Hip rehabilitation

What is hip rehabilitation? 

The term "rehabilitation" is derived from the Latin word rehabilatio and means "to restore." In medical terms, it refers to various measures aimed at restoring certain physical, social, or psychological functions. The goal is to enable or facilitate patients' participation in active life.

Rehabilitation measures often follow surgeries or other major medical treatments. It is also carried out as a standard measure after the insertion of an artificial hip joint, for instance. However, even hip conditions that do not require surgery may require rehabilitation. The main goal of hip rehabilitation is to improve and stabilize the mobility and function of the hip joint.

The implantation of an artificial hip joint is one of the most common operations performed in Germany. In 2020, approximately 290 of these surgeries were carried out per 100,000 residents in Germany. Since nearly every patient undergoes rehabilitation following the surgery, this topic holds great relevance.

Although the primary goal of hip rehabilitation is to improve the function and stabilization of the hip joint, an important focus is also on helping patients to reintegrate into their everyday social and, if necessary, professional lives. This means that workplace-related and other social measures are also part of the overall rehabilitation program.

Why is hip rehabiliation important?

The most common reason for replacing the hip joint with a prosthesis is advanced wear and tear of the joint. This is known as osteoarthritis or, more precisely, coxarthrosis. Therefore, a large portion of patients are between the ages of 80 and 85. Rehabilitation measures to maintain mobility and independence after such an operation are therefore very important.

The hip joint has a wide range of movement. In addition to allowing us to stand upright and walk, it also allows us to perform a wide range of leg movements. Several very strong muscles contribute to the mobility and stabilization of the joint.

A surgical intervention in the hip area greatly affects the complex interaction of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. However, this can be restored through intensive therapeutic aftercare. Patients learn to handle the artificial joint and are supported in their return to work and social life.

Especially in the first weeks after surgery, extensive exercise of the hip joint is essential to correct for possible limitations in movement, instabilities, and muscular imbalances. The long-term outcome of the surgery is greatly dependent on the treatment in the initial phase after the operation, and patients benefit greatly from adequate rehabilitation measures.

How does hip rehabilitation proceed after surgery, and what therapies are available?

Following a hip surgery, patients typically remain in the hospital for about one to two weeks. During this period, the wound can heal, and the patient's general postoperative condition improves. To quickly get the muscles used to stress again and maintain joint mobility, physiotherapy exercises are often started as early as possible.

After this first post-operative phase, the patient is discharged for rehabilitation. In most cases, this takes place as part of an inpatient stay at an orthopedic rehabilitation clinic. However, it is also possible to carry out the treatment on an outpatient or semi-inpatient basis, so that the patient is already partially back at home. The type of therapy depends largely on individual patient factors and should best be planned before the operation after weighing up the various advantages and disadvantages.

As part of hip rehabilitation, the patient receives an individualized and interdisciplinary treatment plan. A large part of this focuses on improving and stabilizing joint function, with patients receiving regular physiotherapy treatments. These can take the form of individual or group therapy sessions, complemented by additional measures such as water therapy, heat treatments, or massages.

To improve independence and daily activities, occupational therapy measures are often also included.

Depending on individual circumstances and the patient's condition, returning to social life is facilitated by psychotherapeutic and social-medical support.

An important part of rehabilitation measures is the various courses that patients can attend. Information and recommendations for various conditions are provided. The range of topics is diverse and may include issues like nutrition counseling or stress management, even in hip rehabilitation.

This means that rehabilitation measures can be flexibly organized, and a holistic treatment concept can be designed for each individual patient.

How long does hip rehabilitation take and what are the costs?

Rehabilitation takes around three to six weeks, depending on the type of rehabilitation program, the severity of the illness and individual patient factors. As a rule, a period of three to four weeks is initially approved by the respective insurance provider. However, an extension can be requested before the end of this period, according to the course of the treatment.

The costs are either covered by health insurance, pension insurance or, in the event of an accident at work, by the relevant employers' liability insurance association. A small co-payment in the form of a daily contribution may be required. This can be discussed in advance with the rehabilitation advisor of the respective cost bearer.

What are the chances of successful rehabilitation after hip surgery?

Any impairments of the musculoskeletal system benefit from appropriate exercises tailored to the specific condition. This means that the implementation of a rehabilitation measure after major treatments or surgeries on the hip joint has proven to be highly effective.

The individual success of the rehabilitation is difficult to assess in advance. It largely depends on the patient's health condition as well as the course of the respective rehabilitation programm. Additionally, continuing regular exercises for the hip joint after rehabilitation is important for long-term success.

Which doctors & clinics specialize in hip rehabilitation?

The degree to which patients benefit from hip joint surgery depends not only on the success of the surgical procedure itself, but also on the follow-up care. Rehabilitation should therefore be carried out in a certified rehabilitation clinic or rehabilitation center specializing in orthopedic rehabilitation. This is where specialists in rehabilitation medicine and orthopaedics work together with therapists from various disciplines to offer patients an individual treatment concept.

We want to bring patients together with the right specialists to provide medical care at the highest level and according to the latest scientific standards. We have therefore carefully reviewed and selected all of the doctors and clinics listed here. They all have extensive experience in hip rehabilitation. Find out for yourself about their professional expertise and arrange your first consultation quickly and easily.