A little surprisingly, Eamonn Holmes, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Steve Carrell all have something in common… they all had hip replacement surgery in their 50s. In England and Wales over 70,000 hip replacements are performed each year and for the vast majority of patients, joint replacement surgery decreases pain and increases mobility in the hip.
A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged surfaces of the hip joint are replaced with artificial substitutes. It has been reported as being one of the most successful surgeries in the last few decades and was called “The operation of the century” in an article published in the Lancet in 2007.
In the UK hip replacements have been performed since the 1960s but interestingly in the last 10-15 years, the number of hip replacements performed in patients under the age of 60 has increased by over 75%. So, what has led to this increase? Historically, for surgeons and patients, joint replacement surgery was very much seen as a last resort but with improvements in surgical techniques and the design of artificial joints (prosthesis) this is no longer the case. Clinicians have increased confidence in the lifespan of newer prosthesis and patients are no longer willing to live with the constant pain of advanced arthritis even if that means an increased chance of needing revision surgery in the future (replacing the replacement).
But regardless of age, what are the signs that it might be time to discuss with an Orthopaedic surgeon (or physio) whether you are candidate for Hip replacement surgery?
- Pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest
- Pain that interrupts your sleep despite using pain relief medication
- Pain that stops you doing normal everyday activities or hobbies that you enjoy
- Pain that doesn’t improve after a course of physiotherapy treatment
- Pain after activity that lasts days
Research tells us that for patients (of all ages) who have undergone joint replacement surgery, a physiotherapy-led exercise programme during their recovery period is important to ensure they achieve their rehabilitation goals and regain function. Although surgery will correct the joint problem, the associated muscle weakness, changes in movement patterns and any reduced exercise tolerance that were present before the surgery will remain and require rehabilitation. Post-op physiotherapy provides pain relief, promotes recovery and the reintegration of patients into everyday tasks and activities and therefore leads to a better quality of life.
At Central Health physiotherapy we are delighted to offer a specialist physiotherapy and rehabilitation service for patients who have had hip joint replacement surgery (and knee, ankle or shoulder replacements). Our team of skilled physiotherapists can ensure you get the best outcome from your surgery by providing treatment and advice tailored specifically to you.
This package is available to self-funding patients and includes a 1-hour initial assessment and 7 follow-up sessions which can be any combination of physiotherapy and hydrotherapy sessions to suit you and your goals for only £500. This package is available at our Chelsea and St Johns Wood clinics.
If you would like more information about our Joint replacement service, then please do get in touch with us.
For further information about Hip replacement surgery the following websites have useful information:
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