4 weeks ago I had my first hip replacement (the other hip will be done at the end of this year) and my surgeon told me that, due to my age (48), physio would be very important to get the best from my new hip and help with recovery. I was told to make an appointment for 2 weeks after surgery to get me started and then rebook with the physio whilst there. I was unable to get an appointment until 3 weeks after and so made the decision to move on to the week 2 exercises (thanks to the internet) in the meantime. When attending the physio on (week 3), she checked that I had been doing all exercises correctly (which I had) and told me that they no longer offer more physio as it is not necessary. I am still on crutches and have not been able to walk properly for 5 years which has resulted in muscle wastage and so was eager to learn some strengthening exercises once I am off my crutches. Can anyone advise me on what I should do ? Is it safe for me to follow exercises from the internet ?
i paid for some private physio to get exercise programme as despite doing all the ones in the booklet and internet I needed more help to get the muscles working properly and avoid being left with a limp. i do recommend this as it was the best investment in my health. they also noticed my top half of my body leaning the wrong way that would lead to balance problems and helped correct that. i am 56 and active. worth getting a physio that has recent experience of us younger people having hip replacements too. best of luck.
Thank you Gill, that’s good advice and I had considered this as I am determined to make the most of my new hip.
I do like to be referred to as us younger people ; )
Hi Joblizz and Gill,
“Us younger people”? I love it! I had my first THR at 50, almost 2 years ago. I pretty quickly added in a second private physio when my rate of recovery didn’t seem to be what I though it should, and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am having hiccups with my replacement, however, due to a leg length discrepancy that my body can’t reconcile, but the consulting surgeon for my revision is very pleased with my strength. At the end of the day I was happy to stop the senseless chatter that I needed to strengthen more!
I say go for it, just don’t over do it.
Melanie
Hi Joblizz,
After my hip op I was not offered any physio at all, sent home on second day with a piece of paper that had some exercises on, just left to get on with it.
I suppose I was lucky as after the hip op I had no pain at all and my legs were levelled up after years of one leg shorter than the other, I made penguins jealous with my penguin walk.
Walk as much as you can, do the exercises given, if you can get an exercise bike or elliptical walker that would be good. Joining a pilates class would help build muscle as well and help flexibility. It is important to walk heel to toe, it will stop any limping.
Do not give your crutches too soon, when out walking, when you feel confident use one, when you do decide to walk without any, take a folding walking stick in case you need support. Most importantly, don’t rush your recovery, slow but sure.
hi Jen. Thank you for your advice. I do have an elliptical training machine and wasn’t sure I should use it, but I will give it a go. I have just tried walking around the house concentrating on my heel to toe and I did manage a few steps without my crutches : )
I think I may have been expecting too much so soon as the difference was so great in the first two weeks and now it’s slowed down. I have a Fitbit and so will keep track of how much I walk and try to increase it daily.
Thank you Melanie. I will go for it ; )…slow and steady
pilates reformer really helped me and im 65
I had my THR in September last year. I didn’t receive any physio post op, just the exercise sheet with fairly basic movements.
To get back to full strength I have enlisted the help of a personal trainer in my gym who is very rehab focused. We’re working on reactivating all the muscles that have been damaged and/or weakened during surgery. I cannot tell you the difference this has made… my mobility is back to normal and I’d say I’m 90% there in terms of strength.
This might be something for you to consider as an alternative to physio which from my previous experience doesn’t tend to be particularly effective!
Same for me. I saw the physios 4 weeks after my op to be signed off and they gave me one of those elastic things to build up your legs and that was it.
Same for me too! Had my only physio appointment at 6 weeks, she showed me how to walk nicely, heel to toe, and discharged me without my crutches… It was a big shock to start with, but my walking gradually improved.
How was your progress after the 3 weeks?
How was your progress after 6 weeks ?
I did limp a bit at first, but it gradually improved, and I tried to concentrate on walking properly. I walked every day, and did my exercises. I went swimming at about 7/8 weeks, but it wasn’t v successful, because I’m hopeless at crawl, and I knew that it was too early to be swimming breast stroke. I later bumped into my surgeon when I was about 5 months post op, and asked him about breast stroke and he said it was fine.
I think everyone makes different progress, depending on previous fitness, age, type of surgery and I was told that full recovery can take up to a year. It was certainly true for me. I think just take it steadily. I was able to get back to all my activities, swimming, cycling, skiing . My surgeon just said no more running, (except running for a bus!) and I’m ok with that. I hope that your recovery goes really well.
Thank you Judith
That of reassuring. I am glad you recovered well and I am looking forward to the next few months : )