As Martha Stewart Attests, Physical Therapy Plays Key Role In Recovery From Hip Replacement Surgery

Main Category: Rehabilitation / Physical Therapy
Also Included In: Bones / Orthopaedics
Article Date: 18 Sep 2007 - 17:00 PDT

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As Martha Stewart continues her recovery from recent surgery to replace her left hip, periodic and progressive physical therapy will play a key role in her successful rehabilitation, says the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA).

"Following hip replacement surgery, physical therapy is routinely used, either in a home health, outpatient, or a rehabilitation setting," says physical therapist Elliot Greenberg, PT, DPT, who has been working with Stewart since her surgery in June. Greenberg, a physical therapist at Lewisboro (Cross River, NY) Physical Therapy, warns that residual weakness could inhibit full recovery, which can cause walking abnormalities and balance impairment, if not properly addressed after surgery.

As she revealed on her national daytime program, "Martha," on September 10, Stewart, 66, underwent hip replacement surgery this past summer and was back at work a remarkable 5 days later. On Monday's program, she credited her speedy recovery to her orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist, among others.

For Stewart, as well as former President George HW Bush, Senator Elizabeth Dole, and other patients with hip replacements, physical therapy starts immediately in the hospital following surgery, says Greenberg. He notes that daily activities such as sitting in a standard chair or toilet, getting in and out of cars, and sleeping positions are modified in the weeks following surgery to prevent dislocation of the new hip.

For most hip replacement patients, the first few days of physical therapy involve standing, walking short distances, and climbing up and down stairs. As healing takes place, physical activity increases. "Once the immediate post-op rehabilitation is complete, patients are often referred to outpatient physical therapy for continued strength, mobility and balance training," says Greenberg. "As healing progresses, they need the guidance of a physical therapist to achieve optimal results and to return to full function in the activities they enjoy," he said.

The leading indicator for hip replacement is pain and impaired mobility, not necessarily age, notes Greenberg. The most common cause for hip replacement is the degeneration of the cartilage. During surgery the worn-out cartilage is replaced with a new artificial surface for the ball and socket. In many cases, physical therapists can improve mobility and decrease pain through manual therapy and strengthening exercises. Hip replacement surgery is recommended only as a last resort, when the pain becomes unbearable and interferes with mobility, as was the case with Stewart.

Consumers can download free information regarding hip care at APTA's consumer Website, http://www.apta.org/consumer. Click the "Head to Toe" link.

The American Physical Therapy Association is a national organization representing more than 70,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students nationwide. Its goal is to foster advancements in physical therapist education, practice, and research. Consumers can access "Find a PT" to find a physical therapist in their area, as well as physical therapy news and information at http://www.apta.org/consumer.

http://www.apta.org