When may what be done?

After a hip operation, the doctor determines how strong and flexible the joint is and when any restrictions no longer apply. Nowadays, it is often the case that after an endoprosthetic joint replacement, the hip joint is immediately fully loadable. This means that the patient can stand on his leg with his full body weight.

This is a prerequisite for walking without aids. If the load capacity is limited, e.g. only half of the body weight or even only 20 kg may be used, this limitation should be practiced by means of a scale and aids, such as a walking frame or crutches. A partial load usually applies for a period of approx.

6 weeks. The doctor will give the exact details here. Mobility can also be restricted after hip surgery.

This can also be the case even when the patient is fully able to bear weight. For example, the leg must not be spread out after the application of a hip TEP, i.e. it must not be led across the center line of the body to the other leg (adduction). Consequently, the patient must not cross over his legs and when lying on his side he should always support the operated leg, if it is on top, so that it does not fall over the center line.

Rotational movements must not be performed either. This is important, e.g. when putting on shoes or when turning around after something. In therapy, such movement restrictions are considered and compensation strategies are worked out with the physiotherapist. Apart from these guidelines, physiotherapy after hip surgery is oriented towards the above-mentioned wound healing phases.

How much physiotherapy?

In the first days after the operation, physiotherapy is performed daily. Short but frequent therapy sessions are more appropriate here to give the injured tissue plenty of time to regenerate. In the first weeks, therapy is also carried out daily in the hospital.

Usually the patient is given a homework program, which he/she should complete once or twice a day in addition to the therapy. Overloading should be avoided. During rehabilitation it is possible that individual therapy may only take place 2-3 times a week.

The patient takes more and more responsibility to perform the exercises independently. If outpatient physiotherapy takes place after the follow-up treatment, this is usually 1-2 times per week. The patient must now train independently at home. In order to successfully restore the function of the hip joint after an operation, regular (daily) training should be carried out over a period of about 3 months. In the following period, the number of therapy units can be reduced.