You should ask your Doctor about PT after
any joint replacement.
My experience, and knowing two guys who have had total hip replacements is PT can pay off in ways that "home self exercise" will not.
For one thing you are being forced to work out, like having a gym buddy.
Another is: they know more standard exercises (than you can come up with on your own), and results may be much faster.
These joints and muscles havent seen a full range of motion in years, maybe decades. A PT can help stretch the muscles, and they are trained and know when to stop, how much to do.
Your Doctor may tell you at some point: "just walk and go about daily life" but it depends on factors like age and what you are trying to "get back" with the new hip.
If you are "old", and just want to be free of pain, and walk to the mailbox, thats one thing but someone who wants to play golf again, or hunt / outdoor activities... thats another level and may require some agressive PT....just depends.
A experienced PT... ist will know the deal once they understand the Doctors orders, so its important to communicate this with your Doc, since he/she writes the PT script.
They may even massage the nerve group in your groin area for a time (feels like a knot when tight and deep) to loosen things up....so be forewarned....
One way they measure the progress is by laying you flat on your back and seeing the extension you have on your leg. You go in before workout and its measured laying on workout bed. After the workout its often much better, and noticeable that same day.
Jeff
