Leg Lift after THR

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hello all.

I am nearly 6 weeks post op and my physio last week asked me to do leg lift of the operated leg and i was unable to lift it. Can any one advise if this is normal as the physio told me my muscles in the thigh were very tight as i found i was sore in the groin when i tried to work on the bench press on the operated leg

2

Hi.

At only 2 days home from my operation this is a useful question for me to consider.

While right not there yet, I have been taking Alexander Lessons pre op....where my teacher advises on loose shoulders and neck, then walk softly ape like lifting legs consciously as l do.

In this way I'm hoping at 6 weeks to be in a place where I can lift legs easily as muscles to do this exercise are in place...watch this space!

Mic

X

3

Hi meena I am exactly the same . Went for 6 week check yesterday . Doc said everything is fine the pain I am getting is normal . I have a limp he said its because my adductors are very tight . I need physio can't do that lift at all at moment .

4

Thanks Mary sounds very encouraging as i have been really worried about my progress. Have you started driving?

5

This is quite normal.  Some people have strong thigh muscles and can easily manage the lift but others can't.  I don't know whether you tried to do this standing up or lying down, but if you are standing try lifting the leg just a little way, holding onto the back of a chair or something for support and keep your knee bent slightly.  If lying down relax your shoulders and top half of your body as much as you can, I found the trick was to try to relax the leg completely as it is harder to do  if your leg is tense.  It gets a lot easier after time and especially when you have been walking around more. Good luck.

6

My son is getting my car out tonight and sitting with me while I try an emergency stop . Doc said to do it with engine off . Am a bit nervous but need to get mobile again .

7

Good luck Mary all the very best

8

Thanks Barbara will try lifting my leg that way with my upper body relaxed.

9

Hi Meena, am having surgery next month and this interesting question.  My question is were you able to lift your leg before the operation? on a scale from 1 to 10 how would you rate it?

10

Hi sura if i am right i did lift my leg when the surgeon examined me before the surgery although with a little difficulty as the lifting was not voluntary but now i find i am unable to even lift my leg to that point.

11

Ok meena, i hope you see improvements in the near future with exercise and physio xx

12

Hi Meena.

I could not do leg raises for 6mnths after my 1st THR or put my full weight on that leg.

A physio tried to force me to do it at 6wks and I couldn't walk the next day.

Now 12 months and everything is ok.

I think it just takes longer for the nerves and muscles to mend,depending on how invasive the surgery was...I wouldn't get too worried just yet,it's early days,and don't force things if you get pain.

Strangely though I'm 4wks post op on the other hip and this time I can already do leg raises and climb stairs unaided,I've no idea why things should be different this time,maybe I had a more experienced surgeon,who knows?

Take it easy Paul.

13

Hi Paul I had my 6 week check up yesterday and forgot to ask when I can walk up stairs normally . Do you know ?

14

Mary..

Put simply I'd say as soon as you can do it without any pain..I think we all get a bit bogged down with time limits and what you should be able to do.,just listen to what your body tells you,we all heal at different rates depending on many factors, eg if you are already fit and healthy pre op and have built up good muscle strength recovery should be quicker..but don't force yourself to do something you can't because others say you should do.

Ive found with both ops that plenty of walking was the best physio for me.

Good luck.

 

15

Thanks  and good luck

16

Hi there,

I could  not do a leg lift immediately.  Took me till week 4 and i was able to do 4 with help.  This is how i trained my leg to do it.  First of all, concentrate and tell your brain to tell your leg that it needs to move.  I know that sounds crazy, but it works.  Then, hopefully you have someone at home to help, have that person put two fingers under the operated leg and slightly move it about 1-2 inches up.  You will then be able to move it by yourself.  My mom did this for me about a week and after a week of this practice, i am now able to do 20 in a row.  Next week, physical thereapy will be putting a weight on that leg to strengthen it even more while doing it.  trust me, it does work but it takes time.  Patience patience patience.  Good luck.  Ginny USA

17

Thanks Ginny .i will give it a try . Didn't have a lift before so don't want one now x

18

Thanks for this - a meaningful mindfullness approach! x

19

Hi meena, 

I can only do a leg lift with operated side if I have my knee bent on opposite side. Since back surgery it's always done leg lifts this way. Much more effort if both legs are down straight. I know in time we!ll both be able to do leg lifts like crazy👍

Patience they tell me😊

20

Thanks Lee even with a leg folded i am unable to lift the operated leg that is why i am worried but hopefully will get there with some physio.