Talk Therapy to Reduce Fear of Movement After Hip Surgery

After hip replacement surgery, some people develop intense fear of movement, which can slow their recovery. This trial tests whether cognitive behavioral therapy—a type of talk therapy that helps people change unhelpful thoughts and behaviors—can reduce this fear when added to standard physical therapy exercises. Researchers want to see if combining talk therapy with regular rehabilitation improves both your mindset and your ability to move and function after surgery.

Many people who have hip replacement surgery become afraid to move, even when movement is safe and necessary for healing. This fear can prevent them from doing physical therapy exercises and getting better. Early research suggests this type of talk therapy works well for movement-related fears after knee surgery, so researchers want to test whether it helps hip surgery patients too.