What You Can Never Do After Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery is very common these days and has a high success rate. However, if you’ve had an operation, you need to think carefully about adjusting your lifestyle and physical movement expectations. After this joint replacement surgery, there are certain things you should never do. Don’t think that after surgery you should not engage in any physical activity. As long as you follow your therapist’s advice on movement restrictions while exercising, you should be fine. So, talk to your physical therapist to see what they advise in your specific circumstances.
Never Break Movement Restrictions
After surgery, a major concern is the risk of dislocation affecting the replacement implant. The replaced hip is less stable than a normal hip joint.
Positions to NEVER do include:
Crossing your legs—also when putting on socks and shoes. Your therapist will show you how to safely get dressed, sit down, walk, and perform other routine activities. Get advice on the best sleeping position to avoid crossing your legs.
Bending forward more than 90 degrees will put strain on the hip replacement. Generally speaking, if your knee is below your hip joint, you are in a safe position.
Sitting on low seats, including a toilet seat. Use cushions or other devices to raise the seat so that your knees are lower than your hip.
Trying to pick up something on the floor while you are sitting.
Never forget about long-term care
Your recovery rate will depend on the type of operation you had, as well as your physical health before surgery. Keep an eye on your weight because excess weight increases the stresses on the hip replacement and can cause loosening.
Long-term care is designed to slow down wear and tear on the socket or loosening of implants.
If you have persistent pain, see a doctor as this could indicate infection or loosening. Look out for infections anywhere in your body as they can travel via your bloodstream to the hip replacement.
Physical and occupational therapies after a hip replacement
Surgery is only half the battle in the fight for pain-free mobility—the other half is physical therapy. A physical therapist will work with you to advise on movements you should never do, and to help you to get back to walking.
Physical therapy after this surgery is crucial for both mental and physical health. But be aware that but it must be done very safely. Physical therapy has huge benefits as it strengthens muscles and joints, is good for your blood circulation, and prevents pressure sores.
Occupational therapy will teach you how to modify your movements to stay safe after this surgery. You will learn how to dress, bath and practice other household tasks to avoid complications.
Fairview Rehab & Nursing Home in Queens, NY, offers both in- and outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy for patients who underwent hip replacement. Our skilled and friendly staff have lots of experience in rehabilitation therapy after hip replacement and other joint replacement surgery.
This article contains informational and educational materials and does not replace health or medical advice. For questions or concerns regarding your medical condition or health objectives, speak to a qualified physician or healthcare provider.
Dear Kind Person:
Please Help!!!After a hip operation, how do I get food out of the bottom part of my refrigerator? Do I squat? How do I get items from items under the sink? I have good insurance. I live alone. Should I go to rehab? Thank you.
A year after THR I would like to swim breast stroke. Is this advisable? Also, is it ok for me to go across the centre line with my bad leg during exercise classes? Thank you
Anterior approach is the way to go. Less evasive and less post op. restrictions.
You never answered the question at all. The question was what can you NEVER do after hip replacement, not what can’t you do during recovery.