My Orthopedic Healthcare Team

With the help of your healthcare team, you’ll start rehab right after surgery. The first step is to control pain and swelling. You’ll also begin to strengthen your new hip by doing exercises in bed. These team members will take part in your care post-surgery:

• Orthopedic surgeon.  This specialist does your surgery. They also oversee your treatment, check your progress, and provide follow-up care.

• Physician assistant or nurse practitioner. This professional may help  your surgeon with surgery and postoperative care. They may help your surgeon take care of you while you're in the hospital.

• Nurses. These healthcare providers monitor your recovery and help keep you comfortable.

• Physical therapist (PT). This provider designs a movement program that includes walking and hip exercises.

• Occupational therapist (OT). This provider teaches you life skills such as dressing and bathing.

• Mental health provider. This provider may help you cope with the emotional and behavioral impacts of your surgery and a return to your fullest potential.

After you leave the hospital, your surgeon will give you specific self-care instructions. It's important to follow your discharge plan. This includes knowing when your follow-up appointments are scheduled.

After surgery, see your surgeon for follow-up visits as directed. These visits help your surgeon check that your hip is healing well. To check the joint over time, you may need to have an X-ray every 1 or 2 years.