How soon after surgery can I go in the pool

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi Everyone, i am having LTHR Aug 9, do you think I wil be ready to go back in the pool anytime in Aug or Oct?  You may be thinking, " girl, pool will be the last thing on your mind" you can tell me that!  lol 

thanks Annette

2

hi Annette,

usually around 6-8 weeks when you have less movement restrictions, off pain meds can drive and dress and undress, walk with no help. The main issue is the incision must be heeled. Not getting it wet for several weeks. After ur dr approves the incision has heeling and you can bathe and swim ask for water therapy exercises to stregthen your new hip.

3

Let me inform you that this type of surgery isn't a joke and it depend totally in your healing process. But dont think you going to be swimming laps. Maybe just chilling as long as your wound is healed

4

Would you mind telling what had happened that you had to go for LTHR. Why I am asking is because I am going to have LTHR in couple of days and I am only 34 years. 

5

Hi Annette,

i love swimming too! My consultant told me not to go in a normal swimming pool until 6 weeks minimum (I went at 7 weeks) due to risk of infection, even if you think the wound looks healed. 

You our can use a hydro pool in a hospital though iafter 5 days as these are monitored specially for patients post surgery so research if/where you have one of those locally to you. You won't be able to drive for at least 6 weeks and even getting in and out of the car as a passenger is tricky for the first 3-4 weeks so bear that in mind.

At 3 months I was back to swimming a few laps, but had to build up slowly and did my hydro therapy exercises in the pool most days. When I did too many I was very sore the next day. Am 4 months now and swim a mile 2 or 3 times a week like before my op. 

My advice is to try to find hydrotherapy sessions in a hospital near your home until 6-8 weeks as this was fantastic for me and then go slowly when you go to your normal pool after that.

As the other reply says, this surgery is really major and you will need to spend the first 6 weeks resting and healing, or you could risk your recovery. At 6 weeks you can start on the exercises etc but take it slow.

Good luck!

 

6

Well, I went in the pool the day after I had my clips out.  The wound was clean and dry so the doc said yes go for it. So that was just 2 weeks after my op.  I have been using a float and doing lengths just walking up and down and laying on my back and kicking my legs.  I am going to try front crawl today .  My specialist has given me the go ahead. I will let you know how I get on.  I'm 5 weeks post op. 

7

Hi Annette,  Good responses already - I have not much to add to them ...just take it one day at a time - this waiting time is nerve-wrecking, isn't it ? but you'll make it, wepromise ! big warm hugrenee

8

Hi Harry,

You are young for a THR but I see others in this forum even younger.  For me the cause is arthritis.  Have you been very active? I knew a guy 30 years ago going in at 30 years old due to a lifetime of skiing.  Keep us posted you will find great information here look for Rocketmans  guide it give a ton of helpful needed information. Good luck and stay in touch.

Annette

9

I feel kind of ebarrassed, I really should of said " how soon after surgery can I go in the pool"  I meant lay on a float.  I won't go nerar the pool till next spring.   

10

Good luck Jennifer!!!!  Sounds like you are doing well.

11

 .... do you mean laying on a floating device , air mattrass, in the pool???

well, that brings up other challenges .. you have to get on the thing, position yourself , float and get off without breaking 90 degree rule or any other rule ...

I apologize for being so ignorant 

12

Yes I did mean that and told my husband I thought it was a bad idea ( of course I would have asked the therapist or Dr) I kind of figured for posture alone it wouldn't work)

13

Hi Annette, I'm doing really well. I just swam 10 lengths front crawl in our 25 mtr pool. I felt I could have done a lot more but didn't want to overdo it.   I then did another 10 with a float around my waist doing a walking action up and down and a breast stroke action with my arms.  I feel great now.  Before my op I would swim a mile about 3/4 times a week so I have a way to go to get back there but I will get there.  

14

LOL, Annette.  That is my kind of 'swimming,' too!  I love to laze in the water.  I'd maybe be in the water and not just on a float, but I love stretching out and relaxing.  Actual swimming -- not so much!

You do have to make sure the incision is completely healed.  Plus I think the rest of falling around a slippery pool deck is a factor.  Be very careful with that.

Leslie

15

Very true, Renee.  I forgot all about the logistics of getting on a flotation device....and getting off!

16

Hi Annette:

 I don't have an answer to your question, as we all heal at different rates. Progress can be slow, but for some very fast depending on the type of approach used, to your general condition, age etc...My advice is listen to your doctor and he will tell you when you are healed enough to go in the pool. We have restrictions on moving certain ways for a while until things have healed enough. Hope I have been of some help. Wishing you well, and hope that all goes fine for you. Barb

17

Thank you Barb,

Hopefully I will be all set for next May/June timeframe.  I will have bigger things to worry about this year. thank you

18

Hi Annette ,I think a big challenge is the drag on your body when you are getting in and out of the pool.A friend of mine that teaches water aerobics said to pay attention to the extra drag put on your body.Some gyms that have pools are supposed to have a device for helping you in and out of the pool.Im 8 weeks out,starting back to work tomorrow but am nervous due to exercise limitations imposed by the fracture.I think just getting in a pool with a floatations device sounds good and same to for a whirlpool.Always feel free to ask questions here. Cant always word everything elegantly,but the question is what's important.

19

the pool and treading water has been a life saver for me before sugery, and after, with second surgery I asked my GP at 10 days post surgery. He laughed and said see you in a week, and then we will have a look at the possibility, and again at 10 days plus one week made me wait another week.

He was right, I was not healed up enough, the risk of infection was toooo HIGH. After that I was fine, and have been enyoing the pool since.

So end result I was in the pool 24 days after surgery, and treading water for my exercises, wonderful and physio couldn;t believe just how strong my legs were a few months later, was going to recommend to other hippies to get in the pool.

20

This is brutal surgery, and it will depend on your fitness before the operation, and your recovery.  We all recover differently.

Just take it easy, and take physio advice on when your body is ready to do swimming (or any other exercise).

Graham