Best preparation for THR

Posted , 7 users are following.

Hi to All,

Recently I posted a comment about information overload in reference to prolonged discomfort and dislocations after surgery. Appreciating that this seems to be a sad fact of life, my question is what is the best preparation that one can provide for themself prior to the operation, in regard to muscle tone, strength and flexibility.

I am going through an exercise routine for different reasons but butt and hip muscle strength is a priority. 

I expect to have the op in 8 to 9 months time, so trying to give myself the best chance of a quick recovery.

Your thoughts and recommendations would be very welcomed.

Best Regards

John

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi John

    I was quite strong when I went into surgery. Aquafit and riding stationary. I feel it would be helpful to concentrate on core muscles as well as upper thigh. If you can get out of a chair easily by using thigh muscles only you'd do well. And exercise that lower back.

    • Posted

      Dear Saltspringer48,

      yes core and leg/ thigh muscles and not to forget the butt. Soon to be whistling while chewing gum.

      This old bugger wants to get back to the motorcycle and surfboard, as soon as ....

      Regards

      John

    • Posted

      And my surgeon took all restrictions off at 6 weeks. The only thing he told me is never bend and torque. Pick up things between your knees/legs. I am 68 by the way and 7 months post op. I continue with exercises and continue with walking and biking. Stay strong and keep weight down!
  • Posted

    According to the stats I read, the dislocation rate is around 3%. You are doing the right thing in preparing physically
  • Posted

    John, just do all the exercises as said above and keep weight down if you can. The fear of discocation is a biggie but as long as you follow the precutions for the first few months you will be fine. My surgeon lifted some at 7 weeks and the only thing he said i will not be able to do is to cross my leg right across at the knee. I can however cross it over the leg below knee to cut toenails. 

    i still tend t0 put my leg out behind me when I am picking something up off the floor and thas nearly 22 months ago. I dont think about doing it, brain automatically kicks in. I am just very aware of making sure if i have surgery elsewhere in the body that eveyone dealing with me in the hospital knows about my replacement.

    I was mid 50.5 when I had mine done, never reegretted it. 

  • Posted

    Hello John

    Seems you are doing the right thing. I worked through the pain of lifting heavy things and generally keeping my muscle mass up pre surgery. It worked for me as I was back to normal (completely) in 6 months post op. I will admit I didn't do physio except for the 2 days at hospital (so I could keep staff happy and be released). Basically I decided to walk as upright and without a limp from day one, at first using a walking stick. At first it was only a few steps but quickly my muscle memory (thanks to the hard work) kicked in and all went to plan. The major danger post op is lying or sitting around doing a few physio exercises thinking that will get you back walking. It's a trap that many seem to fall into on this site. Only walking and hard work will get you back to normal... Oh and I was 59 when I had the surgery so youth wasn't on my side, just determination.

    • Posted

      Oh and you should be surfing within 6 to 12 months. I stopped surfing in the 90's thanks to a ruptured disc but guess what? After the surgery for my hip I no longer have lower back pain so am considering a return to my long love affair with surfing. Geez I don't know about riding a mal though...LOL!

    • Posted

      Dear Andy90315,

      Such words of encouragement. A number of comments have suggested not to skimp on the recovery strengthing exercises after surgery. I have recently returned to surfing after 50 years ( silly old bugger ). Had to give a lot of thought to my pop up, which is very pedestrian at best. Decided to purchase a 8ft, 22in 60 litre pu board, thinking that I may be on the knees a lot more and not stressing the left hip ( as a natural stance) as much. 

      i am sure the surgeon will just shake his head when I tell him what activities I would like to pursue after surgery.

      Fingers crossed.

      Regards

      John

    • Posted

      You've got the right attitude John. My surgeon was positive about surfing etc as I mentioned to him that I used to make surfboards and he was familiar with my brother's surf company. Hey 8ft is a great size for getting back into it and 22inches will float you well. As far as standup I'm from the old school who believe as long as you are in the water having fun is all that matters. I still body surf (which my father taught me back in the early 60's)

      Regards to you too

      Andy

  • Posted

    Hi John:  I had  resection done on my left hip in December. I was without weight bearing for 8 weeks and as soon as I started physio, I also started aqua rehab 3 times /week.   I was back to work within 3 months.  My right hip was also in really bad shape so I ontinued with the same regimen of exercise.  Biking on stationar bike for 15 min 3x/week, leg extensions  15x3 sets with increasing weight, stretching and  resistance training to strngthen the glutes , core and abductors.  I also did aquafit 2x/week.   I was able to stand for a good 30 min before my bad hip(the right one) would start hurting and the pain forced me to sit or lay down.   The inflammation seemed to radiate dowsn form the hip to the knee as I was shifting my weight.  I had my right hip done 9 days ago and I am not allowed to weight bear as my pelvis had to be fractured to remove all the osteocytes that had seized the joint.  I am hopping on one foot but getting better every day.  The ligaments leading to the knee are tight so I started stretching the calves as much as possible.  The stronger you go into your surgery, the faster you will recover so talk to your physiotherapist on strengthening all the muscles as much as possible. I also tried to keep myweight under check because the more weight one carries, the more stress on the joints. I don't like taking strong sedating painkillers but it is a compromise.  Cannot exercise without dealing with the pain.    Also my second surgery was under local anesthetics and I was walking  that same day.  Goodluck and I hope this was helpful.

    • Posted

      Dear claudia95892,

      Thank you, your comments indicate my 'discomfort' is very minor to that faced by yourself. Best of luck with the recovery.

      Regards

      John

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