Réhabital
Total Hip Replacement Rehabilitation
After a hip replacement, arthritic pain often disappears quickly, but gluteal weakness and limping persist unless they are retrained. A progressive programme restores symmetrical walking and a dependable hip.
Book an AppointmentUnderstanding This Condition
Total hip replacement is one of the most effective operations in orthopaedics. The rehabilitation challenge lies elsewhere: the gluteus medius, weakened by years of arthritis and by the surgical approach, does not reactivate on its own. Without targeted work, patients keep a Trendelenburg limp, a perceived leg length difference and lumbar tension. Dislocation precautions, where they apply, depend on the surgical approach used.
Common Symptoms
Common Causes
Gluteus medius weakness
It usually predates surgery and worsens afterwards.
Surgical approach
Posterior, lateral or anterior approaches change the precautions and the muscles to prioritise.
Old walking pattern
The brain keeps the protective strategy learned during years of arthritis.
Hip flexor tightness
Prolonged sitting limits the extension needed for a smooth stride.
Our Treatment Approach
We build recovery around walking. The early weeks focus on safe mobility, unloaded gluteus medius activation, swelling control and transfer technique. We then progress to loaded strengthening: bridging, standing abduction, controlled step ups, then lunges and single leg work. Hip extension work is essential to remove the limp. Osteopathy frees the pelvis, lumbar spine and the opposite ankle, often overloaded during the crutch phase, while massage eases tensor fasciae latae tension.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
A typical eight to twelve week course with gait reassessed at each stage. Return to cycling and swimming usually happens between six and ten weeks.
At-Home Self-Care Tips
- Follow the precautions given by your surgeon.
- Walk short distances several times a day.
- Avoid low chairs and crossing the legs if the approach was posterior.
- Do the abduction exercises daily.
- Stretch the hip flexors gently.
Prognosis & Recovery Timeline
Most patients walk without an aid between three and six weeks and resume usual activities between three and six months, with an implant lifespan of fifteen to twenty five years.
When to See Us at Réhabital
Begin rehab right after discharge. Seek prompt care for sudden pain, locking, apparent leg shortening or signs of infection.
Why Réhabital Clinic
We tailor the programme to the surgical approach used and treat hip, pelvis and spine as one system.
Recommended Services for This Condition
Our Core Treatments in Côte Saint-Luc
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Why Choose Réhabital?
Frequently Asked Questions
Address
D4-5800 Cavendish Blvd
Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 2T5
Phone
(438) 842-3550Hours
Mon–Fri: 10AM–8PM
Sun: 10AM–4PM
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