After having a major procedure such as hip replacement surgery, patients are often encouraged to have physical therapy. This may include doing various exercises, stretching, heat and ice applications and electrical stimulation all under the supervision of a physical therapist. Physical therapy has been found to help hip surgery patients return to a somewhat normal life more quickly. These are some of the benefits of having physical therapy after hip surgery.

Improving Mobility

Physical therapy can help hip surgery patients improve or regain the mobility they had lost before having surgery. One of the first signs that hip surgery may be needed is a decrease in the ability to move the hip joint and walk properly. However, the physical therapy exercises that are designed especially for those who have hip replacement surgery help enhance mobility as well as improving balance.

Pain Relief

After having hip surgery, it is normal to experience pain or discomfort. The exercises and techniques used during physical therapy restore the normal muscle and joint function of the hip which results in noticeable pain relief. The stretching exercises and electrical stimulation of physical therapy work especially well at relieving the pain and stiffness of the muscles in and near the hip.

Speeding Up the Healing Process

Having physical therapy after hip surgery also helps speed up the healing process. Physical therapy improves the circulation of the blood. As oxygen and nutrients are carried through the bloodstream, the body begins to heal more quickly and inflammation is reduced. Improving circulation also helps prevent post hip surgery patients from developing blood clots as well.

Strengthening the Core

To maintain good overall health, it is very important for the core or midsection of the body to remain strong. The exercises performed in physical therapy help strengthen the muscles in the core of the body which then increases the stability of the patient and helps prevent falls or other injuries from occurring.

Physical therapists are trained and educated to know which type of rehabilitation plan is best for each patient. Those who have had back surgery, neck surgery, knee surgery or surgery on other areas of the body can also benefit from post surgical physical therapy. With a customized therapy plan for each individual, many patients have found that post surgery physical therapy helps them recover more quickly and return to a more enjoyable fulfilling life in less time than expected.