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.
Dr. Ben Robinson
PHASE ONE
0-4 WEEKS
Achieve goals prior to advancement
WEIGHT BEARING + PRECAUTIONS
WBAT
No ✓ past 90°, IR, adduction past midline.
ROM only through AAROM ⇒ AROM
RANGE OF MOTION + GOALS
Normalize GT with AD
(no antalgic trendelenburg)
FWW or crutches ⇒ SPC or single crutch.
EXERCISES
Hip Abd | ✓ | AROM | QS | GS | SAQ
Standing heel-toe rocking, single leg march; progress towards pool consideration once incision has healed completely, weight-shifting ⇒ balance activities in double stance.
PHASE TWO
5-8 WEEKS
Achieve goals prior to advancement
WEIGHT BEARING + PRECAUTIONS
Maintain THA Precautions.
No post-activity soreness > 24hrs.
RANGE OF MOTION + GOALS
DC crutch/cane when gait is normal and pain-free. Regain muscle control (esp. hip abd.). Single leg stance control.
EXERCISES
Progress towards stationary bike (caution with recumbent) to elliptical.
Progress hip AROM to resistance and strengthening, supine ⇒ standing ⇒ side lying|prone.
Balance and proprioception double stance ⇒ single stance
PHASE THREE
9-12 WEEKS
Achieve goals prior to advancement
WEIGHT BEARING + PRECAUTIONS
No impact activities.
RANGE OF MOTION + GOALS
Improve muscle, strength and endurance. Increase gait to one mile without limp, no AD.
EXERCISES
Multi-plane drills with resistance. Progress hip and core strengthening.
Continue AROM
Strengthening to progress > 90° hip flexion with ER for donning + doffing socks and shoes.
