A hip fracture is one of the most common types of broken bones for elderly people. This type of injury is extremely serious, resulting in surgery to repair the damage. Afterward, you will likely need professional medical care, including hip replacement care, to help with recovery. This rehab therapy will speed up this process, improve your results, and get you back on your feet.

Of course, recovery still takes time, even when you’re motivated to reach your goals. Some people require less than 6 months to fully recover while others need 2 years or more. Working with your medical team and following their advice will ensure you’re getting the best results. Let’s take a look at what recovery looks like after fracturing your hip.

Nurse helping elderly woman with fractured hip to sit on a wheelchair

Can I Walk Normally Again After A Hip Fracture?

Walking normally after a hip fracture won’t happen too soon since your hip needs time to heal. This doesn’t mean that you won’t be able to walk at all, though. The day after your surgery, you’ll be encouraged to get up and walk with assistance.

You’ll also be assigned physical therapy after you leave the hospital. This therapy is designed to strengthen your fractured hip to reduce your recovery time and regain your mobility. The more diligent you are with the exercises you’ve been assigned, the sooner you’ll be able to leave your crutches behind.

In fact, after 4 to 6 weeks, most individuals don’t need them at all. You may still require a cane by this point for some extra support, though not for long. By 3 months after your surgery, you may be able to resume walking on your own.

How long will I need physical therapy?

There is no set timeframe for how long you’ll require physical therapy after a hip fracture. This is because individuals heal at different rates, depending on a few factors. The first is your overall health, which can affect how quickly and efficiently your body can heal. The healthier you are, the more likely it is that you’ll recover quickly.

How often you do the exercises assigned to you as part of your physical therapy also affects your recovery time. The more you stick to the schedule your physical therapist assigns, the stronger you’ll become.

Spending less time sitting is also an important part of your hip fracture recovery. Therapeutic exercises and going for walks will help strengthen your bones, allowing them to carry more weight. You’ll then be able to walk unassisted sooner. Most people complete their physical therapy within 6 months, though some need a year or more to fully recover.

Be patient

The main thing to remember after a hip fracture is to be patient. Though you may want to resume your normal life as quickly as possible, it takes time to recover. Pushing yourself too hard or trying activities you aren’t ready for can do more damage to the area. Be sure to follow the advice of your doctor and physical therapist for the fastest recovery possible.

This content comprises informative and educational resources only and can not be considered as a substitute for professional health or medical guidance. Reliance on any information provided in this article is solely at your own risk. If you have any inquiries or apprehensions about your medical condition or health goals, talk with a licensed physician or healthcare provider.