Are front crawl and back stroke swimming ok 14 months after THR?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi

I remember reading on here that some types of swimming are not recommended after THR. But couldn't remember whether front crawl and back stroke swimming are ok to do. I have no problems with my hip following THR 14 months ago.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

Jeremy

2

I think the breast stroke is not recommended, but I'm not sure for how long. As that is the stroke I use for swimming I will be interested to read other replies to your question.

 

3

I was just cleared by my surgeon to go back to swimming ( 6 weeks ) but  the one style of swimming not recommended was the breast stroke. too much torque on the hip.  I would think freestyle (crawl) and back stroke would be great exercise.  But you are much further along in your recovery, so you might be able to do breast stroke.  I am planning on starting w just the freestyle and backstroke.

4

I can only do doggy paddle so will have to check when I go for my chest up.

Miss my aqua classes not sure when I can start them again

5

Dear Jeremy

I think that was a thread I started some time ago. It was the normal breaststroke leg action that was to be avoided and this was confirmed by my surgeon's physio. I think she said to avoid that until six month post op.

Hope that helps.

Cheers

Richard

6

Hi Jeremy

I saw my Consultant 2 weeks ago this was 1 year post op. I specifically asked him about doing breast stroke and he said no not recommended by him. Do front and back crawl was his reply.

Hope this helps.

Regards Julie

7

I swam twice a week for an hour from 6 weeks after both hips being done. Now 1 year  and 6 months on. 

I swim using breast stroke arms and just wiggle my legs around a bit. It works for me!!!

8

Hi Jeremy, I swim most weeks either in my local lido, or in the sea when Im there. My surgeon is absolutely fine with breaststroke, but I waited until nearly 6 months. (I first swam at about 7 weeks, but not very successfully. I'm rubbish at crawl, so I did breaststroke arms and up and down legs. My hip wasn't keen.) Now feels great, really comfortable. I'm nearly a year post op. Good luck with your swimming, you should be fine.

9

Thanks for the replies, Stacey, Anne and Richard.

Most helpful.

Jeremy

10

Lynn, Judith - all very encouraging, thanks for the positive replies.

I'll get on with it then!

Jeremy

11

Great, I'll definitely include these.

Thank you for your reply.

Jeremy

12

What is a "local lido"?  I'm from the US and I have never heard that term.

13

Great discussion!! I am coming up to 5 weeks post Thr, and am looking forward to my first real exercise of swimming at 6 weeks. So all replies are brilliant and really useful

Cheers all

14

Public outdoor swimming pool! I'm from the US also (born in the UK) but Google is an amazing tool!

15

Jeremy,

How about using fins or flippers?  I know it puts a lot more effort into the kick, but it is too much? I'm starting my 7 month post op and have had a hard time with my IT Band, it's very painful. I'm in P.T. working on a torn meniscus, too, that happened during surgery. I'm now trying to loosen it up and repair the meniscus. Swimming slowly with fins makes it super easy, though. I just don't want to make what's bad---worse!  Thanks!

16

Great idea Dana thanks! Will try.

Jeremy

17

Sadly our pool doesn't allow fins or flippers

18

Hi Jeremy,

If all has gone well with your surgery & recovery, by 14 months you should be able to do any stroke.  During the first several months, you should stay away from the breast stroke. 

Best wishes!

19

Thanks Kimberly. No excuse not to lose a few pounds now!

20

Yeah, I know what you mean.  I did really good at first, but I've slacked off.  Last week a group of us at work all paid in $20.  We have to weigh in weekly.  Whoever loses the most weight in 6 weeks wins all the money.  I've always been very competitive, so this is great for me

I just weighed in today and lost 3 lbs last week.  I'm going for it!