Arthroscopy

What is a hip arthroscopy?

A hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a small camera is inserted into the hip joint to repair cartilage tears or remove loose fragments. This keyhole surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia.

During a hip arthroscopy, a small camera is inserted into the joint through a tiny incision in the skin to assess and repair any damage. The key benefit of this procedure is that it is far less invasive than a traditional hip replacement. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful recovery. Early physiotherapy intervention helps restore movement, strength, and function more quickly, allowing you to return to your daily or sporting activities sooner.

Physiotherapy before a hip arthroscopy

Physiotherapy before your operation is important to support a smoother and faster recovery. Pre-operative physiotherapy focuses on strengthening the muscles around your hip joint and maintaining muscle flexibility. Engaging in activities you enjoy, such as walking or swimming, is recommended in the weeks and months leading up to your surgery, as often as possible, to help prepare your body for the procedure.

Symptoms after your hip arthroscopy

After your operation, it is normal to experience some pain at your hip joint, which can be managed with painkillers if needed. You may also feel tired or fatigued due to the effects of the anaesthesia.

You will be able to leave the hospital either on the day of your surgery or the following morning. Before discharge, a physiotherapist will visit you to demonstrate exercises that you should continue at home to support your recovery.

You will also receive guidance on wound care, a supply of painkillers, and any necessary equipment, such as dressings, bandages, crutches, or splints. A dressing will be placed over the incision and should be kept in place for 2–4 days.

You will also be provided with crutches to ensure safe walking during your recovery.

Physiotherapy following your hip arthroscopy

Physiotherapy should begin as soon as possible after your operation. Early physiotherapy helps restore hip joint movement, increase muscle strength, and improve your overall functional ability.

1-2 weeks

In the first couple of weeks after surgery, your physiotherapist at acephysiosports.com will focus on restoring your range of motion and guiding gentle strengthening and stretching exercises while allowing your tissues to heal and pain to settle. They will assess your mobility with or without support, teaching you the safest and most effective ways to stay active, promoting independence and safety. If you are partially or non-weight bearing, your physiotherapist will advise you on when to progress to full weight bearing and safely discard your crutches. Short- and long-term goals will be established to support a full and timely recovery.

2-6 weeks

Once you are fully weight-bearing and experiencing minimal pain, your exercises will be progressed to:

  • Increase hip and leg strength – targeting glutes, hamstrings, quadriceps, and core muscles.
  • Improve range of motion – ensuring full flexibility of the hip joint.
  • Enhance balance and proprioception – improving stability and coordination.
  • Restore functional mobility – safe walking, climbing stairs, and daily activity movements.
  • Introduce low-impact cardiovascular exercises – such as cycling or swimming to improve endurance.
  • Prepare for sport-specific or higher-level activities – gradually reintroducing movements relevant to your lifestyle or sport.

6-12 weeks

At this stage of your rehabilitation, your physiotherapist at acephysiosports.com will focus on increasing muscle strength, improving cardiovascular endurance, and balance training. These exercises will begin once your walking is pain-free and your range of motion is fully restored. With guidance from your physiotherapist, you should also be able to start activities aimed at returning to social or recreational sports.

The speed at which you progress through these stages of rehabilitation depends not only on the extent of your surgery but also on your individual effort and participation. Physiotherapy following a hip arthroscopy helps to restore range of motion, improve muscle strength, and enhance balance, supporting your return to activities as quickly and safely as possible.

Summary

For more information or to book an appointment, call +65 8153 5374, book online, or request a free phone consultation.

Get treated today!

We have immediate appointments available today. Contact us to make an appointment.

Find out more »

We are open...

Our clinics are open:
Mon - Fri: 8am - 8pm
Sat: 8am - 4pm
Sun: On Appointment Basis

Find your nearest clinic

Acephysio Sports have clinics located throughout the Singapore.

Find out more »