Exercise Physiology for hip replacement
We work with you before your hip replacement to build strength, and after it to rebuild walking, balance and confidence. Every post-surgical program follows your surgeon's protocol.
✓ Before and after surgery✓ No referral needed✓ Free on-site parking
Preparation and rehabilitation both matter
Most people think of rehab as something that starts after the operation. Research suggests that exercise before a hip replacement can improve your strength and function going into surgery and may help in the early weeks of recovery. The evidence for longer-term differences is mixed, so we will not promise that prehab changes your final result.
What we can say is that surgery fixes the joint, not the muscles around it. Whether you start before or after your operation, a structured program is how strength, walking and balance are rebuilt.
How we help at each stage
Before your surgery
The aim is to arrive at surgery as strong, mobile and well prepared as you can be, without flaring the joint.
- ✓Hip and glute strengthening at a load your hip tolerates
- ✓Thigh and calf strength for standing, stairs and walking
- ✓Gentle aerobic fitness work
- ✓Practice with crutches or a frame, and getting in and out of bed and chairs
- ✓What to expect after surgery and how to set up at home
After your surgery
Once your surgeon clears you to start, we progress your program in stages toward full independence, inside the precautions you have been given.
- ✓Progressive hip and leg strengthening within your precautions
- ✓Walking retraining, so a limp does not become a habit
- ✓Balance training to lower falls risk
- ✓Stairs, cars, getting up from the floor
- ✓A graded return to golf, bowls, swimming or the gym where appropriate
A program that works with your surgeon
We ask for your discharge summary and surgical precautions before your first post-surgical session. Precautions differ between surgeons and surgical approaches, and we stay inside them.
Hip and glute strength
Progressive loading of the muscles that stabilise the hip. Weakness here is a common reason for a lingering limp.
Walking retraining
Many people develop a compensating walking pattern before surgery that does not fix itself afterwards. We work on it directly.
Balance
Graded balance training to rebuild steadiness and confidence on your feet.
Everyday milestones
Stairs, getting in and out of the car, and getting up from the floor, built up in a sensible order.
Fitness
Aerobic fitness usually drops around surgery. We rebuild it gradually, which also helps energy and mood.
Communication
With your consent we send progress reports to your surgeon and GP, and contact your surgical team if anything is unclear.
Who we see
People at every stage of a hip replacement, and other hip conditions where structured exercise is appropriate.
What to expect
Assessment
We review your history, any imaging reports, your precautions if you have had surgery, and your medications. We measure hip strength, movement, walking and balance so we have a baseline.
A program for your stage
Before surgery, a strengthening plan your hip can tolerate. After surgery, a plan built inside your surgeon's protocol.
Supervised sessions
We supervise your exercise, watch how you respond and progress the load step by step. We track things like walking distance, stairs and sit-to-stand.
Home program
Your exercises are in our app with videos, sets and reps, so you know what to do between visits.
Reviews and reports
Regular reviews, with written updates to your surgeon and GP with your consent.
Ways to fund your program
What you pay depends on your funding. We can check your options before your first visit.
GP Chronic Condition Management Plan
If your GP includes Exercise Physiology on a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (previously called a Chronic Disease Management plan), for example for hip osteoarthritis, Medicare pays a rebate on up to five allied health sessions per calendar year. Your GP decides eligibility.
Gold and White Card
With a GP referral, DVA covers clinically necessary Exercise Physiology for Gold Card holders, and for White Card holders where it relates to an accepted condition.
Support at Home and CHSP
Exercise Physiology can often be included in an aged care package. Ask us or your care manager what your funding covers.
Extras cover
Most extras policies that include Exercise Physiology pay a rebate. Your fund can tell you your annual limit.
Accepted claims
Where your surgery relates to an accepted workplace or transport accident claim, sessions may be funded. You will need a referral and claim details.
No referral needed
You can book directly and pay privately, before or after surgery. See our pricing page for current fees.
See pricing for current fees and rebates.
Hip Replacement FAQs
When should I start Exercise Physiology before my hip replacement?+
How soon after surgery can I start?+
Will you work within my surgeon's precautions?+
My hip still hurts after surgery. Is exercise appropriate?+
Do I need a referral?+
Keep reading
Getting ready for a hip replacement, or recovering from one?
Book your first appointment online or call us. We will tell you honestly whether and when we can help.
✓ No referral needed✓ Follows your surgeon's protocol✓ Free on-site parking