Please note that the protocol and phased programme information is a guideline for patients and their therapist. Principles of clinical reasoning and evidence-based practice must be applied to the individual patient. Progression through the phased program is dependent on symptoms and related hip movement and function, it is however perfectly normal to drop down a phase if necessary.
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PHASE 1 – Inpatient Stay and whilst PWB Teach PWB – 50% Standard Rehab – 1 week PWB then FWB thereafter (as pain/comfort allows) Protective Rehab – 4 Weeks PWB then FWB thereafter (Micro# and significant labral tear/repair) |
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| Goals | Treatment | Milestones |
| Minimise Pain and swelling | Use of ice, rest, elevation, pain relief and crutches |
Minimal or no swelling/bruising Full or nearing FROM within any restrictions Confident and competent with all exercises Symmetrical gait pattern ready to progress off crutches |
| Encourage normal movement within pain limits and ROM restrictions if indicated (All labral repairs 0-90° flexion and no forced extension for 4/52) |
Pain relief SQ, IRQ, leg press with Thera band, bridging, abduction, extension and circumduction in standing |
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| Improve Glut and Quad control as a priority | Clam level 1, mini squats and calf raises with support Exercise bike – low resistance | |
| Maintain and Increase Core exercises | Trans abs, pelvic tilts and bridging, Hip Twist level 1 | |
| Restoration of normal gait pattern within WB restrictions | Gait re-education with crutches – 50% WB as pain allows. Ensure WB restrictions are adhered to! Alter G – gait patterning, squats, heel raises, hip abduction/extension adhering to WB restriction Hydrotherapy recommended where available for up to 6/52 post op. | |
• Consider pre-hab to include core, postural correction and identify any lumbar spine issues. Discuss/teach post op regime and exercises. • Provide exercise sheet to start patient off for week 1 until first outpatient physiotherapy appointment. • First outpatient appointment ideally at 1/52 post op and for 45 min session.
| PHASE 2 – Following achievement of Phase 1 goals and now FWB | ||
| Goals | Treatment | Milestones |
| Continue to minimise pain and swelling | Ice, pain relief, rest as required Continue with hydrotherapy where applicable and available (up to 6/52 post op) | No swelling/bruising Minimal pain relief requirements Normal gait and stair pattern achieved without crutches FROM Good core control Good proprioceptive single leg work N.B. If at 6/52, the patient is still sore, e-mail Professor Fehily prior to the consultant clinic appointment for consideration of an injection to further settle symptoms. maxfehily@manchesterhipclinic.com |
| Restoration of FWB normal gait pattern | Ensure FWB with normal pattern – gait re-education and pain guided Alter G – gait re-education | |
| Regain FROM | Increase ROM in all directions including flexion especially if having been on a restricted protocol – ROM stretches | |
| Improve glut and quad control plus general lower limb strength | Progress exercises – add wall slides with gym ball, squats, lunges, step rehab, hip extension/abduction, VMO, glut work | |
| Continue to improve core control and postural correction as necessary | Progress Hip Twist, Clam and add other Pilates exercises as required | |
| Introduce cardio vascular exercise | Exercise bike, treadmill – walking and inclines, no limp, cross trainer and rower – low resistance and avoid deep flexion | |
| Proprioception control | Wobble board, single leg work – non impact with control, trampette – high knee stepping, balance work, squats Alter G – squats, heel raises, hip flexion, hip abduction, hip extension, single leg work Pain guided | |
| PHASE 3 – Upon achievement of Phase 2 with normal FWB gait | ||
| Goals | Treatment | Milestones |
| Control activity – pain and swelling to guide | Analgesia if required post activity Modification of activity if necessary | Minimal pain following increased activity No swelling Maintain FROM No functional restrictions Good single leg work – proprioceptive and strength Normal work routine N.B. If micro#, jogging can commence from 8/52 onwards |
| Regain/Maintain FROM | Stretches as necessary | |
| Improve lower limb strength and core stability | Continue to develop core exercises, Pilates, yoga – patient specific Introduce gentle plyometric work | |
| Increase aerobic capacity | Treadmill – Jogging at mild to moderate speed, cross trainer, rower | |
| Improve proprioception | Good biomechanical alignment for lower exercises Introduce gentle plyometric work | |
| Regain all normal every day activities including work requirements | Work specific activity based exercise, non-impact – patient specific | |
| Phase 4 – Upon achievement of Phase 3 (Sport specific related activity) | ||
| Goals | Treatment | Milestones |
| No pain and maintain FROM | Continue with stretches | Single leg press Single leg stance eyes shut aiming for R=L Straight line running – pain free and at comfortable distance |
| Continue to increase strength and endurance | Increasing load of strengthening exercises | |
| Continue to improve proprioception | Increasing dynamic proprioception – jumps, hops, lunges all with controlled landing, advanced Pilates/Yoga | |
| Progress bilateral to unilateral work with control – introduce impact element if beyond 8/52 and under physiotherapist guidance | ||
| Normal straight line running pattern without pain | Progress from jogging to running | |
| Gradual return to sport of choice | Multi-directional tasks Sport specific tasks under guidance of physiotherapist | |
○ Full weight bearing encouraged after 1 week, gradual weaning off crutches by week 2/3
○ Return to driving approximately at 2 weeks when comfortable and able to do an emergency stop (Indications:- full weight-bearing without crutches and not taking any opioid medication)
○ Return to work:- sedentary job 3-6 weeks, manual/on feet job 6 weeks +
○ Return to jogging/running: 6 weeks +
○ Return to sport: 3-6 months
○ Full weight-bearing encouraged after 4 weeks, gradual weaning of crutches by week 5/6
○ Return to driving approximately at 4-6 weeks when comfortable and able to do an emergency stop (Indications:- full weight-bearing without crutches and not taking any opioid medication)
○ Return to work:- sedentary job 4-8 weeks, manual/on feet job 6-12 weeks
○ Return to jogging/running: 8 -12 weeks+
○ Return to sport: 3-6 months
Please note that functional guidelines are dependent on symptoms and related hip movement and stability. Issues regarding driving/return to work and sport must be discussed between the patient, therapist and consultant.
The Manchester Hip Clinic is committed to helping all kinds of people with hip problems to be free from pain and often to resume near-normal levels of physical activity – even those who may have thought that such relief would never be possible.
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