Hip Fracture Treatment in NYC
Manhattan Physical Therapy
A hip fracture can change your life in an instant, but the right treatment and rehabilitation can help you regain mobility and independence. Whether the injury happens after a fall, sports accident, or car collision, early medical care followed by structured physical therapy plays a major role in recovery.A hip fracture can change your life in an instant, but the right treatment and rehabilitation can help you regain mobility and independence. Whether the injury happens after a fall, sports accident, or car collision, early medical care followed by structured physical therapy plays a major role in recovery.
What Is a Hip Fracture?
A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the femur (thigh bone), close to the hip joint. Unlike a simple bruise or muscle strain, a fractured hip is considered a medical emergency because it can severely limit mobility and increase the risk of serious complications if treatment is delayed. Most hip fractures occur in one of three locations:
Femoral neck fractures (the most common type)
Intertrochanteric fractures (between two bony prominences of the femur)
Subtrochanteric fractures (just below the hip joint)
Although younger adults can sustain hip fractures during high-impact trauma, the majority occur in adults over 65 due to falls and age-related bone loss. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults in the United States, resulting in millions of emergency department visits each year.
What Are the Symptoms of a Hip Fracture?
The symptoms often appear immediately after the injury. While some fractures make standing impossible, others, especially small or impacted fractures, may initially cause only moderate pain. Because delayed treatment can worsen the injury, it's important to seek medical attention whenever a hip fracture is suspected. Common symptoms include:
Severe pain in the hip, groin, or upper thigh
Inability or extreme difficulty standing or walking
Pain that worsens when putting weight on the injured leg
Swelling and bruising around the hip
A leg that appears shorter than the other
The foot or leg turning outward
Limited range of motion
Tenderness around the hip joint
In some older adults with osteoporosis, even a seemingly minor fall at home can result in a fracture. Occasionally, stress fractures caused by repetitive loading may develop gradually, producing persistent groin pain before a complete break occurs.
When Should You Go to the Emergency Room?
You should seek immediate emergency care if you:
Cannot bear weight after a fall
Experience severe hip or groin pain
Notice obvious deformity of the leg
Hear or feel a "snap" during the injury
Have increasing swelling or numbness after trauma
What Causes Hip Fractures?
Hip fractures occur when the force placed on the bone exceeds its strength. The underlying cause often depends on the person's age, bone health, and the type of accident involved.
Falls
Falls are responsible for the vast majority of hip fractures in older adults. As balance, muscle strength, and bone density decline with age, even a fall from standing height may cause the hip to break.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis weakens bones by reducing their mineral density, making fractures much more likely. Nearly one in two women and up to one in four men over age 50 will experience an osteoporosis-related fracture during their lifetime, making bone health a significant factor in hip injuries.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
High-speed collisions generate enough force to fracture even healthy bones. Younger adults involved in car or motorcycle accidents frequently sustain hip fractures along with other traumatic injuries.
Sports Injuries
Although less common, athletes participating in football, skiing, cycling, horseback riding, or contact sports may experience hip fractures following direct impact or severe twisting injuries.
Repetitive Stress
Distance runners, military recruits, and individuals participating in repetitive high-impact activities may develop stress fractures in the femoral neck. Early diagnosis helps prevent these small cracks from progressing into complete fractures.
Who Is Most at Risk for a Hip Fracture?
While anyone can suffer a hip fracture after major trauma, certain factors greatly increase the likelihood of this injury.
Older Adults
Age remains the strongest risk factor. As bone density decreases and balance becomes less stable, the chance of falling and sustaining a fracture rises significantly.
People with Osteoporosis or Osteopenia
Weakened bones require far less force to break. Many patients are unaware they have osteoporosis until a fracture occurs.
Women
Women experience hip fractures more frequently than men because bone loss accelerates after menopause. Longer life expectancy also contributes to the higher overall risk.
Individuals with Balance or Neurological Disorders
Conditions affecting coordination or walking increase fall risk, including:
Parkinson's disease
Stroke
Multiple sclerosis
Peripheral neuropathy
Vertigo
Patients with Vision Problems
Poor eyesight makes it more difficult to recognize obstacles, uneven sidewalks, or stairs, increasing the likelihood of falls.
Certain Medications
Some medications may contribute to dizziness, reduced alertness, or lower bone density, including certain sedatives, sleep medications, corticosteroids, and medications that affect blood pressure.
Previous Fractures
A history of fractures often indicates underlying bone weakness, placing patients at greater risk for future injuries if preventive measures are not taken.
How Is a Hip Fracture Diagnosed?
A hip fracture requires prompt diagnosis because delaying treatment can increase the risk of complications, including blood clots, pneumonia, muscle loss, and prolonged immobility. In most cases, diagnosis begins in the emergency department immediately after the injury.
Your healthcare provider will review how the injury occurred, evaluate your symptoms, and perform a physical examination. They will check for pain, swelling, leg position, range of motion, and whether you can safely bear weight on the injured side. To confirm the diagnosis and identify the exact type of fracture, imaging tests are usually required.
X-rays
Standard X-rays are the first imaging test performed. They identify most hip fractures and help determine their location and severity.
MRI
If symptoms strongly suggest a fracture but X-rays appear normal, an MRI may be recommended. MRI scans are highly sensitive for detecting stress fractures and small fractures that are not visible on standard X-rays.
CT Scan
CT scans provide detailed images of the bone and may be used to evaluate complex fractures, surgical planning, or injuries involving multiple bones.
How Is a Hip Fracture Treated?
Most hip fractures require surgery because the broken bone rarely heals properly without surgical stabilization. The specific procedure depends on the fracture location, patient age, bone quality, overall health, and activity level. Treatment generally involves three stages:
Emergency medical care
Surgical repair or replacement
Comprehensive rehabilitation with physical therapy
The goal is not only to heal the bone but also to restore mobility and help patients regain their independence as safely as possible.
Surgical Treatment
Common surgical procedures include:
Internal Fixation
Metal screws, pins, or plates are used to hold the broken bone together while it heals. This option is often appropriate for stable fractures and some younger patients.
Hip Hemiarthroplasty
If the femoral head has been severely damaged, the surgeon may replace the ball portion of the hip while leaving the socket intact. This procedure is frequently performed for displaced femoral neck fractures in older adults.
Total Hip Replacement
In certain cases, both the ball and socket of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components. Total hip replacement may provide better long-term function for active patients with severe joint damage or arthritis.
Intramedullary Nail Fixation
Intertrochanteric and subtrochanteric fractures are commonly stabilized using a rod placed inside the femur along with screws to maintain alignment during healing.
Why Is Physical Therapy Essential After a Hip Fracture?
Surgery repairs the bone, but physical therapy restores movement.
Without rehabilitation, many patients experience persistent weakness, stiffness, poor balance, and difficulty performing everyday activities. Research consistently shows that early rehabilitation improves walking ability, functional independence, and quality of life after hip fracture surgery. Physical therapy helps patients:
Regain strength in the hip and leg muscles
Improve flexibility and joint mobility
Restore normal walking mechanics
Improve balance and coordination
Reduce pain and stiffness
Prevent muscle loss after surgery
Lower the risk of future falls
Return to work, hobbies, and daily activities safely
What Does Hip Fracture Rehabilitation Involve?
Every rehabilitation program should be tailored to the patient's age, surgical procedure, overall health, and personal goals. At Manhattan Physical Therapy, treatment plans focus on helping each patient recover safely while progressing at an appropriate pace.
Early Recovery Phase
Rehabilitation often begins within 24 to 48 hours after surgery once the orthopedic surgeon determines it is safe. During this stage, therapy focuses on:
Gentle range-of-motion exercises
Bed mobility
Safe transfers
Walking with a walker or crutches
Swelling management
Pain control
Breathing exercises to reduce postoperative complications
Early movement helps reduce the risk of blood clots, pressure injuries, and muscle loss.
Strength and Mobility Phase
As healing progresses, treatment becomes more active. Your physical therapist may introduce:
Hip strengthening exercises
Quadriceps strengthening
Gluteal strengthening
Core stability exercises
Stationary cycling
Controlled weight-bearing progression
Flexibility exercises
Balance and Gait Training
Many patients develop abnormal walking patterns after surgery. Physical therapists focus on:
Walking with proper posture
Improving stride length
Stair climbing
Weight shifting
Single-leg stability
Fall prevention strategies
Functional Training
As recovery continues, therapy becomes increasingly focused on real-world activities. Patients practice:
Getting in and out of bed
Sitting and standing safely
Climbing stairs
Carrying groceries
Entering and exiting vehicles
Returning to work-related activities
Recreational movement when appropriate
What Exercises Help After a Hip Fracture?
Exercise is one of the most important parts of recovery. The right exercises improve circulation, reduce stiffness, rebuild strength, and restore mobility. A physical therapist may recommend exercises such as:
Ankle pumps
Glute squeezes
Quadriceps sets
Heel slides
Hip abduction exercises
Straight leg raises (when appropriate)
Standing hip extensions
Mini squats
Sit-to-stand practice
Step-ups
Walking progression
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery varies depending on:
Age
Overall health
Bone quality
Type of fracture
Surgical procedure
Participation in rehabilitation
Although every patient heals differently, many people follow a general timeline:
First 2 weeks
Pain and swelling gradually decrease.
Walking begins with an assistive device.
Basic exercises are introduced.
Weeks 3 to 8
Strength and endurance improve.
Walking distance increases.
Daily activities become easier.
2 to 6 months
Most patients regain significantly better mobility.
Many transition away from walkers or canes.
Functional exercises become more advanced.
6 to 12 months
Recovery continues with improvements in strength, confidence, and endurance.
Some patients regain nearly their previous level of activity, while others may continue to experience mild limitations depending on age and overall health.
Consistent attendance at physical therapy sessions and following a home exercise program can make a meaningful difference in recovery.
Can Hip Fractures Be Prevented?
Not every hip fracture can be prevented, but many can be avoided by reducing fall risk and maintaining healthy bones. Helpful preventive measures include:
Staying physically active
Performing balance and strength exercises
Treating osteoporosis
Eating enough calcium and vitamin D
Wearing supportive footwear
Improving lighting at home
Removing loose rugs and trip hazards
Installing grab bars in bathrooms
Having regular vision and hearing checks
Reviewing medications that may affect balance
If you're recovering from hip fracture surgery or have been referred for rehabilitation, contact Manhattan Physical Therapy today to schedule an evaluation. Call (212)-213-3480 to begin a personalized treatment plan designed to support your recovery and help you get back to the activities that matter most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a hip fracture heal without surgery?
Most hip fractures require surgery. Without surgical stabilization, the bone often cannot heal in proper alignment, leading to prolonged pain, immobility, and a higher risk of complications.
When should physical therapy begin?
In many cases, rehabilitation starts within 24 to 48 hours after surgery, depending on your surgeon's recommendations and overall medical condition.
Is it normal to have pain during rehabilitation?
Some soreness and discomfort are expected as you begin moving again. However, therapy should not cause severe or worsening pain. Your physical therapist will adjust your program based on your symptoms and recovery.
How many physical therapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on your fracture type, surgery, overall health, and personal goals. Many patients benefit from several weeks to a few months of supervised rehabilitation.
What Do They Say About Us?
Alexander Liu
"Everyone on the team at Manhattan Physical Therapy is super nice and caring. They were able to pretty quickly diagnose my knee and hip problems and immediately put me to work to reduce the pain.."
Henry Myerberg
"You're not just a patient when you come to the Manhattan Physical Therapy. You feel like family there. In particular, Erica with her colleagues John, Lidia and Joe not only fix and improve you physically, they make you feel welcomed and cared for.."
Hakyung Kim
"Everyone is so kind and helpful! my knee and hip pain have improved massively since starting Manhattan PT, highly recommend to anyone. special thanks to Bianca, Lidia, Joe, and John!"
Manhattan Physical Therapy
✆ Phone (appointments):
(212) 213-3480
Address: 385 5th Ave, Suite 503, New York, NY 10016
