Table 1.

Overview of postoperative rehabilitation protocol – hands-on physical therapy care [25]

Technique	Aim	Description	Timeframe	Dosage
Soft tissue massage and trigger point therapy of iliopsoas, rectus femoris, sartorius, adductor group, gluteus medius/minimus, tensor fascia latae and quadratus lumborum muscles	Address soft tissue restrictions with the aim of pain reduction and mobility improvement of the hip and pelvis	Sustained pressure to each trigger point (with muscle on stretch). Longitudinal massage along the muscle belly	Week 2 - 14	30–60 seconds per trigger point < 5 minutes per muscle
Manual mobilizations of the hip	To improve mobility and pain-free movement of the hip (especially flexion and internal/external rotation)	Traction directed inferior with hip in maximum loose packed position. Traction applied with traction belt directed inferiorly/laterally with hip in flexion (and, if necessary, rotations)	Week 2 – 8	3–5 sets 30–60 seconds
Manual mobilizations of the lumbar spine	To improve mobility and pain-free movement of the hip and lumbar spine	Unilateral posterior-anterior accessory glides grade 3 or 4. Gentle mobilizations with subject/participant lying on their side	Week 2 – 8	3–5 sets 30–60 seconds
Manual mobilizations of the pelvis	To improve mobility and pain-free movement of the hip and pelvis	Mobilizations of the ilium in the anterior or posterior direction or mobilization of the sacrum	Week 2 – 8	3–5 sets 30–60 seconds

The physical therapy protocol is performed by one physical therapist (MT) and is semi-structured. The hands-on physical therapy care will be based on subject specific indications and clinical presentation such as pain and range of motion (ROM) restrictions. In case multiple techniques are indicated the order will be as follows: manual mobilizations of lumbar spine, pelvis and hip before soft tissue massage and trigger point therapy