Yesterday evening, I went swimming. Exactly 7 weeks after TRHR. I had checked with physio at my 6 week assessment and was told that swimming is one of the best things that I can do. Including breaststroke. So, that is what I did, I was rather nervous, and found myself swimming like a one-legged frog...the right leg I kind of just let it paddle about for a bit, then tried some Very small kicking leg movements with it. I also did some walking from one side of the pool to the other, in the shallow end haha! some gentle lunges and side stepping. All in all, I was very happy with the 40 minutes I spent in the pool. Today, I was pleasantly suprised to find that I didn't ache any more than I usually do, and am going swimming again tomorrow evening.
I must admit, I wasn't sure about breaststroke, but, my physio explained that because the joint is a ball and socket, rotating around is what it is designed for and is meant to do, just to start of very very slowly and work up from there. I'm not a strong swimmer, and in fact I don't even really like swimming, but, it was deeply satisfying to be able to get out and do some form of exercise that didn't involve the use of a crutch, or a stick, or having to be careful where I walk. A sense of freedom, almost, is what I'm trying to say. The most difficult part, for me, was trying to peel off a wet swimsuit!
I'm so glad to hear you were permitted and even encouraged to do the breast stroke -- my favorite stroke. I thought that would be the stroke I wouldn't be allowed because of the frog kick. Did you have a posterior or anterior THR or did your PT say it didn't matter? I had my THR 5-6 weeks ago and am still not allowed to submerge in water.
Hi that's great news. I've got my 6 week check with the consultant tomorrow and that was a question I was going to ask re swimming and breaststroke. Hopefully I'll be following in your water steps soon 💦
Mine is anterior, but quite honestly I dont think it matters......just take it really nice and steady to start with.....my physio said just to start with tiny little frog kicks on the operated side, but you find yourself a bit like Nemo....the stronger leg will do most of the work, the operated side will try to join in! Good luck with your recovery and I hope you get back in the pool soon.
I have been having hydrotherapy for last 4 weeks and have loved it. But i did ask about doing breast stroke if i went swimming and was told can use arms normally BUT definately dont do frog kick with legs, just do your legs as if you were doing the crawl stroke. He said it was a no for frog kicks for at least 6 months to a year. Enjoy your swimming.
Isn't it surprising how much conflicting advice there is? I will carry on doing my little Nemo impersination for now and build up. Fingers crossed! You enjoy too, Christine x
Being a non swimmer, but I was treading water supported by a pool noodle prior to my surgery, even when I couldn't walk due to pain levels I could go in the pool and do 3/4 hour treading water, agony when I got out of course, still swimming the day before surgery.
After surgery local GP gave me clearance to go back in the pool at 3 1/2 weeks, after inspecting my scar very carefully to make sure it had healed over completely, practically ran out of the surgery went home grabbed my swimmers and got in the pool, oh the relief, first time back in could only do about 20 mins.
Have since had physio due to ongoing problems, no weakness found in any muscles but one small muscle in buttock that was contributing to imbalance in the way I was walking and making me suffer because of that muscle, very specific exercises recommended to solve the problem in about 4 weeks problem solved.
Physio did say she was going to reccommend swimming or treading water to other hippies based on my results, I could plank with weight on my back, bridge (lifting bum off table and holding), do sit ups without support of arms, straight push and pulls with my legs with weights attached, she said I was far the strongest hippie muscle wise she had seen, even asked me about my life prior to hip problems, and what I had done when I was younger, worked on a farm as a child and teeenager, lots of heavy lifting, which she said had contributed to alot of muscle memory.
i love being in the pool and have gotten my weight somewhat under control by being in a pool. I was hoping I would be able to get back in a pool after a few weeks but turns out that I have to have major eye surgery so that keeps me out of the pool till probably February....Pool has to be the very best exercise there is!! Congratulations on your fast recovery!!!! You are my hero!
Even walking in the pool would be great...any kind of movement that feels good is worth it...I am hoping I can get back in a pool by February ....I have eye surgery in December so i know I can't till he releases me