In this episode of the University Orthopedics PT Podcast, we break down post-operative rehabilitation after hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and discuss key principles clinicians should follow during the early stages of recovery.
Host Dan Bien is joined by Ashley Disantis, DPT, OCS, and Keelan Ryan Enseki, PT, UPMC physical therapists and co-authors of the 2024 International Society for Hip Preservation consensus statement on post-operative rehab for hip arthroscopy. They share expert insights into rehabilitation phases, range-of-motion precautions, weight-bearing guidelines, and common mistakes clinicians make when managing patients after hip surgery.
This conversation also explores the evidence behind hip arthroscopy rehab protocols, including strategies for protecting the capsule, restoring mobility, and safely progressing strengthening and functional movement.
Whether you’re a physical therapist, sports medicine clinician, athletic trainer, or student, this episode provides practical guidance on optimizing hip arthroscopy recovery and FAI rehabilitation.
Time Codes:
– (01:22) Drs. Ashley Disantis and Dr. Keelan Enseki Bios
– (04:19) Early Post-Op Phase
- ROM Progression
- Prevalence of stiffness
- Flexion and sitting precautions
- External Rotation (ER)
- Prevalence of anterior hip microinstability
– (15:35) Anatomical considerations with imaging, intra-operative findings, etc. and influence on rehab
– (17:26) Hip circumduction
– (21:00) Restoring lumbopelvic control
- Historical context
- Assessment buckets- static posture, dynamic, load-bearing/functional
- Training positional progression
- Debate with whether to correct and how much to correct
– (29:07) Blood Flow Restriction use post-operatively
– (33:50) Hip flexor training progressions
– (38:50) Lag in hip strength restoration- causes/contributors
– (43:06) Muscle group involvement
– (44:05) Functional movement plane involvement
– (47:00) Benchmarks/ criteria and staged progression
– (50:20) Preferred outcome score
– (52:41) Return to Sports testing
– (58:00) Force plate testing
– (60:50) Evidence gaps for hip arthroscopy rehab
– (63:51) Future projects
About Dan Bien
Dan Bien is a physical therapist at our Kettle Point Campus in East Providence. Dan has worked at University Orthopedics since 2006 and serves as the Coordinator of Clinical Education for the physical therapy department.
Dan is currently recognized as an Orthopedic Certified Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist through the National Strength and Conditioning Association, and a Credentialed Clinical Instructor by the American Physical Therapy Association.