If your doctor has informed you that you are a good candidate for hip replacement surgery, then you may be eager to have the surgery that can potentially eliminate your chronic hip pain performed, yet apprehensive about the hip replacement post-surgical rehabilitation process. Typically, the rehab process after a hip replacement surgery lasts about 3 months or longer, although most people can return to their daily activities after the first 3 to 6 weeks after surgery. 

Read on to learn 2 more facts you should know about hip replacement surgery physical therapy that can help prepare you for a smooth recovery process. 

1. Pre-Surgery Physical Therapy Can Aid in Post-Op Recovery

While you may think that you must wait until after your hip replacement surgery to begin physical therapy, the truth is that the physical therapy process can begin before your surgery. Pre-surgery physical therapy, also called pre-hab, is becoming more common, and this physical therapy type can aid in a quicker and easier post-surgical recovery process. 

In fact, studies show that people who engage in strength training, flexibility, and aerobic exercises prescribed by a physical therapist for about six weeks before surgery are about 75 percent less likely to need to stay at an inpatient rehabilitation center after their surgeries are performed.

While there are several reasons pre-hab improves the post-surgical recovery process, much of the success of pre-hab lies in the muscle strength gained during the six weeks of pre-hab that makes walking with a new hip easier and more effortless. 

2.  Inpatient Rehabilitation Centers Can Make the Recovery Process Safer & More Convenient 

While many people choose to visit their physical therapists several times a week after they return home from the hospital, others opt to be transferred right from the hospital to an inpatient rehabilitation center for various reasons. 

First, while walking and performing light exercises right after hip replacement surgery is encouraged, some more strenuous activities, such as climbing stairs, may not be possible to perform safely directly after leaving the hospital. For this reason, some people with multi-floor homes, stay in inpatient rehabilitation centers after their hip replacement surgeries until they are strong enough to climb stairs. 

In addition, finding transportation to and from an outpatient physical therapist several times a week can be a hassle for some people; staying in a facility where physical therapists provide treatment can be a better option for people who lack transportation to and from outpatient appointments. 

Finally, to aid in a quick recovery, you must perform exercises with your physical therapist and at home during your free time. If you think you may neglect your prescribed home exercises, then having rehabilitation center staff to help you stick to your personal therapy goals can help expedite the recovery process. 

If you may be undergoing hip replacement surgery soon, then keep these two hip replacement surgery physical therapy facts in mind as you plan your pre-op and post-op therapy. 

For more information, contact a physical therapy provider in your area, such as Dr. Carr Integrative Physical Therapy.