Importance of Hip Physiotherapy after Surgery

High Level Hip Physiotherapy is Available at Our Physio Clinic

Tennis players from across the globe are coming together in Melbourne for Australia’s annual grand slam, the Australian Open. The tennis players competing in the Australian Open are elite athletes who train to keep their bodies in top condition and to improve their chances of winning tournaments. Due to the physical strain on these athletes throughout gruelling 3 and 5 set matches, many can succumb to injury at some point in their career.

Recently Scottish tennis player Andy Murray has had to pull out of the Australian Open due to exacerbation of a chronic hip injury, which has been affecting his ability to play high quality tennis for the past six months. Hip and groin injuries can be caused or aggravated by playing sport and regular physical activity, something which tennis professionals do on a daily basis.

Andy Murray Elects for Hip Surgery

Shortly after pulling out of the Australian Open, Murray elected to have hip surgery in Australia. Surgery will keep Murray off the court for some time, with recovery after hip surgery ranging from weeks to months. With his tennis career on hold, it will be important that Murray follows a structured rehabilitation program post-surgery, including hip physiotherapy, to get back on the court in optimal time.

Although physical activity can cause some hip injuries, they can also come about through day to day wear and tear, accidents and trauma. Many hip complaints can be treated conservatively, with treatment including rest, steroid injections and hip physiotherapy. For more major complaints, long term issues and arthritis of the joint, surgery may be the preferred treatment option. As people get older they are more likely to suffer from arthritis of the hip joint, which is treated with a total hip replacement when it becomes severe.

Due to the range of hip complaints that exist, there are multiple surgical options and the recovery time varies depending on the type of surgery being performed. A comprehensive rehabilitation and physiotherapy program will aid recovery from surgery and improve the speed of returning to daily activities. Physiotherapy can be started before surgery, as part of the preparation.

A sports physiotherapist in Melbourne can create a tailored rehabilitation program to suit your specific preparation and recovery from hip surgery. Programs include returning to daily activities after surgery, exercises to build strength, increasing range of movement in the joint and manage pain. Physiotherapy exercises should be carried out on a daily basis after surgery to optimise recovery. There may also be some movements to avoid after having hip surgery, and these will be outlined by your physio clinic.

Exercises can include:

· Walking – support and education on how to walk with crutches after having surgery, and resume light activities.

· Ankle exercises – to assist with blood circulation and foot movement.

· Knee flexion & extension – to improve movement in the affected leg.

· Leg rises – to gain control and strength after surgery.

· Balance exercises – to improve strength of leg and ability to walk without crutches.

· Gentle squats – to strengthen leg muscles.

Melbourne Sports Physiotherapy has a range of physio’s specialising in hip rehabilitation and can provide a comprehensive hip physiotherapy program to improve your recovery and rehabilitation after surgery. Contact our friendly team to discuss a treatment plan, find out more or book an appointment today.

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