Pool following THR

Posted , 9 users are following.

Four weeks ago, I had a total RTHR. I'm making good progress, although still need a cane when I'm outside my home.

I realize every case is different, but would like to get other hippies' views on returning to the pool - just to walk in the water at this stage. My surgeon is away for a week so can't ask him at this time.

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi - assuming your incision is completely healed which it probably is, I see no reason you can't walk in a pool. I went in ours at 6 weeks but that was weather related, not because I wasn't able to.

  • Posted

    Even if your surgeon is out of town, most surgeons have lists of the restrictions for all of their patients, which would include bathing in a tub/going in a pool. Probably someone in his office would have that information to give you. It's worth a try. Otherwise, I'd just wait the week to see what he says.

  • Posted

    I went back in the pool, at 24 days, with my GP's permission, he checked very carefully that my cut was completly healed up, very important, you don't want to get an infection.

    I did my post surgery exercises, gently gently, as the water was heavier, and then got a noodle or water log, and went down the deep end, tucked log under my arms, and just simply treaded water, like riding a bike, lovely, very relaxing,was going three times a week, and am still going to the pool at least twice a week, over a year later, must admit it is a heated indoor pool.

    Have had a check up since with my physio, and she said for somebody who had a hip replacement a year ago and 65 years old, I am doing remarkably well, and she would be recommending to others to do the same as I am doing, she couldn't believe how strong I was, in my legs as well as back and stomach muscles, she got me to do a bridge, and a plank,even tested me with some weight on my back while I did the plank, and situps and couldnt believe I had no problems with all of these requests, I put it all down to the swimming, very reassuring to be told I was doing very well, and just keep doing what you are already, and I don't need to see you again.

    • Posted

      Wow Lyn. That is awesome that you made such strides. Very helpful feedback plus you also got to exercise and enjoy yourself.

      Cathy

    • Posted

      That is excellent, Lyn.  Good encouragement for me to get back to the pool when I can.  That treading water in the keep end sounds like it would be wonderful.   I am 67 and really want to get as strong as possible after this.  Good work!
  • Posted

    I went to the pool 2 weeks after my op with permission of the doc and physio.  My wound was healed and looking good.  I'm 6 weeks post op tomorrow and have been swimming front crawl for the last week.  

  • Posted

    Thank you to all who responded to my question re returning to the pool. I appreciate your comments.

    In the years prior to the surgery, I was going to the indoor, heated pool three times a week, initially to swim lengths. In the months prior to my op, I walked in the shallow end and 'cycled' in the deep end sitting astride a noodle.

    Carole

    • Posted

      I dis-agree with sitting on a noodle, I don't think it helps you achieve lengthening that we all need as we get older, with worn out dics and bones in our backs.

      I have discussed this with a physio and she said to me i may have a point, and asked me how I used my noodle.

      Middle of noodle level with centre of chest and then arms over the noodle so the tails are sticking out behind you, just be aware those of those tails with others in the pool.

      Hang in the support of the noodle and allow your back and hips to relax, with your toes not touching the bottom of pool if possible, really good for me I find, and has helped a fierce dose of sciatica from ruptered S1-L5 and bulging L5-L4, and advanced arthiritis of bones of spine, isn't it fun getting to 65.

    • Posted

      Lyn, your idea of hanging on the noodle sounds like a really good one. I'd love to do that, feeling weightless in a pool, letting my back and hips relax. I just checked out a nearby wellness/fitness center that has two therapeutic pools. Will tour the place next week. It was 5 years ago for me, at age 63, that my body really started to go downhill. It's a nightmare for me now.

  • Posted

    I'd say at least 6 weeks - but you really do need surgeon/physio clearance.

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