Physiotherapy
This leaflet is to provide information and advice following your total hip replacement.
Common symptoms
Pain (ache, bruised, tenderness, sharp)
Swelling (down leg into calf, around the scar)
Redness or bruising around the scar
Tiredness or fatigue
Leg feels heavy or weak.
Pain management
- You are only given a week’s supply of pain relief on discharge from hospital – it is important to contact your GP, in good time should you need more or want to change what you are having
- Effective pain relief – particularly in the acute stages – is crucial to allow you to move and exercise comfortably
Mobility
- It can be painful to walk, again this should naturally become more comfortable
- We would rather you use walking aids for longer and walk better, rather than try to discard them too early at the detriment of your walking pattern
- Your mobility will gradually improve with time naturally, it usually comes down to confidence rather than physical ability when getting rid or weaning off an aid
- Exercises on the following pages are optional and you can pick and choose which one you do.
Further information
- ‘Versus Arthritis’ online has useful information and exercises.
- Please ask you’re GP if you would like more information on weight loss management programmes
- Please ask your physio or GP about local services near you that could help your rehabilitation
Contact us
Please contact the physiotherapy department that you are attending if you have any questions or concerns, Monday to Friday: 08:00 until 16:00.
- Friarage
Telephone: 01609 763046, Email: [email protected] - James Cook
Telephone: 01642 854453, Email: [email protected] - Redcar
Telephone: 01642 944682
Equipment numbers
Following your operation, you have been provided with some equipment to help you manage easier at home. If you have any problems with this equipment imminently, please contact the ward on: 01609 764676 and as to speak to a member of the therapy team.
To return the equipment after use:
- Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland – Telephone: 01642 224205
- North Yorkshire – Telephone: 01423 226240
- Durham and Darlington – Telephone: 01325 524531
If we do not hear from you, we shall assume that you are managing safely.
If you feel you are still having difficulties after your surgery, with regards to managing at home for example, with washing, getting dressed or cooking meals – please contact your local social services for further assessment:
- Redcar and Cleveland – Telephone: 01642 771500
- Middlesbrough – Telephone: 01642 245432
- North Yorkshire – Telephone: 01609 780780
- Durham and Darlington – Telephone: 03000 267 979
Mobility exercises
Squats
Place a chair behind you for safety or hold onto a chair in front of you. While standing with feet shoulder width apart and in front of a stable support for balance, bend your knees and stick your buttocks out (as if going to sit down).
Your body weight should be mostly directed through your heels. Return to a standing position.
Knees should bend in line with the second toe and not pass the front of the foot.
Do not try and go too low. You should be able to comfortably return to a standing position.
Variations
- Shallow
- Sit to stand
- Perform a squat with your back against the wall, have your feet far enough away so that when you squat down your knee is at a 90-degree angle
- Hold a weight in both hands in front of your chest
- Single leg squat
Bridging
While lying on your back with knees bent, tighten your stomach muscles, squeeze your buttocks, and then raise your buttocks off the floor or bed. Creating a “bridge” with your body. Hold for 5 seconds and then lower yourself and repeat.
Variations
- Increase length of time holding the static position at the top
- Stagger your feet and put more weight through the leg that is closest to your buttocks
- Single leg bridges
- Weighted – hold a weight/object over your pelvis and then push up
- Place a resistance band around your knees and push outwards as you lift and lower your buttocks
Step Ups
Using the bottom of your stairs, step up with your operated leg followed by your un-operated leg.
Step back with your operated leg followed by your un-operated leg.
Variations
- Sidestep up
- Weighted
- Eccentric (single leg lower)
Single Leg Stand
Hold onto a chair or table for support and practice standing on your injured leg for 30 seconds.
Variations
- Try and let go of support
- Do it with eyes closed
- Hold onto weight
Lunges
In standing, with feet hip width apart, back straight with hands on your hips.
Take a large step forward with one leg and bend both knees to approx. 90 degrees. Your back knee should be just above the floor.
Slowly and controlled, take a step back and repeat.
Variations
- Walking (perform a series of lunges whilst moving forwards – as shown above)
- Shallow depth (to make it easier, knee does not need to reach the floor, just perform a small knee bend)
- Weighted (hold weights in either hand)
Patient experience
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust would like your feedback. If you wish to share your experience about your care and treatment or on behalf of a patient, please contact The Patient Experience Department who will advise you on how best to do this.
This service is based at The James Cook University Hospital but also covers the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, our community hospitals and community health services.
To ensure we meet your communication needs please inform the patient experience department of any special requirements, for example; braille or large print by emailing: [email protected]