Hip Replacement Rehabilitation at Home
Expert rehabilitation delivered to your door. Avoid the pain of travel and recover safely in your own home.
Undergoing a total hip replacement is a significant event. While surgery repairs the joint, the recovery process is where your independence is truly regained.
Understanding your new joint is the first step to a confident recovery.
For many older adults in Southampton, Bournemouth, Ringwood, and across Hampshire & Dorset, the thought of travelling to a clinic immediately after hospital discharge is daunting. Sitting in a low car seat can be uncomfortable and may risk breaking the “90-degree rule” essential for hip safety.
At Medella, we bring specialist physiotherapy directly to you. Whether you are in your family home or a residential care facility, our goal is to help you regain your confidence and mobility in privacy and comfort.
Why Choose Home Visits?
We make your rehabilitation as smooth as possible. Our home-visit model is designed for your convenience and confidence:
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Stress-Free Logistics: Skip the traffic, parking, and waiting rooms. We bring the clinic to you, allowing you to save your energy for your exercises. -
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Real-World Training: We teach you to navigate your stairs, get out of your favourite chair, and manage your bathroom safely. -
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Senior Expertise: You will only ever be treated by a senior therapist (minimum 7 years experience). We do not use junior staff.
Recovery Timeline
While every patient is unique, a typical home recovery follows this progression:
Weeks 1–2: Safety First
Managing swelling and mastering safe movement with your frame or crutches.
Weeks 3–6: Progression
Weaning off walking aids, improving gait, and building muscle strength.
Month 3+: Independence
Returning to outdoor walking, hobbies, and getting back behind the wheel.
Common Difficulties We Solve
Recovering at home presents specific challenges. We help you manage:
Managing discomfort during movement or at night.
Nervousness about walking on different floor surfaces or stairs.
Strict adherence to rules (e.g., no bending past 90°) to avoid dislocation.
Difficulty putting on socks, washing, or getting out of bed.
How Physiotherapy Helps
Our physiotherapists have an average of 18 years of experience. Crucially, Medella is not a large agency; we do not use junior staff. You will be supported by a senior clinician who understands the complexities of post-operative care.
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Gait Re-training: Correcting your walking pattern to prevent limping and restore a natural stride. -
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Strengthening: Targeting hip abductors (side muscles) to stabilise your pelvis. -
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Range of Movement: Gentle mobilisation to reduce stiffness without forcing the joint. -
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Stair Practice: Teaching you the safest way to tackle your specific staircase at home.
How Occupational Therapy Supports Daily Life
While Physio focuses on the body, Occupational Therapy (OT) focuses on your environment. This multi-disciplinary approach is a key part of our service.
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The 90-Degree Rule: Practical techniques to wash and dress without bending your hip past the safe limit. -
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Transfer Safety: Expert coaching on getting in and out of bed or off the toilet safely. -
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Fatigue Management: Helping you conserve energy for the activities that matter most. -
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Routine Adaptation: Helping you adjust your daily habits to maintain independence during recovery.
Practical Home Safety
Your home environment plays a massive role in your safety. We provide assessments on seating heights, bathroom safety, and trip hazards.
Note: We do not sell equipment, but we provide expert advice on exactly what you need and where to source it.
When to Seek Medical Advice
Please contact your GP or surgical team immediately if you notice:
- Redness, heat, or tracking lines around the wound.
- Fluid leaking from the wound.
- New or severe pain in the calf muscle (potential DVT sign).
- Sudden shortness of breath.
How soon after surgery can I start physiotherapy?
You can usually begin private home physiotherapy immediately after you are discharged from the hospital. Early mobilisation is generally recommended to prevent stiffness and muscle loss.
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
No, you do not need a referral to access our services. You can contact us directly to arrange an appointment. However, if you have specific post-operative protocols from your surgeon, we will ask to see these to ensure we follow their specific instructions.
Do you visit care homes?
Yes. We frequently visit patients in care homes to provide dedicated one-to-one rehabilitation that goes beyond standard care home support.