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Physical Therapy after Total Hip Replacement

Posted , 12 users are following.

ShelleyS1102
ShelleyS1102

Good morning. I am 2 weeks out (tomorrow) from my surgeery. I have had home physical therapy 5x weekly since my release form the hospital on day 2, I am now capable of walking with no cane, and 1 mile on my elliptical and 1 mile outside. BUT I am unable to bend down vertically and bring up my operated leg to cross over the other leg to put on socks shoes and tie my laces. This therapist I am using can't-or won't-help me. I just found out he is a PT assistant. All he does are the same exercises over and over for strength and walks me outside for 1/2 mile. Can anybody please share their experiences with their therapists so that I know what to do AND whaa is their recovery.  Do I fire this one and hire another or just fire this one? Or just accept the fact that I will forever be unable to bend or put on my own shoes socks, etc. without instruments? I have apointments with my pt through May 11.Thanks.

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  • starr_16935
    starr_16935 ShelleyS1102

    Posted

    I wasn't allowed to bend... twist or cross my legs for 3 months. Of course I had a bad tendency of crossing my feet. But after a few weeks things will get easier. I'm at 4 months now and am just getting better with walking etc. Standing to do dishes seems to be my worst task.

    Get better smile

    • ShelleyS1102
      ShelleyS1102 starr_16935

      Posted

      I imagine we all progress at different rates, but we all get some relief (although varied) from this wonderful surgery. Best of luck to you on your continuing recovery, Starr!
  • nicola_75118
    nicola_75118 ShelleyS1102

    Posted

    Hi shelley

    It's very early days, it sounds like your progressing well. My consultant recommended to not bend at a 90 degree angle until 12 weeks and definitely no crossing over of the legs. The bending gets easier as the weeks go by but I have stuck to the restrictions in fear of dislocation.

    I'm at the 11 week mark at the weekend I put my sock on for the first time,big smiles at 10 weeks manged trousers without the grabber.i think my progress is a little bit slow,.

    Hang on in there, I promise it will get easier and yes socks on without gadgets will come, I called it a sock revelation, just a matter of time and listening to your body.I bought some footsie's which I found alot easier to put on than socks,did this with my grabber.

    I'm not sure what to say about the physio but keep at the strengthening exercises that are appropriate to your stages.

    Best wishes

    Nicky

    • ShelleyS1102
      ShelleyS1102 nicola_75118

      Posted

      Hi Nicola, Congratulations with tons of smniles for you! What an accomplishment!! To be able to dress oneself without too much difficulty is one major feat! But as I have said many time, this fabulous surgery allowed me to lose the limp and cane. I feel like I got my life back. Anything else is gravy! Continued success to us.
  • renee01952
    renee01952 ShelleyS1102

    Posted

    hi shelley, 

    I guess your question is answered ....  keep the PT - 

    your body is letting you knwo that it doesn't like to be bend right now ... 

    event thiugh you the anterior approach, it still is major surgery where you joint had to be forcefully removed, femur cut and hardware put in - 

    amazing what you already have accomplished ... putting on socks and shoes will come -

    I discovered how helpful a long shoehorn is, so I am keeping that one - 

    well done, girl 

    big warm hug

    renee

    • ShelleyS1102
      ShelleyS1102 renee01952

      Posted

      You are such a dear, Renee! Many thanks. I have already said goodbye to my home PT, BUT made arrangements to go to out-patient where I believe and HOPE that I will get assistance in building up my agility (which I nevver had anyway) But I must admit that prior to my surgery, all that I wanted was to get rid of my limp and cane and this surgery accomplished that! So I really am one happy camper! You are very knowledgeable and your advice has helped me. Continued success to ALL of us here!!!!
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