Tips to recover from a hip replacement surgery

Hip replacement surgery is a very common type of surgery these days. Since the 1960’s the safety of hip replacements procedures have increased drastically. However, the final success of the surgery will be determined by the success of the recovery process.

One of the things that will allow you to have a successful recovery process would be exercising.

Your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for 20 to 30 minutes, two to three times a day during your early recovery.

Since regular exercise can help to restore strength and mobility to your hip and a gradual return to everyday activities are important for your full recovery after hip replacement. 

Remember that this is not the case for everyone.

Since most hip replacement patients are able to walk within the same day or the next day of surgery, others may take longer.

Just remember whenever a light activity becomes possible, it’s important for you to incorporate healthy exercise into your recovery program. 

Also, try to incorporate household activities such as: sitting, standing or climbing stairs as soon as possible, since this is also a form of exercising. This has to be done under the supervision of a physical therapist.

A successful long-term recovery depends heavily on following a physical therapy routine and not stressing the new joint to the point of risking surgery. Pain should be controlled well enough for you to participate in physical therapy. If you feel a lot of pain, you should talk to your doctor or physical therapist.

People who have had hip replacement surgery must take precautions to protect their new hips. They might be able to do it using canes or walkers since these instruments are a signal for people to be more cautious. Strangers in public areas are less likely to bump or startle a person who is using a cane or a walker. Most people are able to decrease dependence on canes or walkers over time.

Also, it is important that hip replacement patients get adequate pain relief. Uncontrolled pain can make it difficult to participate in rehabilitation exercises and can even lead to chronic pain. Remember to plan ahead, since in the early weeks following hip replacement surgery, many people are tired and prone to falls. By planning ahead you can maximize rest time and reduce the chance of falls.

Last but not least, remember to schedule time with your physical therapist since they can help you achieve certain rehabilitation goals.

Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201  Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119