“Will my first physical therapy appointment hurt? (right hip)”
I had a hip replacement and need to start PT. Will it hurt? How do I prepare myself?
15 Answers
At your first appointment, you can expect a detail assessment asking you questions about your pain, how long have you had it, what makes it better/worse, and what you typically like to do with activities. Answer the questions as best as you can, but if not no worries! We also look at your muscles and joint to fill in the gaps. And if you think of the answer later, that’s great! Body awareness is usually a big goal for us. You may experience some soreness depending on your therapist’s treatment plan for that day, but it usually doesn’t last more than 1-2 days, is t debilitating, and you typically begin to feel better once it subsides. Also, just wear clothing that allows you to move and isn’t restrictive.
I hope you have a positive experience! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to tell your therapist.
All the best!
I hope you have a positive experience! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to tell your therapist.
All the best!
Pain is very subjective, so I can't really say. However, generally your first appointment is pretty easy going. You will likely be taken through your available range of motion, testing your end range, and given pretty easy exercises. I doubt there will be much pain. Prepare yourself by taking your medication as prescribed by your doctor and being ready to put the work in to get yourself better.
Great question! You may be sore after the first visit because of the evaluation and new exercises given. It’s a good idea to take pain medication before your first visit and ice regularly. Always tell your therapist if you are experiencing groin pain with any exercise as this is something you want to limit. Good luck!
You will likely be sore for quite a while following your surgery, but your first physical therapy session is about assessing your baseline function and needs.
Your first visit will consist of an evaluation where the therapist will examine the hip and take you through some exercises. Although we try our best to keep patients comfortable, sometimes some of the exercises will be uncomfortable. Just let your therapist know if something is uncomfortable and they should work with you in altering to diminish the pain. Some patients prefer to take pain meds before their first few visits.
Hi,
Your hip replacement was done to prevent pain and improve your mobility. Physical therapy is what is going to help you be more mobile and independent with your activities. And if asking if it hurts... I won't lie, it does a little, but not like the pain you had before your surgery. Pain is from your weaker muscles and not from the replaced joint anymore. If you follow the instructions well, you will do great with a few visits of physical therapy.
Your hip replacement was done to prevent pain and improve your mobility. Physical therapy is what is going to help you be more mobile and independent with your activities. And if asking if it hurts... I won't lie, it does a little, but not like the pain you had before your surgery. Pain is from your weaker muscles and not from the replaced joint anymore. If you follow the instructions well, you will do great with a few visits of physical therapy.
Good evening!
Your first physical therapy treatment is primarily an evaluation of your current clinical presentation and obtaining a detailed history. During the evaluation, it is important for you to communicate to the physical therapist your concerns about your current level of pain and if anything performed may increase that pain. The evaluation consists of a detailed medical history and a physical examination (typically movement-based). Range of motion, strength, examination of your gait (including use of an assistive device), sensation, balance, and palpation are all components of an evaluation. There will be a discussion and review of your post-operative precautions following a total hip replacement, as well as beginning/continuing a home exercise program. The physical therapist will outline a plan of care with you and also discuss your goals. Ultimately, the physical therapist is there to work with you, side-by-side, in your recovery from your surgery. He or she shouldn’t be a dictator and have your treatment be “my way or the highway.” Teamwork and communication is vital to building trust and successful outcomes! Best of luck!
Very respectfully,
Travis Aaron Lore, PT, DPT
Your first physical therapy treatment is primarily an evaluation of your current clinical presentation and obtaining a detailed history. During the evaluation, it is important for you to communicate to the physical therapist your concerns about your current level of pain and if anything performed may increase that pain. The evaluation consists of a detailed medical history and a physical examination (typically movement-based). Range of motion, strength, examination of your gait (including use of an assistive device), sensation, balance, and palpation are all components of an evaluation. There will be a discussion and review of your post-operative precautions following a total hip replacement, as well as beginning/continuing a home exercise program. The physical therapist will outline a plan of care with you and also discuss your goals. Ultimately, the physical therapist is there to work with you, side-by-side, in your recovery from your surgery. He or she shouldn’t be a dictator and have your treatment be “my way or the highway.” Teamwork and communication is vital to building trust and successful outcomes! Best of luck!
Very respectfully,
Travis Aaron Lore, PT, DPT
Usually PT doesn’t have to hurt. That being said, there are times where minimal pain may need to be tolerated to improve motion or strength. All conditions and every patient is different. In general, your PT experience shouldn’t be filled with excruciating pain.
Dena Ann Restaino
Physical Therapist
Good Evening! The start of PT should not "hurt", however, there may be activities that are uncomfortable. If you feel that you cannot tolerate the pain, ask your therapist to go "a bit slower". Hip replacements are usually the easiest of the joint replacements, so I am sure you will do fine. Good luck with your rehab and always stay positive!
Dena Restaino
Dena Restaino
Your 1st appointment is typically an evaluation where measurements are
taken and observations are made to assess where you are starting at in
order to write appropriate goals and develop a plan of care. You may
experience some discomfort with this assessment, but we generally offer
some form of pain management to get you feeling better walking out the
door. Your 1st treatment session after your evaluation for a total hip
replacement will likely cause you moderate amounts of pain and it is
suggested that you take pain medicine 30-60 minutes prior to the start of
your session.
taken and observations are made to assess where you are starting at in
order to write appropriate goals and develop a plan of care. You may
experience some discomfort with this assessment, but we generally offer
some form of pain management to get you feeling better walking out the
door. Your 1st treatment session after your evaluation for a total hip
replacement will likely cause you moderate amounts of pain and it is
suggested that you take pain medicine 30-60 minutes prior to the start of
your session.
Parminder S. Bhalesar
Mississauga, Ontario
Therapy for hip replacement surgery may be a bit uncomfortable in the beginning with some pain and stiffness. However, during your rehab process, you will notice that each and every therapy session will be better and easier to tolerate. You will also notice improvements throughout. You will see increased range of motion and strength as you progress through the treatments. To prepare yourself, just remember, you will get better and in the end, it will be worth it. Prepare yourself mentally and know what your end goals will be. It may be advisable to take a pain killer before your session so that your therapist can work in a manner that will be tolerable for you. Talk to your therapist and see what he or she recommends prior to your visits.
There will be some pain as you have just undergone surgery. Physical therapy will help to decrease pain while increasing your movement and strength.
The first day of treatment should consist of an evaluation, education and treatment to include home program instruction. Take this opportunity to build trust in your treating physical therapist by asking questions and giving him/her feedback about your concerns. You make have some discomfort with exercise, but the treatment plan can be modified according to your tolerance.
My goal as a PT is to always have people leaving their appointments feeling better than when they came in.
Although there may be some mild discomfort during you initial consult, you should not have a lot of pain. Your therapist will be testing your range of motion and strength. They will then be seeing what you can and can't do in order to establish a proper home program to go along with your visits. You should wear comfortable clothing or gym attire so that it is easy for you to move. Good luck on your rehab.
Kevin Vaughn PT, DPT, CSCS
CEO, Coast Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
www.coastphysicaltherapy.net
Follow on twitter: www.twitter.com/kevinvaughndpt
Kevin Vaughn PT, DPT, CSCS
CEO, Coast Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine
www.coastphysicaltherapy.net
Follow on twitter: www.twitter.com/kevinvaughndpt
