Rehabilitation after a hip fracture
recovery after a broken hip · rehab after hip replacement for a fracture · how to walk after a hip fracture · hip fracture in older people
After hip surgery, the person is gradually taught to stand, walk and look after themselves. Sessions are led by a physical therapist or rehabilitation doctor.
After surgery for a hip fracture, to get walking again and avoid problems from lying in bed.
⏱ Duration: sessions usually take 30 to 60 minutes, and recovery takes several weeks or months
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Clothing. Comfortable clothes and closed shoes with non-slip soles and no laces.
- Support. A walker or crutches - the therapist will tell you which are needed.
- Home. Remove rugs and cords from the floor, put in a night light and handrails in the bathroom.
What to bring
- The discharge summary after surgery
- A walker or crutches
- Comfortable shoes
- A list of medicines
How it goes
- The therapist checks how you sit, stand and move your leg
- You are taught how to get out of bed and sit down correctly
- You practice walking with a walker or crutches
- You do exercises for the leg and back muscles
- You are taught to climb stairs and move safely at home
- You are given exercises for every day
What you'll feel
- At first walking is hard and frightening - this is normal
- Your leg may ache after sessions
- You get tired quickly in the first weeks
Afterwards
- Do the exercises every day as you were shown
- Follow the surgeon's limits - for example, no deep bending or crossing your legs
- Do not walk without support until you are allowed
- Walk a little, but often
Contact a doctor straight away if
- Severe hip pain, the leg looks shorter or is turned outward - call your doctor
- Swelling and pain in the calf
- Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain - call your local emergency number
- A fall with pain in the operated leg
Common questions
Will an older person walk again?
Many return to walking with or without support. The sooner they start moving, the better the result.
Can they stay in bed until it heals?
Long bed rest is dangerous: bedsores, pneumonia and blood clots. People start getting up as early as the doctor allows.