Returning to Normal After a Hip Fracture
A hip fracture, a serious injury that usually requires surgery, occurs more commonly in older adults, particularly where underlying conditions such as osteoporosis are present.
While surgical procedures are usually effective, recovery often hinges on more than just the surgery.
Your overall health, previous level of mobility and whether you begin and stick to a physical therapy plan soon after surgery play an important role in your recovery.
Understanding the Recovery Process
Recovering from a hip fracture is a step-by-step process that requires time, patience, and commitment.
Right after surgery, the primary goal is to manage pain and avoid complications such as blood clots, infections, or muscle weakness from inactivity.
Once these immediate concerns are addressed, your focus will shift to regaining strength, mobility, and independence.
1) Taking Those First Steps
The first few days after surgery are crucial.
As your hip heals, your healthcare team will help you identify the point at which you can place more weight on the affected leg.
This decision depends on:
- The type of fracture you had,
- the surgical procedure performed,
- and your overall condition.
2) Building Strength and Endurance
As your recovery progresses, you will participate in physical therapy sessions designed to help you regain strength, flexibility, and balance.
Physical therapists are trained to guide you through specific exercises that will target the muscles in your legs, hips, and core.
- You might start with gentle movements, such as ankle pumps and leg lifts, before progressing to more challenging exercises.
- You will be encouraged to do these exercises daily to build strength and endurance.
- Stretching, resistance training, balance training, breathing exercises and aerobic exercises will help improve your mobility.
- As your recovery progresses, new exercises will be added to improve your strength and endurance.
- The more consistent you are with your physical therapy, the faster you will see improvement.
You will also receive assistance with walking, moving, sitting and performing many normal activities.
Remember, this is a gradual process, and it is important to listen to your body and not overdo it.
3) Creating a Comfortable Home Environment
Returning home after a hip fracture can be both exciting and intimidating.
To make this transition as smooth as possible, it is essential to prepare your home environment to support your recovery.
Helpful Tools and Equipment
Your rehabilitation program will also help you function more comfortably and independently at home.
Equipment to facilitate this transition includes:
- Toilet Seat Riser: This adds height to your toilet, making it easier to sit down and stand up without straining your hip.
- Shower Chair: Allows you to sit while showering, reducing the risk of slipping and falling.
- Grabber Stick: A handy tool that enables you to more easily retrieve items from the floor or a high shelf without bending or stretching too much.
4) Mastering Day-to-Day Movements
One of the most important aspects of your recovery is learning to move in a way that supports your healing and reduces the risk of re-injury.
Your rehabilitation team will show you how to:
- Make safer tub and shower transfers
- Have more comfortable transitions rolling over, sitting up, and getting in and out of bed
- Improve balance in day-to-day movement
They will also guide you on how enhance overall movement and functioning, helping you feel more confident as you regain independence.
Developing a Personalized Rehabilitation Plan
Every individual’s recovery from a hip fracture is unique.
That’s why it is important to work closely with your healthcare team to develop a personalized rehabilitation program that meets your specific needs and goals.
Creating Your Recovery Roadmap
A personalized rehabilitation plan will typically include:
- Physical Therapy Sessions: Regular sessions with a physical therapist to monitor your progress, adjust exercises, and provide guidance.
- Home Exercise Routine: Exercises to be performed at home, tailored to your ability level and designed to help you progress steadily. Studies show that the prognosis is good for patients who engage in home care physical therapy after a hip fracture.
- Activity Modifications: Adjustments to your daily routine to prevent strain or injury, such as using assistive devices or changing how you perform certain tasks.
- Nutritional Guidance: Proper nutrition plays a vital role in healing, and your healthcare provider may suggest dietary changes to support bone health and recovery.
At The Jackson Clinics, our physical therapists can assess your needs and develop a rehabilitation program that provides a faster and more complete recovery after a hip fracture.
Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!
Looking Ahead: Your Journey to Independence
Returning to normal after a hip fracture is a journey, but with the right mindset, a solid plan, and the guidance of your healthcare team, you will gradually rebuild your strength, regain your mobility, and reclaim your independence.
Remember, the goal is not just to recover but to return to the activities you love and live your life fully once again.
Stay patient, stay positive, and keep moving forward—every step you take is a step closer to your new normal.
The Jackson Clinics serves 18 locations throughout Northern Virginia.
Find one near you: https://thejacksonclinics.com/locations/
