Hip fractures don’t behave like “just another broken bone,” especially in older adults. In Spain, hip fractures create a standout fragility-fracture burden because they often lead to surgery, hospital admission and a real drop in independence. National data (patients ≥65) recorded 756,308 hip fractures from 2001–2018, with case counts rising by 49% over that period. Recent national hospital discharge figures also show scale, Spain recorded 64,192 hip-fracture hospitalizations in 2020, with 5.3% in-hospital mortality.

 

What makes hip fragility fractures “dominant” is not only the number of cases, it’s the impact. The Spanish National Hip Fracture Registry reports that 82% of patients walked independently before their fracture, but only 59% still walked independently one month later.

That change affects everything; bathing, stairs, shopping, sleep, confidence and whether someone can live at home.

 

This is where physiotherapy makes a practical difference.

Rehabilitation works best when it starts early and stays consistent. NICE states that adults with hip fracture should start rehabilitation at least once a day, no later than the day after surgery.

 

Research also links early mobilization to better short-term outcomes after surgery.

After you leave hospital, evidence supports structured strengthening, balance work, gait training, and home exercise programs to improve physical function.

 

At CostaSpine in Marbella, our physiotherapists Dan, Haim and Emiliano work with patients recovering from hip fractures and hip surgery to rebuild mobility and independence. Treatment typically includes:

• Post-operative physiotherapy
• Strengthening exercises for the hip and leg muscles
• Manual therapy
• Balance training
• Structured home exercise programs

 

That means we help you stand up and walk safely, rebuild hip and thigh strength, improve balance and practice the daily tasks that matter. Get out of a chair, use stairs and walk with less fear.

 

If you want one small starting point at home (and your surgeon has cleared movement), begin with:

· Simple, repeatable exercises like ankle pumps, quad sets, gentle heel slides, bridging and sit-to-stand practice

· Use a safe space

· Wear supportive shoes

· Keep pain in an acceptable range while you build up gradually

 

If you or a loved one is recovering from a hip fracture, the physiotherapy team at CostaSpine (Guadalmina and Aloha) can assess your condition and create a personalised rehabilitation plan to support your recovery. We’ll help you turn rehab into real-world independence again.