Ask a PT

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Posted - 08/07/2007 :  10:14:30  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "Mother had THR after older prosthesis broke[partial replacement after break] Difficult surgery due to removal problems of old prosthesis and scar tissue. Now 8 wk post op canonly move hip to 45 degree even with therapy, they feel it is scar tissue. Is there any more to offer for working to break loose the scar tissue without compromising the prosthesis, walks fine has difficulty getting up and down and sitting since will not bend. [83yr] Thankyou"

Ask a PT Response: "Scar tissue, trauma and tightness in the muscles of her hip are likely contributors to the lack of motion at her hip. Participation in physical therapy may assist her in achieving increase range of motion and function. A physical therapist could incorporate a plan of care such as joint mobs, massage, myofascial release (or other manual techniques), hot packs, ultrasound, stretching and strengthening of the hip to assist her in achieving more range of motion and function. Since your mother is 83 years old, I am assuming she is on Medicare. If she has not participated in outpatient physical therapy before or if her doctor or past physical therapist believe her condition has not plateaued than I would recommend she particpate in skilled physical therapy services. I would probably recommend she work with a physical therapist that has manual therapy experience. I believe particpation in PT along with a good home exercise program would benefit her the most if she can tolerate it. I hope this helps and thanks for using CyberPT."