PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY
When conservative treatments fail, total hip replacements (arthroplasties) are performed for those suffering from severe arthritis or hip fractures. The goal of total hip replacement surgery is to relieve pain, improve joint mobility, and restore or improve the ability to safely perform functional activities. Total hip replacement surgery removes damaged bone and cartilage from a painful hip and replaces it with a prosthetic or artificial hip. In order to prepare your body for surgery and to give you the best chance at a fast recovery, your physical therapist will teach you flexibility and strengthening exercises for your lower extremities, as well as how to use a walker or crutches. You may also be instructed not to bend your hip more than 90 degrees, bend forward 90 degrees, BEFORE SURGERY
cross your leg with your new hip, or turn the leg with the new hip inward. Your physical therapist may also recommend changes in your home to assist with your healing (raised toilet seat, handrails on stairs, or tub seat).
As you get stronger, you will work on walking and stair climbing, balance, full movement of your leg and new hip, and specific muscle strengthening exercises to improve your ability to stand and walk safely. Even after you leave the hospital, it is important to continue your exercises at home to ensure a full recovery.
AFTER SURGERY
After surgery, you will experience stiffness in the hip and leg and muscle weakness for 4–6 weeks. Pain is primarily treated with medication at first, and your physical therapist may also use ice packs to help reduce discomfort. On the second day after surgery, your physical therapist will come to your bedside and begin your treatment. You will learn how to turn in bed and get into a sitting position, get out of bed and move to a chair, walk with an assistive device, and perform gentle range-of-motion exercises.
Have a Laugh!
Granola Pistachio Goji Berry
INGREDIENTS • 1 cup rolled oats • 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil • 3 tablespoons maple syrup • 1/3 cup pistachios, chopped
• 1/4 cup coconut flakes • 1 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/3 cup goji berries
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat a large skillet over low heat. Add oats in a thin layer and toast for 1–2 minutes. Add coconut oil and salt, then stir. Continue toasting for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally. 2. Add maple syrup 1 tablespoon at a time; stir to coat.
3. Once oats are toasted, add pistachios, coconut flakes, and cinnamon. Cook slowly until pistachios and coconut flakes are toasted but not burned, for about 5 minutes. 4. Remove from pan and stir in goji berries. 5. Let cool and enjoy as a snack or on top of your yogurt! Recipe courtesy of LoveAndLemons.com.
www.somersetfamilypt.com | 3
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker