Total Hip Arthroplasty Guidelines
The information below is meant as a guideline only. The professional skills of a therapist must come into play for each individual patient.
Protocols of…
Dr. Chris Evensen
PHASE ONE
0-2 WEEKS*
WEIGHT BEARING/PRECAUTIONS
WBAT
No ✓ past 90°, ER, Extension past neutral, or adduction past midline.
ROM/GOALS
Normalize gait with AD (no antalgic / trendelenburg).
FWW or crutches ⇒SPC or single crutch.
EXERCISES**
Hip Abd, ✓, AROM, QS & GS, SAQ.
Sit<>Stand repeated activity and walk as tolerated
PHASE TWO
2-6 WEEKS*
WEIGHT BEARING/PRECAUTIONS
Maintain THA Precautions.
No post-activity soreness > 24hrs.
ROM/GOALS
DC crutch/cane when gait is normal & pain-free. Regain muscle control (esp. hip abd.). Single leg stance ctrl.
EXERCISES**
Progress strengthening exercises from gravity eliminated to gravity resisted exercises.
Balance & proprioception progress to single stance.
Continue to walk
PHASE THREE
6-8 WEEKS*
WEIGHT BEARING/PRECAUTIONS
No impact activities.
ROM/GOALS
Improve muscle strength & endurance.
Increase gait to 1 mile w/o limp, no AD.
EXERCISES**
See therapist for strengthening exercises and functional task training as needed.
