Physiotherapy After Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery is among the miracles of modern medicine that allow us to enjoy active lives for longer. The hip joint is the largest in the body, and it can be damaged through illness, accidents, or just years of wear and tear. If you’ve heard you need hip replacement surgery, your doctor will have told you of the positive results you can expect – but you will want to know how best to speed your post-op recovery too.
When does Physiotherapy Begin?
You will see your physiotherapist shortly after your surgery. Within as little as a few hour of your surgery, you will be given some (very gentle) exercises that you can do in your hospital bed. This is only the beginning.
Hip replacement surgery requires a recovery period of 3 to 6 months for most people – and sometimes longer. During this time, it’s important to keep up your visits to the physiotherapist and to follow your physiotherapist’s instructions.
What Sort of Recovery Advice Will I get From my Physio?
Following your hip replacement surgery, you are eager to get back on your feet as soon as possible. Your Vancouver physiotherapist is your partner in helping you to reach that aim.
It will require a certain amount of self-discipline on your part. For example, you will need to sleep on your back with a pillow under your legs or on your non-operated side with a pillow to separate your legs. Even sitting down will require care. At first, you shouldn’t spend time sitting at all. Later, you can sit for longer periods. Your chair also shouldn’t be too low, and it should ideally have armrests.
You’ll even discover that there’s a correct way to walk with a stick or crutches, and it may take a little practice to learn the method if you’re using one. All the same, it’s important that you should, since everything you do with your physiotherapist targets recovery.
How Long Will it be Before I Can Resume Full Activity?
The time you need will depend on your own body – and the length of time will depend on the type of activity you want to engage in. If you’re into sports or hope to embark on a gruelling gym routine as soon as possible after recovery, talk to your physiotherapist about your intentions. He or she will help you to gauge your readiness and ease you back into your favourite activities.
Hip Replacement: is it worth it?
There’s no denying that a hip replacement is a major surgery. Obviously, it will be up to you to make the final choice. However, the overwhelming majority of hip replacement patients are thrilled with their restored mobility after recovery from surgery. It certainly does take some time, but once you have been through the process of healing, the results are worthwhile.
Most of our patients find that they can walk, cycle, swim, play tennis, attend gym and even do yoga after hip replacements. However, high impact sports are not recommended and in the case of dance or yoga, certain postures should be avoided altogether.
