Focus On: Hip Replacement Surgery

Total hip replacement, or total hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which articular surfaces of the hip joint are replaced with artificial parts (prostheses). 

The majority of hip replacements are performed to relieve the painful effects of osteoarthritis. Other indications include inflammatory arthritis (rheumatoid, psoriatic, etc.), avascular necrosis, hip fractures, tumours, or congenital deformities. 

Hospital stays after hip replacement surgery vary, you'll usually be in hospital for around three to five days, depending on the progress you make and what type of surgery you have. If you're generally fit and well, the surgeon may suggest an enhanced recovery programme, where you start walking on the day of the operation and are discharged within one to three days.

Once you're able to be discharged, your hospital will give you advice about looking after your hip at home. You'll need to use a frame or crutches at first and a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help mobilise and strengthen your hip. Recovery times can vary depending on the individual and type of surgery carried out. It's important to follow the advice the hospital gives you on looking after your hip.

What are the benefits of hydrotherapy after hip replacement?

• The body’s natural buoyancy in water relieves body weight, allowing for easier walking and functional movements (such as walking, squatting or step up’s) after the surgery.
• The hydrostatic pressure of the water has positive effects on reducing swelling in the operated limb, which in turn helps regain more range of motion and reduces pain.
• Further positive influences on pain regulation are due to the relaxation effect of warm water and suppression of the sympathetic nervous system associated with water submersion.
• The sensory input of the water can also increase body position sense enabling improved feelings of balance and confidence.
• Through increased confidence and reduced pain patients are able to move more freely, which often leads them to report reduced fear and anxiety about the recent surgery. This has a feed forward effect where future behaviours and movements over the early stages of recovery will greatly determine long term outcome.

When can I start hydrotherapy after the operation?

• Straight away! The prime time to start pool therapy is immediately after surgery. Early aquatic therapy improves function – fact!
• Well maintained pools do not pose increased risk of wound related adverse events (such as infection) compared with land based therapy

Reference:
Villalta, E.M. Peiris, C.L. (2013). Early aquatic physical therapy improves function and does not increase risk of wound-related adverse events for adults after orthopedic surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 94(1), pp.138-148.