What is the primary goal of physical therapy for residents after a hip fracture?

The primary goal of physical therapy for residents after a hip fracture is to improve strengthening and ambulating ability. Following a hip fracture, individuals often experience significant loss of mobility and strength in the affected leg. Physical therapy plays a critical role in rehabilitation by implementing exercises that focus on rebuilding muscle strength, improving balance, and enhancing overall mobility.

The importance of improving ambulation is paramount, as this allows residents to regain independence and perform daily activities safely. Effective physical therapy helps prevent complications, such as deep vein thrombosis and muscle atrophy, which can occur during prolonged immobility. Through targeted exercises, residents are guided toward regaining their pre-injury activity levels, ultimately fostering recovery and enhancing their quality of life.

Other options, such as confining the resident to bed rest, are counterproductive to recovery, as movement is essential for healing. Ensuring total care for the resident may include various aspects of health management, but it does not encompass the specific physical rehabilitation focus that is critical post-fracture. Although lessening the need for assistance is a beneficial outcome of strengthening and ambulating improvements, it is more of a result than the primary goal of physical therapy itself.