Total Hip Replacement Rehabilitation

A total hip replacement is one of the most successful surgical procedures in medicine. The surgery itself solves one problem — it removes a painful, arthritic joint. But the surgery does not restore the strength, mobility, and movement confidence that were lost in the months or years leading up to it. That is what rehabilitation does.

Most patients lose significant hip and core strength before surgery because pain changes how they move. They limp, they avoid stairs, they stop exercising. By the time the new joint is in place, the muscles around it have been underperforming for a long time. Getting a new hip is the starting line, not the finish.

What We Do Differently After Hip Replacement

Standard post-surgical PT often focuses narrowly on range of motion and basic gait training. That approach gets you walking, but it does not get you back to the activities you care about — hiking, golf, gardening, playing with grandchildren, or returning to sports after joint replacement.

At Forward Physical Therapy, rehabilitation after hip replacement includes:

• Progressive strength training — Not just leg lifts and clamshells. We build a structured program that progresses from early mobility exercises to loaded strengthening — squats, deadlifts, lunges, and single-leg work — as your tissues heal and your surgeon clears you for progression.
• Gait retraining — A limp pattern that developed over months does not disappear the day after surgery. We use observation, video, and functional testing to normalize your walking pattern and eliminate compensations.
• Balance and proprioception — Your new joint has different sensory feedback than your native hip. Targeted balance training reduces fall risk and rebuilds the body awareness that lets you move without thinking about every step.
• Aerobic conditioning — Deconditioning is one of the biggest barriers to recovery. We measure your aerobic capacity and prescribe exercise at the right intensity to rebuild cardiovascular fitness alongside your surgical recovery.
• Body composition and health metrics — We track grip strength, waist-to-hip ratio, blood pressure, protein intake, hydration, and sleep quality. These factors directly affect healing speed and long-term outcomes.

Anterior vs. Posterior Approach — Does It Change Rehab?

Your surgeon’s approach affects early precautions but not the overall rehab trajectory. Anterior approach patients may have fewer initial movement restrictions. Posterior approach patients typically follow hip precautions (limiting deep flexion and internal rotation) for the first several weeks. Either way, the goal is the same: rebuild strength, restore movement, and return to full function.

We communicate directly with your surgical team to ensure your rehab progression matches their protocol and timeline.

When to Start Physical Therapy

Most patients begin outpatient PT within one to three weeks after surgery, depending on their surgeon’s protocol and their early recovery. Some patients benefit from a prehab program before surgery — building strength and aerobic capacity ahead of the procedure improves post-surgical outcomes and shortens recovery.

If you are scheduled for a hip replacement and want to start prehab, or if you have already had surgery and need to begin rehab, call us. We coordinate with your surgeon’s office and can often see you within 24-48 hours of referral.

Objective Progress Tracking

We measure your progress with standardized tests at every visit — our Return+ system tracks strength, range of motion, gait speed, balance, and functional performance so you can see exactly where you stand relative to age-matched norms. This data drives your treatment plan and gives your surgeon objective evidence of your recovery.

Edgerton and Fitchburg

We provide hip replacement rehabilitation at both our Edgerton and Fitchburg locations. Both clinics have the space and equipment for progressive strength training, balance work, and aerobic conditioning. You will see the same Doctor of Physical Therapy at every visit.

No Referral Needed

Wisconsin’s direct access law means you can see a physical therapist without a physician referral. Call us today and be seen within 24-48 hours.

We are in-network with Anthem BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare, Humana, The Alliance, UMR, Cigna, and all Workers’ Compensation carriers. HSA/FSA accepted. Competitive self-pay rates available. We verify your benefits before your first visit.

Two Locations

Fitchburg — 6250 Nesbitt Rd, Suite 500, Fitchburg, WI 53719
Edgerton — 102 W Fulton St, Edgerton, WI 53534
Phone: (608) 561-7733

Serving Fitchburg, Madison, Verona, Oregon, Middleton, Edgerton, Milton, Janesville, Stoughton, and surrounding communities.