FEATURES OF PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Abstract

Actuality. In recent years, the problem of degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the musculoskeletal system of the elderly has become very acute, which is associated not only with the aging processes that occur in the body, but also with the tense current situation in Ukraine. The largest percentage of degenerative-dystrophic changes is hip joint diseases. Timely total hip replacement allows the patient to restore function and return to active professional activity. However, an important component of the recovery of patients is physical therapy, which is constantly developing, new modern means are emerging that should be used to increase the efficiency of the rehabilitation process. The aim of the research is to develop and evaluate the effectiveness of a comprehensive program of physical therapy for the elderly with total hip arthroplasty. Materials and methods. The basis of the work is a complex program of physical therapy for 42 elderly people with total hip arthroplasty. The functional indicators of the hip joint were studied, and the assessment of movement according to the 6-minute walk test, scale Harris Hip Score, Trendelenburg test and indicators of pain intensity during active movements were analyzed. A comprehensive program of physical therapy with four periods: per-operative, acute, post-acute and long-term is proposed. It included education of the patient about his disease, therapeutic exercises, lymphatic drainage massage, mechanical therapy, kinesiology taping, physical therapy, management of pain, swelling and scarring. Research results. According to the results of the conducted research, the effectiveness of the complex program of physical therapy for the elderly with total hip joint replacement was proven, which was manifested in the improvement of functional indicators, reduction of pain sensations, increase of muscle strength and improvement of their quality of life. Conclusions. The complex physical therapy program developed and applied in clinical conditions for elderly patients with THA is a high-quality rehabilitation technology that allows to minimize clinical and functional indicators, improve muscle strength, quality of life and reduce the risk of falling.