Physiotherapy After a Hip Fracture: Getting Back on Your Feet

 Following a hip fracture, the path to recovery can seem daunting, but with the right guidance and a dedicated approach to rehabilitation, getting back on your feet is an achievable goal. At In Step Physiotherapy Edmonton, we specialize in helping individuals regain strength, mobility, and independence after such a significant injury. Our comprehensive physiotherapy programs are tailored to each patient's unique needs, ensuring a safe and effective return to daily activities.

Understanding the Impact of a Hip Fracture

The immediate aftermath typically involves surgery to stabilize the bone, followed by a period of acute recovery. While surgery addresses the structural damage, physiotherapy is absolutely crucial for restoring function. Without it, patients often face prolonged weakness, stiffness, and an increased risk of future falls.

The goals of physiotherapy after a hip fracture are multifaceted:

Pain Management: Reducing discomfort to allow for effective participation in exercises.

Restoring Range of Motion: Regaining flexibility in the hip joint.

Building Strength: Strengthening the muscles around the hip, as well as the core and lower limbs.

Improving Balance and Coordination: Crucial for preventing future falls.

Functional Independence: Helping patients perform daily activities like dressing, bathing, and moving around their home.

The In Step Physiotherapy Edmonton Approach to Hip Fracture Rehab

At In Step Physiotherapy, our Edmonton-based team takes a phased approach to hip fracture rehabilitation, progressing as your recovery allows.

Early Mobilization (Hospital/Initial Post-Op)

Even in the hospital, gentle physiotherapy begins quickly after surgery, often within 24-48 hours, as directed by the surgeon. This initial phase focuses on:

Pain Control Strategies: Working with your medical team to manage post-operative pain.

Gentle Range of Motion Exercises: Performing controlled movements of the ankle, knee, and uninjured hip to prevent stiffness and improve circulation.

Bed Mobility and Transfers: Learning safe techniques for moving in bed, sitting up, and transferring to a chair with assistance.

Weight-Bearing Precautions: Understanding and strictly adhering to any weight-bearing restrictions advised by your surgeon (e.g., non-weight bearing, touch-down weight bearing, partial weight bearing).

Progressive Strengthening and Mobility (Outpatient Physiotherapy)

Once discharged from the hospital and stable enough for more intensive therapy, you'll typically begin outpatient physiotherapy at a clinic like In Step Physiotherapy Edmonton. This phase focuses on gradually increasing intensity:

Targeted Strengthening Exercises: Exercises to rebuild strength in the hip abductors, adductors, extensors, and flexors, as well as gluteal muscles, quadriceps, and hamstrings. This may include exercises like glute bridges, clam shells, knee bends, and gentle hip movements.

Core Stability: Strengthening core muscles is vital for overall stability and balance, reducing strain on the hip.

Balance and Proprioception Training: Exercises like single-leg standing, tandem stance, and unstable surface training to re-educate your body's sense of position and balance.

Gait Training: Progressing from walking with an assistive device (walker, crutches) to eventually walking independently. Our therapists provide guidance on proper stride, posture, and weight distribution.

Stair Training: Safely navigating stairs is an important functional goal for many patients.

Functional Integration and Return to Activity

As strength and balance improve, the focus shifts to more complex movements and preparing for a return to daily activities.

Advanced Balance and Agility: More dynamic balance exercises to prepare for real-world situations.

Activity-Specific Training: Tailoring exercises to specific hobbies or tasks you wish to return to, whether it's gardening, walking for leisure, or light sports.

Fall Prevention Education: Comprehensive strategies to modify your home environment and minimize fall risks, which is particularly important for individuals in the Edmonton area during icy conditions.

Why Choose In Step Physiotherapy Edmonton?

Our experienced physiotherapists at In Step Physiotherapy possess a deep understanding of musculoskeletal rehabilitation, particularly for hip fractures. We offer:

Individualized Treatment Plans: Every patient's recovery journey is unique.

Hands-On Therapy: Including manual therapy techniques to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.

State-of-the-Art Equipment: To support your rehabilitation.

Patient Education: Empowering you with knowledge about your condition and self-management strategies.

Collaborative Care: Working closely with your surgeon, GP, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless care.

A hip fracture is a challenge, but with the dedicated support and expert care from In Step Physiotherapy Edmonton, you can confidently take the steps necessary to get back on your feet and reclaim your independence.

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