Hello!
I am a 28 year old male, 5’8" 155lbs. I’m scheduled for a THR on the right side, March 6th. The minimally invasive approach is going to be done so I am thinking the recovery will be manageable.
What exercises should I be doing now to help recovery from the operation?
The countdown has begun and thought I would reach out to see if anyone had a similar situation, and ask if they wanted to be pen pals! Honestly, I just want to maximize my recovery time from my THR.
Any advice, greetings, thoughts, comments would be highly appreciated!
Best…
Strengthen those quads and hip flexors. When is your surgery. I had my second hip done in November 10 months after my right hip was done.
Hi, Ive had both hips done over the last 5 years, Im 55. I recommend as above the stronger yr leg is before hand the better. I was using a walking stick before my first 1 for quite a while, that leg is defo weaker still. Im very active and do lots of hiking, my legs are so much better, its awesome. Just do whatever you are able. Good luck with everything.
Denise
Hi. I had a LHR on 31 October. My hip feels wonderful - how lovely to be out of that awful pain. However, my left knee is quite sore - I was limping for a long time prior to the operation and now I’m ‘re-aligning,’ I guess. I’m doing lots of exercises focussing on hip, quads, and knees to strengthen those areas. Probably best to do as much focussed exercise as your pain levels allow in order to promote a speedy recovery. I was happily surprised about how who joy the post-op pain subsided- you’ll be so happy once you have it done!
Hi mate, I’m 43 and had a total hip replacement in December. Docs have said my pre op fitness has played a pivotal part in my speedy recovery. Pre op i was walking the dog a couple of miles a day, also cycling to work every day. Also did daily stretches and core strengthening stuff like the plank, push ups, squats, lunges and back arches.
Anything you can do to strengthen the muscles around that area, the better.
Not saying this is for everyone bit certainly seems to have been the key for me.
Hi JordanRile,
I am 63ish. I, had both hips done at separate times.
It sounds like you didn’t get such information from your surgeon to be. No pamphlets, CD or social media links to help you prepare for the surgery?
My favorite was to sit in a chair with crossed arms and sranding up and down for as many times as you can (10-20). Do it as often as you can … morning, noon and night.
You can also find this info on YouTube, just ask and search. You’ll get lots of good tips. Good luck.
hi its so true that strong muscles before hand really help as does low bmi
my replacement was due to hip break as bones a bit brittle
unfortunately i dislocated 14 months later as i went a bit too far with aerobics
anyone else dislocate ?
hi. best wishes for your surgery and its definitely better if you can strengthen your leg / buttock muscles pre OP . I was in too much pain all the time and it’s taken me longer to recover ( I had my OP may 2019 and still hobbling a bit but with extra physio its getting better). anyway check on the internet post OP exercises gir hop replacements you’ll find a fair bit of advice. my hosp advice was to do each exercise 10x but 5x a day altho I’ve found it’s better doing 20 of each 3x a day. but that will vary. main thing is regular exercise daily plus walking if yu can. if it hurts too much reduce number you do but try to keep frequency up.
anyway best wishes . I’ve found besides the exercises a can do attitude helps enormously. this op really is a giver back of your life .
What I would stress the most is that after immediately after the operation try to get your hands on a cold therapy ice machine and ice the hip. This was the most effective therapy for me and promoted fast healing and reduced the swelling. Exercises are important too of course to follow. But wait and see what exercises you are assigned by your Physiotherapist based on your age and abilities. The icing really helped me also to avoid taking any pain medications which can be highly addictive. Good luck and hang in there.
Sue P, Ontario, Canada
My hospital gave me a printed sheet of recommended exercises after the op. There is a lot on Google as well. It definitely pays off being as fit as possible before your op, you are doing the right thing. I was amazed after the op how many things I could do, I thought I would be incapable of doing much. I even chaired a meeting a couple of weeks later, although I was more tired than usual.
Total Gym to strengthen glutes and tendons my best advice
Excercise and more of it as much as you can and take. I’ll keep in touch with you if you want. Where are you? Im in WNY near Buffalo. I’m years old and restless and horses are my relief. They will give you stretches to do after surgery. I kept my instructions . Maybe I can email to you if needed.
That would be wonderful! I am located in Southern Illinois but St. Louis, Missouri is where I am having Surgery.
The sooner I can recover from this operation, the better…
My email is jordan.mays@siu.edu. I’d really appreciate any resources you have!
Thanks…
Hi, please can i ask you a question? Iam due to have a THR in 2 weeks but i am seriously reconsidering as i am in my 40’s and i can still walk although limited with other excercise and rotation. I noticed you were walking and cycling also pre op. Did you ever consider waiting or are you pleased with how it went? Thank you
That’s an interesting question.
I am 63 and have had both hips replaced within the last 5-6 years.
I have osteoarthritis, a degeneration of the joint. Initially I was examined and my surgeon told me about my condition. He said to me, “you’ll know when the time is right.”. I was a home care provider which requires a lot of bending and lifting heavy things. I got to the point where I could no longer perform my duties. I felt it had to be done (I was 58). Pretty much the same story for the second surgery. If you do have osteoarthritis you can take pills to prolong the inevitable but in the long run it’s only a temporary solution to the problem. I can only say it depends on why you need the surgery. If you are living with do-able pain maybe you might want to wait a bit.
Within a couple of months after the procedure you should be walking and cycling and doing other things that aren’t quite working for you right now.
You’re young and that could be to your benefit in terms of healing. The idea of surgery can be nerve wrecking even the 2nd time around. It’s going to be okay. Listen to your body. Good luck.