Anticipated hip replacement recovery course: Insights into the recovery process
Heyy there! So, you've got yourself a swanky new hip! Congrats, you'll be strutting like a boss in no time. But hey, don't expect to dive back into action right away. Here's what's up post-surgery...
Before you even step foot in the operating room, get ready to put in some work. You'll want to discuss the surgery with your doc, research, and educate yourself on what to expect – you know, the usual prep stuff. Plus, get those legs, core, and upper body muscles strong with some pre-surgery exercises! Achieving a moderate weight and quitting smoking ahead of time can also help reduce risks during your surgery. And remember, having assistance at home for a week or two after surgery is a lifesaver. Cook up some meals in advance and get the crib ready for accessibility!
First thing's first, after surgery – you might be in the hospital for 1 to 2 days, but some people go home on the same day. You'll likely be pumped with pain meds, like opioids, local anesthetic, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen. Your surgeon will stitch or staple the incision, which will take about 2 weeks to heal (so, expect some wound care action at home, doc will tell you all about that). You'll be hopping out of bed and moving around as soon as possible, maybe even walk short distances with assistance on the same day as the operation – but trust us, it's gonna feel a bit awkward at first!
A physical therapist will show you how to exercise your leg and strengthen your new hip, while also teaching you what activities to avoid. They'll even show you the secret to sitting and bending without damaging your precious new hip joint.
Once you're back home, you'll need help with daily tasks for several weeks. Pain and discomfort can stick around for a few weeks, so keep taking those prescription meds. Physical therapy or home exercises will help speed up your recovery and make that new joint flexible and strong. If necessary, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist might stop by to help.
By 10 to 14 days post-op, your stitches should be gone, and pain and swelling should start to recede, although it may take longer for some people. If you previously required a cane or walker before surgery, baby girl, it's still game on during the early recovery period.
As you enter the 3 to 6-week mark, most people can generally resume light activities of daily living. You'll feel stronger, more stable, and comfortable putting more weight on your leg. You might even be ready to return to work after 6 weeks, but hey, it's gonna vary from person to person. After 6 to 8 weeks, you might be able to jump back into the bedroom action again.
Physical therapy is crucial all the way up until two months after surgery, and you should chat with your doc about when it's safe to kick things up a notch, like with swimming or walking.
After a cool 3 months, you might just be able to resume daily activities. By this time, you can consult with your doc to reduce or stop physical therapy. You might even be ready to give low-impact sports a go!
Remember, recovery varies, so always check with your doc for an evaluation and discuss what physical therapy will best suit your needs.
To help speed up your recovery, follow these tips: do physical therapy exercises, try gentle exercises, sit in a reclining position, use a cold compress to reduce swelling, take prescription meds as your doc instructs, and use walking aids when necessary. Avoid sitting still for long periods, crossing your legs, cumbersome exercises, moving or lifting heavy objects, and intense workouts that involve jumping or sudden turns.
• follow physical therapy exercises as a physical therapist instructs• try other gentle exercises, such as daily walking• sit in a reclining position• use a cold compress to reduce swelling• take any prescription medications as a doctor instructs• use walking aids, such as crutches, if necessary
Younger patients may have a rocking recovery, but factors like comorbid illnesses can affect things. Older adults face more challenges due to compromised mobility, but using walkers, crutches, or walking sticks can make all the difference. Be aware, surgeries in older adults may have a higher risk of complications due to health issues like heart or lung disease, high blood pressure, and clogged arteries.
In hip resurfacing surgery, your doc will trim and cap the femoral head with a smooth metal cover instead of removing it. Most people can go home within 1 to 4 days. You can start putting weight on your leg immediately after the surgery, but you'll likely need a walking aid like a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks. Pain and discomfort will last several weeks, and you might need stronger pain meds like NSAIDs or opioids. Physical therapy is the name of the game after resurfacing surgery, and you'll resume regular activities around the 6-week mark.
• sitting still for long periods• crossing the legs at the knee• bending the hip more than 90 degrees• bending down to touch the feet or ankles• sitting in low chairs• intense exercise, which may involve jumping or sudden turns• moving or lifting heavy objects
Overall, hip replacement and resurfacing surgeries have high success rates, people can begin recovery the same day as the surgery, and will typically walk short distances with assistance soon afterward. Physical therapy during the hospital stay and at home can help build strength and flexibility and speed recovery. People can return to light activities within about 6 weeks and resume life as usual after about 3 months.
- Despite dealing with a new hip, it's essential to be mindful of chronic diseases like COPD, Alzheimer's, ulcerative colitis, obesity, and chronic kidney disease as they may impact your recovery process.
- Science and medical advancements have made predictive therapies and treatments available for managing chronic-diseases related to health and wellness, such as physical therapy for conditions like COPD and colitis.
- Before undergoing hip surgery, it's crucial to discuss your physical therapy needs with your doctor, research options, and educate yourself on the recovery process.
- After hip replacement or resurfacing surgery, following a recommended physical therapy regimen can help speed up your recovery and prevent complications like damage to the new hip joint.
- In addition to physical therapy, treatments like medicines and cold compresses can help reduce pain, swelling and aid in a smoother recovery.
- It's essential to avoid activities that may strain your new hip joint, such as sitting for long periods, crossing your legs, bending the hip more than 90 degrees, and engaging in intense exercises.
- Collaborate with your doctor to determine the best physical therapy plan, which may include exercises, aids like walkers, crutches, or canes, and the timeline for resuming normal activities and light sports.
