Final Goodbye to Physiotherapist along with important info
Posted , 10 users are following.
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
ian97093 morriewynn
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morriewynn ian97093
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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 morriewynn
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jenny03900 morriewynn
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My physio told me about this and I wrote about it a few weeks ago ('proprioception' 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 jenny03900
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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 jenny03900
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Christmas wrapping on hold again!
Love Maureen
morriewynn renee01952
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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 morriewynn
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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 Polly2016
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Thanks Polly. You are so right. There is nothing more uplifting than feeling "girlie" .
Take Care
Maureen
gwen81475 morriewynn
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morriewynn gwen81475
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Hi Gwen
I can't remember being able to do that. Something to aim for. Thank you 😊
candice57475 morriewynn
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morriewynn candice57475
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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 candice57475
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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
ihavenonickname morriewynn
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morriewynn ihavenonickname
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Yes, it makes sense? Aren't our bodies amazing?