How to Actually Rehab A Total Hip Replacement (Step-by-Step Guide for Physical Therapists)

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Total hip replacement outcomes are generally good—but many patients are left with persistent weakness, gait deviations, and no clear plan for returning to higher-level activities like strength training, running, and sport.

In this video, I provide physical therapists with an evidence-informed, step-by-step framework for total hip replacement rehabilitation. We’ll discuss what the research says about supervised physical therapy after total hip arthroplasty, which patients may need more than a basic home program, and how to progress rehabilitation beyond simply restoring independence.

You’ll learn how to progress patients through:

• Early mobility, gait training, and postoperative precautions
• Hip mobility, strength, balance, and single-leg control
• Squat, hinge, step-up, lunge, and deadlift progressions
• Return to heavier strength training and recreational activity
• Plyometrics, running, agility, and return-to-sport testing

The goal isn’t just to help patients walk again—it’s to restore the strength, capacity, and confidence required to return to the activities they care about.

Always consider surgeon-specific precautions, surgical approach, healing status, medical history, and individual patient goals.

#PhysicalTherapy #TotalHipReplacement #HipRehab

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Show Notes, Credit & References:
- https://fitnesspainfree.com/2026/07/how-to-actually-rehab-a-total-hip-replacement-step-by-step-guide-for-physical-therapists/

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Intro
00:30 Why Physical Therapists Matter After Total Hip Replacement
02:05 Does Every Total Hip Replacement Patient Need Physical Therapy?
08:05 Why Athletes Need More Than Standard THA Rehab
12:00 The Best Rehab Framework After Total Hip Replacement
13:47 Phase 1 (0–3 Days): Early Post-Op Rehabilitation
15:37 Early Exercises After Total Hip Replacement
16:34 Criteria to Progress Beyond Phase 1
22:15 Phase 2 (1–6 Weeks): Restore Mobility & Strength
23:22 Hip Mobility Exercises
24:53 Squat, Hinge & Single-Leg Progressions
27:05 Phase 2 Progression Criteria
29:03 Strength Testing After Total Hip Replacement
31:00 Phase 3 (6–12 Weeks): Advanced Strength Training
32:38 Progressing Single-Leg Strength & Core Training
33:30 Criteria to Begin Running & Sport
39:03 Phase 4 (3–6+ Months): Return to Sport
41:25 Return-to-Running Progression
43:42 Plyometric & Agility Progressions
45:17 Return-to-Sport Testing After THA
48:21 Final Takeaways

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