10 Things to Expect From Inpatient Hip Replacement Recovery
You may be surprised to know that in most cases, your health care team will have you up and walking the same day as your hip replacement surgery.
Amazing, isn’t it?
Of course, just because the procedure is complete doesn’t mean the process is over. You’ll need physical therapy after hip replacement surgery in order to ensure that you recover quickly and safely as well as receive your maximum healthcare benefit.
We know that you have a lot of questions about the recovery process, so we’ve provided a useful list of 10 things that you can expect during your inpatient hip replacement recovery time.
- You may be discharged to an inpatient physical rehabilitation facility such as Bladen East.
In many cases, you won’t be able to go home immediately after the surgery, and outpatient rehabilitation isn’t appropriate in every situation. Therefore, we’ve put together a top team of health care professionals who will be with you every step of the way to help ensure a great recovery.
When you arrive at the rehab facility, you’ll meet the members of your health care team, and we’ll discuss the details of your recovery plan.
- Your pain should be well-controlled.
If you are having excessive pain, you should speak with your health care team. Managing your pain is an important aspect of your recovery because doing so will make it easier for you to complete your physical therapy exercises.
- You’ll work closely with a physical therapist.
A physical therapist will work with you to ensure that you are able to have the maximum, safest range of motion possible, and will teach you how to maneuver through your day to day life after surgery.
You could consider physical therapists, “movement specialists” as they help you gradually regain the range of motion you had before your surgery.
- You can expect to do a variety of exercises.
We understand that no one size fits all when it comes to physical therapy and your hip replacement surgery recovery. Each activity and each treatment plan depend upon your progress, your surgery and your individual needs.
However, in general, the physical therapy exercises you can expect include:
- Leg raises
- Ankle pumps and rotations
- Supported knee bends
- Quadricep (“thigh muscles”) exercises
- Stair climbing and descending
- Exercises to help improve and maintain your balance.
- You’ll be assigned an occupational therapist.
Many people mistakenly think that an occupational therapist works with job training. In actuality, occupational therapists help you find ways to accomplish tasks of everyday living.
For example, if you have had a hip replacement, an occupational therapist may show you how to use a sock aid device to help you get dressed. They may also work with you on how to use shower seats, grab bars and other tools to help you with day-to-day activities.
- We’ll discuss ways to make your home safer.
A proponent of inpatient rehabilitation is ensuring that you have the tools to help you when you go home.
It’s important for us to know that when you are discharged, you are going home to a safe environment. We’ll make sure you understand the importance of home planning. Some of the items you may need include:
- Handrails in your shower or bath
- Raised toilet seats
- Stable chairs
- Shower hose
It’s important that you also use a sock aid or other devices so you can get dressed without excessive hip-bending.
- You’ll have exercise sessions several times a day.
Once again, we realize that everyone’s hip replacement recovery time is different, and we will work closely with your doctor on your recovery plan. However, in general, you can expect to do about 20 to 30 minutes worth of exercise several times each day and every day that you are in inpatient rehabilitation.
- You’ll possibly have a speech therapist.
Why would you need a speech therapist if you’re in hip replacement recovery? Because these health care team members do much more than help those with speech problems. They will also help you with social communication and may even provide cognitive assessments to help indicate possible signs of dementia. These important members of the team also evaluate swallowing and can help with swallowing disorders.
- You’ll have time for rest and recovery.
You’ll be very busy while you’re with inpatient hip rehabilitation, but there’s also going to be time for rest and recovery. We want you to be able to regain your strength so when you leave you’re in the best possible shape to undergo outpatient rehabilitation.
- You’ll be cared for by a world-class team.
Our physical, occupational and speech therapists are just a few of the members of our dedicated team. From our nurses to CNAs, we will work with you on individualized treatment plans to provide the excellent care you deserve.
See Why Bladen East is the Community of Choice for Physical Therapy After Hip Replacement Surgery
Each year there are an estimated 300,000 hip replacements performed, many of these on those who are over 60 years old, according to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. If you’re one of these people, we want you to know that Bladen East offers not only stellar care, but we offer this in a peaceful environment where you are surrounded by friendly staff who make you feel as if you were one of the family.
If you’re interested in learning more about Bladen East, please contact us.