MODEL RELEASED. Physiotherapy. Patient undergoing physiotherapy after a double hip replacement. The nurse is moving his leg to mobilise the hip joint. The man is wearing support stockings to reduce the risk of post-operative embolism or deep vein thrombosis. Physiotherapy is the use of exercises to regain mobility and strength. It is often used after surgery. Hips that have become stiff and painful due to arthritis are often replaced with prosthetic (artificial) joints.