Hip Replacement

What is a Hip Replacement?

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint that supports body weight and allows movements such as walking, standing, and climbing stairs. The ball is the head of the femur (thigh bone), which fits into the socket called the acetabulum in the pelvis.

When the hip joint becomes severely damaged due to arthritis, injury, or degeneration, the joint may be replaced with an artificial prosthesis through hip replacement surgery.

Types of hip replacement procedures include:

Total Hip Replacement

Both the femoral head and acetabulum are replaced with artificial components.

Cemented Hip Replacement

The artificial joint is fixed to the bone using surgical cement.

Uncemented Hip Replacement

The implant is designed so the bone gradually grows into it for natural fixation.

Hybrid Hip Replacement

A combination of cemented and uncemented components.

Hip Resurfacing

The femoral head is reshaped and capped with a metal prosthesis instead of being removed.

Hemiarthroplasty

Only the femoral head is replaced while the socket remains unchanged. This is often performed after fractures of the neck of the femur.

Hip replacement surgery is highly successful, but proper rehabilitation is necessary for the best recovery.

Causes

Hip replacement surgery may be required when the hip joint becomes severely damaged.

Common causes include:

• Osteoarthritis of the hip
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Hip fractures
• Avascular necrosis
• Severe hip injuries
• Degenerative joint disease

These conditions can cause severe pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the hip.

Symptoms

People who require hip replacement surgery often experience:

• Persistent hip pain
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Reduced hip movement
• Stiffness in the hip joint
• Pain during everyday activities such as climbing stairs
• Loss of independence due to limited mobility

When these symptoms become severe and do not respond to conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended.

What Should I Do?

If you are experiencing severe hip pain or mobility limitations, it is important to consult a healthcare professional.

A doctor may perform:

• Physical examination
• X-rays or MRI scans
• Joint function assessment

If surgery is recommended, pre-operative physiotherapy can help prepare the body for recovery and improve post-surgery outcomes.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapy Before Hip Replacement

Physiotherapy before surgery helps prepare the muscles and joints for recovery.

At ACE Physio Sports, pre-surgical physiotherapy may include:

• Strengthening exercises for the hip muscles
• Gentle stretching to maintain joint flexibility
• Walking or swimming to maintain mobility
• Education on surgery preparation and precautions

Maintaining activity before surgery improves post-operative recovery.

Physiotherapy After Hip Replacement

Physiotherapy is essential for restoring movement, strength, and independence after surgery.

Early Phase (First 1–2 Weeks)

The focus is on reducing pain and beginning safe movement.

Treatment may include:

• Ankle exercises to improve circulation
• Gentle quadriceps and glute strengthening
• Passive and assisted hip movement
• Bed mobility and transfer training
• Walking with support such as crutches or a walker

Patients are also taught hip precautions to protect the new joint.

Intermediate Phase (Weeks 3–6)

Rehabilitation progresses to improving strength and mobility.

Physiotherapy may include:

• Progressive strengthening exercises for the hips and legs
• Functional activities such as sit-to-stand exercises
• Gait re-education to improve walking pattern
• Balance and proprioception training
• Range-of-motion exercises for hip flexibility
• Core stability exercises

During this phase, reliance on walking aids gradually decreases.

Advanced Phase (After 6 Weeks)

Rehabilitation focuses on restoring independence and improving overall fitness.

Treatment may include:

• Advanced strengthening of hip and leg muscles
• Functional training for everyday activities
• Balance and coordination exercises
• Cardiovascular activities such as walking or cycling
• Hydrotherapy exercises for low-impact strengthening

Full recovery and return to normal activities may take up to six months.

What Shouldn’t I Do?

During the early stages of recovery, certain movements should be avoided to protect the new hip joint.

Avoid:

• Crossing your legs
• Twisting the hip inward or outward
• Bending the hip excessively
• Sudden or heavy lifting
• High-impact activities during early recovery

Your physiotherapist will provide detailed instructions to protect your hip.

Long-Term Effects or Recovery

Most patients experience significant improvement in mobility and quality of life after hip replacement surgery.

With proper physiotherapy rehabilitation, patients can expect:

• Reduced hip pain
• Improved joint mobility
• Stronger hip and leg muscles
• Greater independence in daily activities
• Safe return to exercise and recreational activities

Commitment to physiotherapy plays a major role in achieving the best recovery outcomes.

Why Choose ACE Physio Sports

At ACE Physio Sports, we provide specialised physiotherapy programs for hip replacement rehabilitation.

Our physiotherapy approach includes:

• Comprehensive post-surgery assessments
• Personalised rehabilitation programs
• Strength and mobility training
• Balance and gait retraining
• Education on joint protection and injury prevention

Our goal is to help patients recover safely, regain independence, and return to an active lifestyle.

Book Appointment

If you are preparing for or recovering from hip replacement surgery, our physiotherapists at ACE Physio Sports can guide your rehabilitation.

Website https://acephysiosport.com

Phone +65 81535374

Email admin@acephysiosport.com

Book your physiotherapy appointment today and begin your hip replacement rehabilitation program.