Exercises after THR

I saw physio today. Almost three weeks post RTHR. I had a lateral approach op. The muscles are cut and that's why that side move is so hard early on. Important to exercise to get the strength back in those side muscles for stability of the joint.  Very hard if not impossible early on but just do as many as you can, laying down, other leg bent. I'm ok to do these standing now on both sides. Gets easier with time.

What they did st physical therapy, while sitting they put a board under my foot and also a cloth.which made it easier to move the foot out and back in.they also turned the board vertical And then I had to pull my knee up sliding until my knee was bent the sliding it back flat.

I did this at two days post op.

Can you find something like smooth plastic that can lay flat either horizontal then turned vertical.Then please a wash reward under the foot put your foot on the plastic bar.This will help you side out & in. Also sliding foot to bend the knee.

Thanks for all yoir help.  A few things to try and yes think I've been expecting too much too soon.  Take care all

Morning Shirley

I just thought about one thing.......getting into bed.

One of the things I tried which was quite successful was.....to sit on the bed with legs hanging down.  Then "jiggle" cant think of another word sorry LOL....or "walk" backwards on my bottom until I was in the middle of the bed and my legs sticking out {almost all of my leg on the bed} then from there, using my hands or a scarf or something similar I helped the operated leg onto the bed

This was after my first THR

Sorry if that is hard to understand

Good luck, You've had plenty of advice to choose from

Love

Eileen   UK

Hello Shirley,

I too am 7 days post op and reading that you are struggling with mirrors mine to a T.  The only worrk I had last night was the swelling of the leg and had to take off the elastic sock as it was worrying me.  I think I was most worried about the exercises because of staff members of the hospital having different things to say.  One of the physios said to me after the 2nd day you should be able to walk unaided.  The worse exercise I do and struggle with it the one where you are standing on holding onto something and then swinging the leg out to the side, sometimes it will and sometimes it wont, definitely when I am tired I struggle to move with the crutches.

The hospital I had my Thr gave me a sheet like a thick nylon sheet to put under my legs when exercising as your legs can slide easily therefore putting less pressure on hip. I was told to always do my exercises on the bed on this sheet as if you sit it's putting too much strain on new joint. Never push past pain level as it could all end in tears. Just pace yourself. I'm 22 months post op and I still can't lift my leg very high.

Hi  Shirley, I am 9 weeks Post Op.

Have read all the replies and all good advice. I only did my excercises when I felt well enough and motivated to do so. So if it was only once a day I didnt beat myself up about it. My physio said only do what my body will let me and everyone is different so shouldnt measure against other. Listen to your body and dont push yourself. Little and often is better that anything.

Also he has made a big thing about the groin area. If there is any pain there - stop. Adjust your posture or ask for help to get right position.

Only one week out from surgery, I was able to do this exercise in hospital but found it nearly impossible at home. Until I remembered that the Physio had placed a board under my heel. Have since been using a cutting board and can do the exercise without much struggle. The post-op leg is heavy and the heel likely to anchor the leg to the mattress without some version of the board.