Leg Lift after THR

Hi there,

I could  not do a leg lift immediately.  Took me till week 4 and i was able to do 4 with help.  This is how i trained my leg to do it.  First of all, concentrate and tell your brain to tell your leg that it needs to move.  I know that sounds crazy, but it works.  Then, hopefully you have someone at home to help, have that person put two fingers under the operated leg and slightly move it about 1-2 inches up.  You will then be able to move it by yourself.  My mom did this for me about a week and after a week of this practice, i am now able to do 20 in a row.  Next week, physical thereapy will be putting a weight on that leg to strengthen it even more while doing it.  trust me, it does work but it takes time.  Patience patience patience.  Good luck.  Ginny USA

Thanks for this - a meaningful mindfullness approach! x

Hi meena, 

I can only do a leg lift with operated side if I have my knee bent on opposite side. Since back surgery it's always done leg lifts this way. Much more effort if both legs are down straight. I know in time we!ll both be able to do leg lifts like crazy👍

Patience they tell me😊

Hi Meena I am 50 years old and 11 weeks post op. Still getting some pains but have been told that is normal.  I had a lot of water retention and swelling for the first 6-8 weeks and struggled to do the leg lifts.  My Surgeon recommended going to a swimming pool and doing the exercises in water. I had three sessions with a physio in a hydrotherapy pool... loved it made the exercises so easy and boosted my confidence.  I go to a local pool a couple of times a week and just do exercise and walk in the water. I can now walk up and down stairs quite easily (down is easier than up!) and leg raises are no longer a struggle.  I went back to work at 6 weeks and was driving daily think that might have been a bit soon. Don't get down hearted you will get there x