizziness or nausea, you will be taught how to stand with a walker. A walker is always used on the first day to provide more support. A walker will be provided for your use while you are hospitalized if you didn't bring one with you. As soon as you can stand, you will be allowed to take your first steps. The physical therapist will tell you how much weight you can put on your leg depending on what type of prosthesis was used in surgery.
The therapist will give you a list of exercises, will explain how to do them and how many times a day you will need to do them. Exercise helps you stretch and strengthen your muscles. It also helps you become confident in your ability to use your new hip joint.
By the second day you will probably be able to sit, stand, and walk with assistance. These activities will always be to your tolerance and you will never be forced to do something you are physically unable to do. If possible, you will walk to the bathroom. Your sitting time will be increased on a daily basis. You will be encouraged to sit up for meals and at other times during the day, but you should never sit longer than 45-60 minutes at a time without standing to change positions. Therapy will not be easy�it takes a lot of hard work on your part�but you can do it.
You're Making Progress!
Your therapy will continue to progress and you should be gaining a bit more independence each day. Your gait, or the way you walk, will improve. When your balance is good on the walker, you may try crutches. The choice between a walker and crutches depends, in part, on your preference, but also on what the therapist feels is the best option for you based on your age, strength, balance, and medical history.
The therapist will adjust your crutches and/or walker to fit you. If you do not have crutches or a walker, they will be available for you to buy. If needed, long reachers used to pick up objects from the floor and elevated toilet seats are also available for you to purchase.