Specialized Toolkit Series: Arthroscopic Hip Treatments-Standard Rehab Protocol after Hip Arthroscopy

Pdf Summary

The AANA Hip Arthroscopy Toolkit provides a structured guide for post-operative rehabilitation following hip surgery, emphasizing the importance of physical therapy in achieving a successful recovery. The rehabilitation protocol is divided into four phases, detailing the goals, precautions, and exercises suitable for each stage.<br /><br />**Phase One (0-2 weeks post-op):** Patients should start physical therapy 1-3 days after surgery, focusing on manual treatment and gait training with the use of crutches. The main goals are to protect the hip repair, reduce pain and inflammation, restore range of motion, and prevent muscle inhibition. Patients are advised not to push through pain and to adhere to specific weight-bearing and movement precautions.<br /><br />**Phase Two (3-6 weeks post-op):** The emphasis is on protecting the repair, gradually increasing range of motion (ROM), normalizing gait, and enhancing muscle strength. Patients can start weaning off crutches, increasing weight-bearing gradually. Exercises from Phase One continue, with new additions like modified side planks and aqua therapy.<br /><br />**Phase Three (7-12 weeks post-op):** The focus shifts to improving endurance, conditioning, balance, and neuromuscular control while avoiding pain-inducing activities. New exercises include side planks and elliptical workouts, progressively loading the hip.<br /><br />**Phase Four (13 weeks+):** Aimed at those returning to higher-level activities, this phase includes sport-specific training, traditional weight training, and low-impact plyometrics to normalize hip function. Criteria for progressing through phases include attaining a pain-free range of motion, symmetrical hip strength, and the ability to perform sport-specific drills without pain.<br /><br />Key points stress the necessity of avoiding pain during exercises and highlight that individual recovery varies, with potential setbacks being normal. The toolkit is designed to complement the personalized guidance provided by healthcare professionals.

Asset Caption

F. Winston Gwathmey Jr., M.D.

Keywords

AANA Hip Arthroscopy Toolkit

post-operative rehabilitation

physical therapy

rehabilitation protocol

hip surgery recovery

range of motion

muscle strength

pain management

sport-specific training

individual recovery