When Sarah, not her real name, learned she needed a total hip replacement, she was determined to do everything she could to ensure a smooth recovery. Although she knew she would need to undergo post-surgical rehabilitation, she was intrigued when her surgeon recommended pre-hab for hip replacement, a pre-surgical physiotherapy program.
Sarah had been struggling with hip osteoarthritis for years. Her mobility was increasingly limited, making it difficult to enjoy activities she once loved, like gardening and walking her dog. Although she had found benefit in physiotherapy in the early stages, her pain and restricted mobility were now so severe enough that a total hip replacement seemed the best option.
Sarah contacted the team at South Sherbrook Therapy to learn more about pre-hab, a term she’d never heard before. Our friendly staff was happy to answer Sarah’s questions–and today, we want to share more about pre-hab for hip replacement with you, too!
Keep reading to hear more of Sarah’s story and how pre-surgical rehabilitation was crucial to the success of her operation.
Developing a Personalized Pre-Hab Program
Sarah’s pre-surgical rehabilitation began with a comprehensive assessment at our Winnipeg clinic. We collaborated with her surgeon so that we understood the details of her procedure, but we also spoke to her about her specific limitations and overall recovery goals. That way, we could create a program that met Sarah’s unique needs.
Our primary goal was to improve the strength and mobility in Sarah’s hip so that she would be in the best possible shape for her surgery. We created a targeted exercise program to stretch and strengthen Sarah’s glutes, hamstrings, and quads–all muscles supporting and stabilizing her hip.
We chose exercises appropriate to Sarah’s ability level and ensured she could perform them correctly. As a bonus, many of these were the same exercises she’d be performing in post-surgical rehabilitation so she could dive in when she was cleared.
We were also mindful of Sarah’s pain levels. Before her sessions, we used hands-on manual therapy techniques to mobilize her hip joint and massage the muscles and soft tissue in her hips and upper legs. These techniques helped prepare Sarah’s body for her exercise program.
We also guided Sarah through what to expect after surgery. We showed her how to use assistive devices like a walker or cane and move in ways that would protect her new hip joint. This preparation helped reduce her anxiety about the recovery process and gave her confidence in her ability to manage post-surgical challenges.
What Did Sarah Think About Pre-Hab for Hip Replacement?
Sarah’s pre-hab program lasted eight weeks. She confessed she’d been somewhat apprehensive–after all, movement had become quite painful for her–but that by the end of these two months, she felt much more prepared to go into surgery.
Even better, Sarah found that her dedication to pre-hab paid off. After her hip replacement, her rehabilitation was smoother and quicker than anticipated. She experienced less pain, regained mobility faster, and could return to her favorite activities much sooner. The South Sherbrook Therapy pre-hab program had given her a head start in her rehabilitation, making the process more manageable.
If you’re scheduled for a hip replacement and want to optimize your recovery, pre-surgical rehabilitation can make a significant difference. Schedule an appointment to learn more about how pre-hab for hip replacement can help you prepare for the procedure and enhance your post-surgical outcomes.
