Should I buy a rise and recline chair?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi, currently waiting the date for my first THR, need both doing so will be going through the whole process twice.

I am thinking about buying one of those electric rise and recline chairs and I was just wondering if any of you had one of these and if you found it helpful?  I'm also wondering if I should choose one with 1 or 2 motors, with 2 motors you can raise the foot rest independantly without the back reclining, with only 1 motor after the foot rest has raised a bit the back will start to recline.

Any opinion would be great as I don't really want to waste money on havine one that will rise as well as lift and recline if I don't need the rise function.

Thanks in advance!

2

I was told not to sit in a recliner chair, but to get a chair with arms so that you can use the arms to push yourself into a standing position, after the 6 weeks are up you can then use your legs to get into a standing position.  Do the exercises prescribed to strenghten your leg muscles before and after the op.  I was told that the best position to do the leg exercises was on the bed and then after the exercises lie on the bed with your legs elevated about 6 inches so that they were just a bit higher than your chest, but not too high.  I was also told that a chair with a foot rest was not a lot of help in the long run, you need to keep your leg muscles strong as they will support your hip.

3

It's nice to be able to recline for comfort and resting after the op. Reclining takes the weight off the sore bits. However, using the rise function will in the long run make your body weaker. Along the if you don't use it, you lose it.

4

Hi Paula,  i bought a raiser/recliner chair for my mum and fortunately kept hold of it when she died last year.  It has been invaluable as when i got home from hospital my ordinary relaxing chair with the pushback footrest was just too hard to pushback and the electric chair was fantastic.  I used the raise up function for the first couple of weeks but then i didn't need it as the chair was quite high and had arms I could push up on.  I was advised to keep my legs raised to avoid swelling and it certainly worked.  I spent the first 6 weeks doing the exercises from my reclining position and still sit in it while i watch tv - the only downside is the length of time it takes for the electric motor to put the footrest down when the phone or doorbell rings!

 

5

The type of chair is up to you.  Try them out and remember it is going to be yours later.  I had one and it was wonderful.  I could nap in it and not struggle to get up.  I was alone a lot so it was easier.

Good luck

6

There is a mixture of good advice here. I would add that it sounds wonderful for elevation instead of risking crossing the 90 degree rule to pile up pillows on your bed. And, be careful to not use it as a crutch that helps you avoid the difficult task of movement on your own power.

Movement, struggling to do so, brings strength and healing. Movement if life.

Cheers!

Dawn, USA

💛💕💙💕💜💕💚💕❤💕💛💕💙💕💜💕💚💕

7

Paula, I tossed around the idea of buying a recliner chair.  I did not do it.  I am post op 4 weeks THR.  Using your muscles even if it is a "struggle" is a good idea for strength.....  I am going to buy my recliner in a few months as part of a "hooray" moment!!!!  I agree with DawnDee - move it or loose it..... 

8

Depends what type of approach of ur THR ur having.b/c with most u cant sit in a recliner with ur legs up.

I would find the rising up helpful. Because doing to standing and reverse is painful.

Definitely need a loo riser

9

Thanks for all your advice, so I decided to go the whole hog, have a rise and recline chair with heat and massage coming for only £350. I'm going to be very careful to only use the rise function minimally but I'm sure the rest of the features will be utilised by the whole family!