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Final Goodbye to Physiotherapist along with important info

Posted , 10 users are following.

morriewynn
morriewynn

I have just wished my physio goodbye but before he left, I needed to ask him a question.  Prior to my hip replacement, I would,whilst walking and without warning, fall to the ground. It would appear as if I had no limb. The falls were frequent and without the automatic instinct to save myself. It was explained, that the receptors to the brain that instruct our legs to move and walk, are contained within the synovial fluid of the hip. When suffering from osteoarhritis, some of the synovial fluid is missing and therefore, at times, the brain does not receive the signal, which, in turn, results in a sudden and unexpected fall. So my questions was "now that I have artifical hips with no synovial fluid. What is it that signals my brain to walk"? The answer is "Your brain, to walk, now uses your thigh muscles". To test if these are strong, I was asked to close my eyes and bend at the knee. If you wobble, then they need strengthening. This is why the initial exercises, that focus on the muscles within the thigh, are so very important. Not only do they need to strengthen to hold the prosthesis in place, but also to send receptors to your brain to walk. I was also advised to walk, indoors, barefoot; to ensure that I walk slowly, heel to toe. Because I am now re-training my brain to use my thigh muscles and it needs to learn how to do it correctly.

So keep working on those thigh muscles and me? I'm going for a well deserved nap!

5 likes, 21 replies

21 Replies

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  • ian97093
    ian97093 morriewynn

    Posted

    Hi Morrie this is the first time I have seen this here, looking forward to learing more about it from others who will post soon for sure...Hmmmm...
    • morriewynn
      morriewynn ian97093

      Posted

      Hi Ian, it was my Consultant who explained the sudden falls and my physio who relayed the info regarding the muscles within the thigh. I did. whilst he was standing in front of me,

      Cross my arms over my chest; closed my eyes and bent at the knees . Thankfully, I didn't wobble. Apparently , this is the best way to test how well the thigh muscles are connecting to the brain. But not when you are on your own! Aren't our bodies amazing 😉?

  • elaine23679
    elaine23679 morriewynn

    Posted

    Well that is some useful info.... will make sure I work the muscles... x

     

  • jenny03900
    jenny03900 morriewynn

    Posted

    My physio told me about this and I wrote about it a few weeks ago ('proprioception'wink Not sure if I can do links (or how!) but it's the same message. Our brains have to use new clues for balance and movement and it takes time for those pathways to be established.

    • renee01952
      renee01952 jenny03900

      Posted

      hi jenny, 

      I do remember your discussion ...

      my poor brain !!! first she had to deal with OA in right hip, then the hip replacement surgery, following severe OA in left hip, had surgery 6 months later .... 

       

    • morriewynn
      morriewynn jenny03900

      Posted

      Oh thanks Jennie; I will check it out.

      Christmas wrapping on hold again!

      Love Maureen

    • morriewynn
      morriewynn renee01952

      Posted

      Yes, but come on Renee. Think how brainy we must now be! In fact, I'm thinking of joining MENSA. Please don't tell me that you are already a member!😇

  • Polly2016
    Polly2016 morriewynn

    Posted

    Hi Morrie

    Thankyou for this information. Now my poor brain has got something else to think about! I am 17 weeks post op and feel wonderful. I had my Estée Lauder fix last weekend - doesn't it make you feel great! Good to hear you are doing so well. Polly

    • morriewynn
      morriewynn Polly2016

      Posted

      Thanks Polly. You are so right. There is nothing more uplifting than feeling "girlie" .

      Take Care

      Maureen

  • gwen81475
    gwen81475 morriewynn

    Posted

    Very interesting. I have just learned to balance without holding on while going up and down stairs. Two new hips, the first nearly a year old, the second 3 and a half months old.
    • morriewynn
      morriewynn gwen81475

      Posted

      Hi Gwen

      I can't remember being able to do that. Something to aim for. Thank you 😊

  • candice57475
    candice57475 morriewynn

    Posted

    Good to know. Like you, I would fall for no apparent reason. A couple months ago, I did so on the steps, dislocating my poor pinkie toe! Relieved that was the worst that happened! Glad to know there is a reason and not just me being me! I go in tomorrow! Scared but also relieved that the pain will be from healing and an end in sight, if not a quick recovery.
    • morriewynn
      morriewynn candice57475

      Posted

      Isn't it awful Candice and so frightening. I had my first op in January and when just 13 weeks, I fell, without warning and landed onto ceramic tiles and straight on to my new hip! I phoned my GP in floods of tears. Not only had I hurt myself badly but I honestly thought I had displaced my new hip. Fortunately that was not the case. Now I know why and I make sure I strengthen those muscles !

      Back to Christmas wrapping.

      Hope your pinky is now all mended

      Maureen

    • morriewynn
      morriewynn candice57475

      Posted

      Candice you will by

      Now have had your op. I hope everything went well and that very soon you will be on the road to full recovery .

      Thinking of you.

      Hugs and Blessings

      Maureen xxx

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