Post-Total Hip Replacement (THR) rehabilitation in Canberra.

Structured exercise physiology for post-total hip replacement (thr). Evidence-based, 1:1 with James Murphy AEP. NDIS, DVA, Medicare CDM and private health accepted.

Post-Total Hip Replacement (THR)...
Progressive evidence-based loading
1:1 sessions, never groups
NDIS, DVA & Medicare accepted

Book an appointment → 0418 153 608

Condition & approach

Post-Total Hip Replacement (THR).

Post-THR rehabilitation progresses through hip precaution-respecting early loading, then progressive strengthening of hip abductors, extensors, and flexors, gait retraining, balance and stair work, and return to full activity. James coordinates with your surgeon and sends progress letters to your GP. Sessions typically start 2–4 weeks post-surgery on surgical clearance.

All programs are 1:1 with James and reviewed every 6 weeks. Progress letters are sent to your GP or surgeon within 2 weeks of initial assessment.

What the evidence says.

A hip replacement is one of the most successful operations in medicine, but the prosthesis is only half the outcome. The other half is what you rebuild around it. Research consistently shows hip abductor weakness and gait compensations persisting for years after replacement in people who never completed structured rehabilitation, and equally shows that progressive strengthening after surgery improves walking speed, stair capacity and confidence well beyond what time alone delivers. Modern practice has also relaxed many of the blanket movement restrictions of past decades, precautions are now tailored to your surgical approach, not applied forever by folklore.

How I treat it.

I work from your surgeon's protocol and timeline. Early weeks focus on walking quality, swelling and gentle strength. The middle phase rebuilds the glutes and quads properly, this is where most people are under rehabilitated, stopping at 'walking okay' instead of continuing to 'strong'. The final phase returns you to the life the hip was replaced for: gardening, travel, golf, the gym, grandchildren.

Massage work for the guarded muscles around a surgical hip is folded into the same sessions.

What we aim for.

A symmetrical, confident walk without a limp or a lean
Glute strength restored, measured against the other side
Stairs, cars and low chairs without strategy or fear
The active retirement the surgery was meant to buy

Frequently asked

Post-Total Hip Replacement (THR) is covered by DVA with a D904 GP referral at no cost to eligible veterans. NDIS covers hip conditions where they impact your disability-related function. Medicare CDM plans from your GP provide up to 5 Medicare-rebated sessions per year. Private health extras and self-pay are also available.

In most cases, structured exercise rehabilitation is the recommended first-line approach. James will advise based on your specific presentation, imaging, and goals, and coordinates with your orthopaedic surgeon's recommendations.

This depends significantly on your specific condition, severity, and goals. James will give you a realistic timeline estimate at your initial assessment, with formal reviews every 6 weeks.

Key evidence

Recent literature behind this program.

A selection of the research and clinical guidelines that inform how this condition is managed at Fitness & Wellbeing Physiology.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder (NG157). NICE Guideline 2020.

Evidence summaries are provided for information only and are not a substitute for individual clinical assessment.

Online booking

Book your appointment.

Same-week availability for NDIS, DVA, CDM, CTP and private clients.

Prefer to call? 0418 153 608 · or email admin@fwphysiology.com