Physical Therapy after Total Hip Replacement

i had RTHR mid Dec 2016 and found my ability to lift leg gradually returned until at exactly 6 weeks I was able to put my socks on!  Perhaps you are expecting too much too soon, says I!!!! I was back dog walking 5k also at 6 weeks and most days walking 12,000-15,000 steps. Physio told me to cut back to 10-12,000 if possible! I restarted Pilates at 8 weeks and do Health Circuits at the gym 3x weekly. Both are quite gentle. Despite this I have days when I get pain in hip or thigh which causes weight bearing difficulty. Physio said complete rest for a couple of days, which I obeyed and today I went to an agility dog show and ran my 2dogs albeit not very successfully and am now home with no discomfort, great result. It does seem recovery is erratic with steps back occasionally which are sooooo disappointing but listening to your body does seem to be the best option, hard though it is a times, when we just want to get back to normal living. You will get there though perhaps not at quickly as you would like!!! Take care K 

Hi Shelley

Gosh, 2 weeks seems VERY early days after a major op to be so active. I was told to avoid bending beyond ninety degrees for six weeks, which completely ruled out trying to put my own socks on for all that time. I was also told not to cross my operated leg across the mid-line of the body, and just do gentle simple muscle strengthening exercises, plus walking as far as felt comfortable for six weeks , which sounds exactly like what your PT is doing with you. However I do believe different surgeons impose different or fewer restictions. You will be able to do socks etc eventually, don't worry - I was very proud when I finally got mine on at six weeks!

Shelley

Generally the rule for the first 6 weeks is:

Don't bend your body over 90 degrees to your operated leg

Don't cross your legs

Don't twist your operated leg

So I think you should not be trying to put socks on as you describe. If you want to wear socks (I've given up for the time being) you need a sock aid which is a plastic cone with strings. My one is an Etac Socky I find it works better than some of the cheaper ones.

I did manage to put socks on normally after my first hip op but it was a strain, but I've never been very flexible.

So patience for another 4 weeks I'd say.

But it sounds like you are making good progress.

Mike