Home Physical Therapy Helps You Heal After Hip Surgery So You Learn To Walk Safely
If you've had hip replacement surgery and you're recovering at home, your doctor might want you to take physical therapy to ensure your healing goes well. If you aren't able to go to an outpatient center for your therapy, then your doctor can arrange for a physical therapist to come to your home. Specialized therapy equipment is not necessary since the therapist can adapt your routine to utilize supplies on hand or that they bring along. Here's why home physical therapy is important for your recovery.
You Learn How To Transfer
When you first go home, you may feel weak and have pain. Following your doctor's orders to get out of bed might be the last thing you want to do, but if you don't try to gain strength, your recovery will be slower and you'll be at a higher risk of a fall. A physical therapist will teach you how to transfer to a chair and how to get on and off the toilet safely and in a way that doesn't make your pain worse. The therapist may also have assistive devices installed in your bathroom, such as grab bars, so you are safer. In addition, your therapist may teach your spouse how to help you get out of bed, do your exercises, and take steps so you have the assistance you need when the therapist or home health worker isn't there.
You Have Assistance With Walking
Walking could be painful and difficult after you've had a hip replacement, but at some point, you'll be ready to bear weight on your hip and walk longer and longer distances. A physical therapist gives you tips for walking safely while conserving your energy so you don't get short of breath or stressed. A therapist also supports you so you won't fall. Helping you regain your strength and balance so your risk of falling is reduced is a major goal of physical therapy.
You'll Learn An Exercise Routine
Exercise is a big part of physical therapy, and the same is true when you have home physical therapy. You'll learn exercises to do on your own between visits from the therapist, and the exercises will get progressively harder as you heal. The goal is to make you stronger so it's easier for you to get up and walk since movement and walking is important when you have a hip replacement. When you heal properly and learn safe ways to walk and move, you'll be on your way to resuming all your usual activities once you've been cleared by your doctor.
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