17/07/2023
Hip replacement is one of the most common elective surgical procedures in Britain; it has completely revolutionised arthritic hip treatment and is considered one of the most successful orthopaedic interventions of its generation.
Hip replacements have progressed significantly since 1891, when Professor Themistocles Glück first attempted to use ivory to replace the head of the femur, in patients whose hip joints had been destroyed by tuberculosis. These days the entire hip joint can be replaced, and patients can even be up and walking again within a day.
A full recovery however averages between six to 12 weeks and the movements and exercises after surgery will have a huge impact on the overall result. Physiotherapy is a crucial part of the recovery procedure, enabling patients to gradually build back strength and mobility.
Physiotherapy also helps to reduce joint pain and reduce the risk of a fall, as you build more muscle strength. It will empower you to gradually increase your independence with daily tasks and fundamentally improve your quality of life.
What are the benefits of private physiotherapy?
Flexibility: choosing where and when you have your physiotherapy treatment means you can choose somewhere that is local and convenient and a time that suits your schedule.
Reduced waiting times: you can be left waiting for up to or in excess of 13 weeks for physiotherapy on the NHS. Booking private physiotherapy is an extremely quick turnaround and you can be attending an appointment promptly after approval of a claim. Vitality, for example, pledge to often be in contact within one working day after receiving confirmation that a claim has been approved.
Skipping GP referrals: it is often the case with many insurers that you can access physiotherapy treatment without requiring a GP referral.
Frequency of treatment: you have the authority to choose how many sessions you have on a weekly or monthly basis that you feel will meet your needs and recovery best. Frequency of NHS appointments can have large gaps in between due to long waiting lists; which currently totals over 7.4 million. Private physiotherapy can give you that reassurance and certainty of regular sessions, so not delaying professional support with your recovery.
Additional benefits: whilst physio treatments would be covered by your PMI policy, you would also be able to benefit from all the other benefits of having a policy. Some of the most popular benefits include cancer cover, Digital GP and mental health support resources. Check out the full list of core cover benefits with top UK leading insurers that we are partnered with.
What does typical physiotherapy after hip replacement look like?
Typically, a maximum of two sessions of physiotherapy will be offered on the NHS after a hip replacement but this will also be subject to your needs and recovery. This will often take place at the hospital where your hip replacement surgery took place and will provide initial support with balance and strength for walking after surgery.
In the weeks following surgery, a typical private physiotherapy session will consist of the following, in order to enhance the range of movement in your hip, as well as building up the muscle around it:
- Strengthening exercises such as knee bends
- Stretching exercises to help with hip muscle flexibility
- Balance training such as reverse lunges
- Gait support
With private physiotherapy you will be able to gain support with other areas where you wish to build strength or increase mobility, and not just limited to one specific area. Below we have rounded up some examples of the types of exercises you can expect from a private physiotherapy session which aims to help with hip muscle strength and flexibility:
- Child’s pose: rocking back onto heels flexing hip.
- Double leg hip rotation: on your back with knees bent 90° with feet shoulder width apart and making a windscreen wiper action.
- Single leg balance: balance on right/left foot
- Standing from kneeling position: with a chair in front of you, you will stand from a kneeling position.
Check out our blog post on strength training at any age - for more guidance and suggestions on exercises such as yoga: growing stronger at any age.
Will paying as you go save you money?
Typical sessions for physiotherapy consultations, on a pay as you go basis, are anywhere between £60 and £200 on average. Bupa, for example, start their physiotherapy consultations at £95 and follow-up consultations at £72, based on the Greater London area.
In comparison, premiums are typically less than this a month, and will typically include core cover that includes a number of physiotherapy sessions and other benefits such as cancer cover, inpatient and outpatient treatments, and digital GP service.
How much physiotherapy do top insurers cover?
Many of the top UK leading insurers include physiotherapy in their core cover meaning you can claim up to a set number of sessions without any added cost to your premium. Core cover for many of the leading insurers will also include various inpatient and outpatient diagnostics and treatments, cancer cover, and digital GP services. Let’s take a look at some of the UK leading insurers and their physiotherapy offerings:
AXA Health: physiotherapy is included under inpatient cover which is part of core cover with a PMI policy with AXA. If you are looking for more extensive physiotherapy further along into your recovery, then purchasing the therapies cover which is an optional extra is a great option. This also includes physiotherapists, acupuncturists, homeopaths, osteopaths, and chiropractors. There is no yearly limit on fees too which is a bonus.
Bupa: physiotherapy is included under comprehensive cover with Bupa By You. It covers out-patient physiotherapy up to your chosen limit from the following options: £500, £750, £100, Unlimited. This also includes other therapies such as acupuncturists.
Exeter: physiotherapy is included in core cover which is for post-operative out-patient physiotherapy after surgery. This covers up to three sessions of physiotherapy. Therapies cover includes physiotherapy treatment if requirements fall outside of the core cover benefits. Chosen cover limit options are: unlimited, up to £1,000 cover per policy year, up to £500 cover per policy year.
Vitality: physiotherapy is included in your core cover which provides up to six sessions and the out-patient cover as an add on option which will cover out-of-network sessions of up to £35. Chosen cover limit options are: £500, £750, £1000, £1250, £1500, full cover.
Top UK insurers that we are partnered with have physio networks with an array of accredited physiotherapists up and down the UK. For example, Vitality have a Priority Physio Network of over 5,000 accredited and peer reviewed physiotherapists at over 1,700 locations. Many private clinics specialise in post-surgery orthopaedic cases including hip replacement.
What else does private health insurance cover?
In addition to physiotherapy and core cover, leading UK insurers that we are partnered with also typically offer cancer cover as standard as well as a variety of optional extras including dental, optical, and mental health. Call Usay Compare today and chat to one of our expert advisers about your individual needs and get your free, no-obligation quote.
*Terms and conditions will apply to the above offerings.
