Physical Therapy for Hip Avascular Necrosis: Treatment, Expectations, and Exercises
Introduction
Physical therapy is a crucial aspect of hip avascular necrosis (AVN) rehab. When the blood supply to the bone in the hip joint is impaired, the weakened bones can cause great pain and difficulty moving.
Physical therapists work one-on-one with patients to alleviate pain, increase range of motion, build strength and prevent re-injury. Personalized treatment plans are devised for each patient, helping them gain control over their condition.
What To Expect At Physical Therapy
When you visit a physical therapist with AVN in your hip, they will create a personalized treatment plan based on their findings. The therapist will assess your condition and perform various tests, such as gait analysis, ROM, and strength tests, to determine which exercises would help you the most, how often you should perform them, and in what order.
Your physical therapist will use the test results to determine the best exercises to help you recover, but they may also recommend additional treatments such as ultrasound, massage, or electrical stimulation to help reduce pain and improve mobility. With the aid of these treatments, you can expect to see an improvement in your condition over time.
In short, by visiting a physical therapist with AVN, you can expect to receive a customized treatment plan and access additional treatments to help you recover as quickly as possible. Working together with your therapist, you’ll be on your way to improved mobility and reduced pain.
What Types Of Exercises You Might Do
Your physical therapist may suggest a variety of different exercises to help with your AVN of the hip. These can include range-of-motion (ROM) exercises, strengthening exercises, and stretching exercises. Range-of-motion exercises are designed to increase flexibility in the affected area while strengthening exercises target specific muscles to build strength. Stretching exercises can help reduce tightness in the muscles surrounding the hip joint.
Some specific exercises may include:
- Straight leg raises to increase flexibility and strength in the hip and thigh muscles, helping to prevent injuries and improve the overall range of motion
- Gluteal sets tone the hips and glutes, which in turn supports the lower back and enhances athletic performance
- Quadriceps stretches improve range of motion in the quad muscles, reducing the risk of knee pain and injury
- Adductor stretches reduce tightness in the groin muscles, which can improve hip mobility and reduce discomfort
- Hamstring curls for strengthening the hamstrings, contributing to overall leg power and running performance.
How Long Recovery Takes
The length of time it takes for full recovery is different for each individual as it depends on various factors such as age, severity of injury, response to treatment, etc. Generally speaking, most people with AVN of the hip will need at least 6 months of physical therapy before they are able to fully recover. During this time, it is important to stick with your physical therapist’s recommended treatments and exercises so that you can make as much progress as possible.
How Physical Therapy Prevents Re-Injury
Physical therapy is not only beneficial in terms of helping people recover from injuries but also in preventing re-injury down the road. By doing certain strengthening and stretching exercises regularly, you can keep your muscles strong and loose which will help reduce your risk of re-injury or further injury. Additionally, physical therapists are trained to recognize when someone is “at risk” for injury or more prone to certain injuries due to their posture, gait patterns, etc and they can provide advice on how to prevent those injuries from occurring.
Conclusion
For individuals suffering from avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip, a condition causing the death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply, physical therapy is a highly effective avenue to achieve a swift and complete recovery. By following the guidance of a professional therapist, patients can take measured steps towards recuperation while mitigating the risk of re-injury or further harm. This ensures that progress towards recuperation is steady and consistent, leading to a faster return to your daily routine.
