Cycling after THR

Posted , 10 users are following.

Hello, I had my Right THR 3 weeks ago today. I am slowly recovering with exercises and gentle, regular walking. I would like to return to cycling at some  point in the future - obviously too soon at the moment. Are there any other cyclists out there who have stories of how long and at what rate they returned to the activity.

 

3 likes, 13 replies

13 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi Monica,

    My phyiscal Therapist had me peddle a stationary bike for 10 minutes prior to each session starting at 2 weeks post op.  As I'm not a biker, I'm not sure if there is a difference in range of motion to a regular bike or not.  I'd start with a stationary bike until you get your strength up, then go from there.

    Best wishes!

     

  • Posted

    Monica

    I went back to cycling after mine but I don't remember how soon. I think it wasn't for 3 months but I wasn't that keen at the time. Since then I've got more into cycling so I'm just going through a revision and am wondering the same thing. I imagine not for 6 weeks like driving and the 90 degree thing but other than that it must depend on how your leg feels.

    Mike

  • Posted

    Not road cycling as I live in a place where there's no shoulder. I have an upright stationary bike

    At about 4 weeks started with 2 minutes with no resistance. My now 5 months and try to do.half hour every second day. Not sure if this helps.

  • Posted

    Hi Monica,

    I was cleared for cycling at my 7 week appointment, but I was slightly worried, and I think I didn't get back on my bike? until maybe week 9. When I started cycling again, I just couldn't believe how comfortable it was, compared with cycling pre hip op!

    I've been cycling to work ever since. I live in North London. I wish you all the best, and happy cycling eventually, Judith

  • Posted

    I started on a stationary bike at 2 weeks in Phys Therapy. 10-15 minutes. At c

    6 weeks, cleared to ride the bike, so back on the Harley I went. Best of luck

    • Posted

      Steve

      I love the idea of going from a stationary bike to a Hatley. Not so good for the fitness though.

      Mike

  • Posted

    Hi Monica

    Being a cyclist i was also very to get back to cycling. After my first operation LTHR I started to do some light spinning on my indoor trainer after 8 weeks. After my RTHR I only waited six weeks. The biggest problem is getting the saddle height correct and getting on and off. I stuck to 30 minute sessions or shorter if my thighs hurt too much. In both cases I was back outside on the road in less than 9 weeks and managed my first century 4 and 3 months after. I also commute to work all the year round.

    Ps My surgeons don’t really like me doing all this but I didn’t go through two THR just to sit at home.

    Nick

  • Posted

    My consultant told me to wait until I had the six week check and all clear, depsite my pleas to start sooner. I followed his advice and stepped up my walking instead focusing on building up my muscles again, which was better for my recovery in fact as I was able to rid myself of the limp faster - and I started cycling at 6 weeks and haven't stopped since!

    Don't rush the recovery - it all takes time, let your body heal properly.

    • Posted

      PS I was also advised never to cycle on the road again due to the risk of being knocked or falling off, which has greater complications for us now. I must admit I do cycle outside still by in areas with no traffic (around lakes etc) but I do follow this advice because I am hoping my hip will last upward of 35 years which is a bigger priority than cycling outside. I go to the gym every day and am fortunate to have cycle routes with no traffic and through fields etc, others have decided to cycle anyway - which I understand. 
    • Posted

      Hi Rose

      I did tell my surgeons that the object was not to fall off my bicycle. However I do ride a lot more defensively and do wear very bright and loud clothing. In the dark I resemble a Christmas tree, flashing lights and all. 

    • Posted

      I'm 8 weeks post op and am walking a few miles without limp and just changed my clip on pedals for flat pedals and lowered my seat ready to try cycling again. It  seems 6 to 9 weeks is a good time to try cycling again from reading this thread. Like you I'm doing everything possible to not be knocked off. Round hear there are lots of quiet roads and canal paths which is good. Falling off at this stage doesn't bear thinking about so will be ultra nervous and careful. 

  • Posted

    Hey there Monica

      I had THR on March 30th. I'm trying to find out the same info as you.

       I have my first rehab therapy session on May 1st and plan to find out what is recommended. I will keep you posted. Best wishs,   Joe

    • Posted

      Joe

      As I said in my post 12 months agho, I cycled a lot after my original THR. I had a two stage revision due to infection last year and I am back to cycling again. My consultant is a keen cyclist and he thinks it's a good thing. I started on an exercise bike 6 weeks or so after the revision, did that through the winter. An have done a bit on the real bike since the weather improved. I did actually fall off my first time out - came round a corner to find an enormous tractor taking up the whole road, skidded on the gravel at the side of the road and toppled over. No harm done other than my pride.

      Ive done a few 20 mile rides but am intending doing 70 (aslong a fairly flat route) toi celebrate my 70th next month.

      Will let you know if I succeed.

      Mike

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