Specialised Rehabilitation following Total Hip Arthroplasty
We provide specialised orthopaedic rehabilitation following total hip arthroplasty surgery
Whatever the reason for hip replacement, it doesn’t immediately give you full function. It’s not a quick fix. That comes from rehabilitation, and there's a genuine window in the early months where consistent effort has an outsized effect on your long-term result. Committing to your program from the start, rather than waiting to see how things settle, is what determines how well your knee moves and functions a year from now.
Rehabilitation Doesn't End When You Can Walk Again
A total hip replacement can reduce pain and restore mobility, but surgery alone does not automatically restore the muscle mass, strength and physical capacity that may have been lost before and after surgery.
Research supports the use of progressive resistance training following total hip replacement, with improvements demonstrated in muscle strength, muscle mass and physical function.
Early rehabilitation focuses on restoring movement, walking and everyday function. As recovery progresses, rehabilitation should evolve with you — transitioning towards progressive strength and hypertrophy training to rebuild the muscles surrounding the hip and lower limb.
For patients wanting to return to higher levels of activity, rehabilitation can continue beyond basic recovery, progressively developing the strength and physical capacity required for work, recreational exercise, gym training and an active lifestyle.
The goal isn't simply to recover from surgery. It is to establish healthy exercise habits and a long-term progressive training plan that continues to build your strength, physical capacity and confidence for the activities that matter to you.
Our Rehabilitation Structure
Initial Consultation
1 hour
The initial assessment consists of gathering your medical history for anything that may influence you during your rehabilitation program. Information about your history of presenting symptoms, if any, prior to surgery, followed by information regarding the underlying reason for the surgery. We will then go through the stages of your journey, what to expect, challenges, and the objective measures we would like you to achieve before progressing to the next stage.
What to bring
Bring your Medicare card and Private insurance details
As much information as possible hip surgery (Anterior or posterior method)
List of Medications
Allow 45 to 60 minutes for your initial Consultation
Locations for this service
Murdoch Square
Subiaco
Subsequent Consultation
30 Minutes
Consultations are primarily used in the early acute stages to manage swelling and basic range of motion exercises. Patients will be given a set of exercises to do at home and be given guidance on managing the initial stages of swelling, increasing range of motion and load management
If you have progressed to a later stage where you are already undergoing loading, then these sessions are for progressing your loading program with periodic consultations to make fine adjustments as you prepare for higher-level activities
Programs are delivered in blocks, with consultations to discuss progressing your training program and load management strategies.
Locations for this Service
Murdoch Square
Subiaco
Subsequent Rehabilitation session
45 Minutes
This session consists of a 1:1 rehabilitation session. After the acute stage, we may begin with an introduction to home-based strength and conditioning exercises, as well as progressively increased volume with aerobic work. For individuals who are cleared for higher loading, this may include gym-based work with a higher load ceiling
We will progress from home-based loading to gym-based loading depending on your suitability.
Locations for this Service:
Murdoch Square
Subiaco (For gym-based loading)
Commonly asked questions about a total hip replacement
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During a total hip replacement, the damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal stem inserted into the femur with a new ball at the top. The damaged surface of the acetabulum, or hip socket, is also prepared and replaced with a new socket and liner. Together, these components create a new ball-and-socket joint designed to restore movement and reduce pain from the damaged joint surfaces.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)
A partial knee replacement is used when the arthritis or joint damage is limited to one compartment of the knee. Only the damaged section is resurfaced and replaced with metal and plastic components, while the healthy compartments of the knee are preserved. Because less of the joint is replaced, more of your natural bone and ligament structures can usually be retained. -
The hip is surrounded by a strong joint capsule, ligaments, muscles and tendons that contribute to stability and movement. During surgery, some of these tissues need to be opened, moved or repaired to access the hip joint. Exactly which structures are affected depends on the surgical approach used. These tissues then need time to heal following surgery, which is one reason early rehabilitation and movement precautions can differ between patients.
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Initially, yes. Your surgeon may place temporary restrictions on certain hip positions while the surrounding tissues heal and the risk of dislocation is higher. These precautions depend on the surgical approach and are commonly relaxed as recovery progresses. Longer term, most people return to normal daily activities and many forms of exercise, although some surgeons recommend avoiding repetitive high-impact activities.
Some individuals may report discomfort with certain exercises and may need modifications or alternatives.
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Walking is an important part of recovery, but walking alone does not necessarily restore the strength and physical capacity lost before and after surgery. Progressive strength and conditioning helps rebuild the muscles around the hip and lower limb, improve balance and mobility, and increase your capacity for stairs, lifting, longer walks, exercise and other higher-level activities. Even the AAOS specifically notes that walking is not a substitute for prescribed strengthening exercise following hip replacement.
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Recovery following a hip replacement occurs progressively over several months. Many people return to light daily activities within approximately 6 weeks and most normal activities around 3 months, but improvements in strength, function and physical capacity can continue well beyond this. For some people, it can take up to 12 months to experience the full benefit of their hip replacement.
Request a Personalized Consultation
Submit the form to discuss specific rehabilitation goals and determine the optimal service pathway.