Range of Motion is Vital After Hip Replacement

The surgical replacement of the hip is the starting point of the journey towards regaining mobility and well-being. It is the physical therapy that follows the surgery that makes the new hip functional. The patient will have to work to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic region and the legs, but has to do so very carefully to avoid dislocating the new hip. Range of motion has to be carefully controlled while increasing muscular strength, expanding gradually, as healing permits. A recumbent stepper is the ideal solution for meeting the physical therapy needs of a hip replacement patient.

Muscles Preserve New Hip Position, Function

After hip replacement surgery, working to strengthen muscles is vital. The muscles in the region of the hip serve to hold the hip in position. Those muscles, once physical therapy has made them stronger, will also help to protect against hip dislocation, as well as help the patient return to walking. This process takes time. Hip replacement patients have often had reduced physical activity for quite a while before their surgery, so their muscles are in a weakened state. Working those muscles after surgery has to be done very carefully because there are range of motion restrictions immediately after surgery during the early phases of healing.

Typical Range of Motion Limitations

Immediately after hip replacement surgery, a wedge-shaped pillow is often placed between a patients legs to prevent accidental leg crossing. When discharged from the hospital, patients are typically advised to sleep with a pillow between their legs to ensure that the leg on the side of the hip doesn’t cross the center line of the body while sleeping. Crossing that center line too soon could result in dislocating the new hip. Other potentially risky movements during this period include bending the hip more than 80 degrees and turning the leg on the side of the hip replacement inwards. That is why it is so important to use physical therapy equipment that controls range of motion while strengthening muscles after hip replacement, such as a recumbent stepper.

Provides Support and Protection While Strengthening

A recumbent stepper can be positioned to meet the specific needs of the individual hip replacement patient. This is an accessible piece of equipment, designed to be easy for a person to transfer to from a wheel chair. The recumbent stepper is a safe way to increase physical strength and activity. Patients can focus on working their muscles because the equipment keeps their movements within their range of motion limits. As healing progresses and muscles strengthen, the stepper setting and position can be adjusted as necessary.

Hip Replacement Success Depends on Physical Therapy

How well a patient does after hip replacement depends a great deal on the degree to which that person is engaged in physical therapy. A recumbent stepper offers patients a safe, comfortable way to work the muscle sets vital to holding the new hip in the correct position, preventing hip dislocation and promoting a return to full mobility. Comfort and safety are important factors in the degree to which a patient will be engaged in the physical therapy process. Readily adaptable to the changing needs of a hip replacement patient in the process of healing, a recumbent stepper is ideal physical therapy equipment.
 

Resources:

https://www.dukehealth.org/orthopaedics/services/joint-replacement/care-guides/hip-replacement-surgery-information/physical-therapy-after-total-hip-surgery