One of the critical success factors for a positive outcome is following the physical rehabilitation process. In order to help achieve the goals for a successful hip resurfacing procedure, you must actively participate in the rehab process and work diligently on your own, as well as with the physical therapists, to achieve optimal results.

Early Rehabilitation

Your recovery program usually begins the day after surgery. The rehabilitation team will work together to provide the care and encouragement needed during the first few days after surgery.

You may be given a device called an incentive spirometer that you inhale and exhale into. It measures your lung capacity and assists you in taking deep breaths. These exercises reduce the collection of fluid in the lungs after surgery, preventing the risk of pneumonia. Coughing is an effective tool for loosening any congestion that may build in the lungs following surgery.

The physical therapist will begin as early as 1-2 days after surgery. They will teach you some simple exercises to be done in bed that will strengthen the muscles in the hip and lower extremity. These exercises may include:

1. Gluteal Sets Tighten and relax the buttock muscles.

2. Quadricep Sets Tighten and relax the thigh muscles.

3. Ankle Pumps Flex and extend the ankles.

Your physical therapist will also teach you proper techniques to perform such simple tasks as:

1. Moving up and down in bed.

2. Going from lying to sitting.

3. Going from sitting to standing.

4. Going from standing to sitting.

5. Going from sitting to lying.

Although these are simple activities, you must learn to do them safely so that the hip does not dislocate or suffer other injury.

Another important goal for early physical therapy is for you to learn to walk safely with an appropriate assistive device (usually a walker or crutches). Your surgeon will determine how much weight you can bear on your new hip, and your therapist will teach you the proper techniques for walking on level surfaces and stairs with the assistive device. Improper use of the assistive device raises the chance for accident or injury.

The occupational therapist will also visit with you to teach you how to perform activities of daily living safely. They will provide you with a list of hip precautions which are designed to protect your new hip during the first 8-12 weeks following surgery.