THR
Posted , 10 users are following.
I am 4 weeks post op. I was just wondering what should I expect as far as strength in my leg. Clam shells are hard to do. As well as pain where your hip bone is.
0 likes, 18 replies
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Notes on THR
beth2509 franco10
Posted
This is a don't do as I do post!
For weeks post op is very early for clam shell. I could do them sooner than that - but I had very strong muscles and a better than normal recovery. The "routine" advice from my hospital was not until six weeks, and then only if you could manage them.
For weeks is very early, and I wouldn't worry about still having some pain, and not being able to fully utilise the hip yet. Most people can't at that stage. There's no prizes for rushing things - you need to find your own pace.
franco10 beth2509
Posted
Rocketman_SG6UK franco10
Posted
Clam shell exercise is great, but hard - take it easy, 4 weeks is early in the recovery phase. I am over a year post THR, and still get the odd pain, probably from not doing enough clam shells ! I was told that if it hurts, stop doing it, you're probably doing too much.
beth2509 Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Great advice. That's exactly what my physio said about absolutely everything! She doesn't believe in the restrictions. Her advice is that you approach anything with some caution. If it hurts, stop. It's the pain that tells you what you can and can't do, not rules. I have found it absolutely great advice. It's made me a lot more relaxed about my recovery than I started out before the op because I'm not trying to second guess myself or worry about not doing things that I normally do.
Rocketman_SG6UK beth2509
Posted
Beth,
I like that, " It's the pain that tells you what you can and can't do, not rules."
Everyone's body is so different, but we will all get pain if and when we do too much - so we find our own limit.
Msky Rocketman_SG6UK
Posted
Let pain and comfort be your guide . Onward and forward we shall go . 😊
rose0000 franco10
Posted
My consultant for what it is worth, said no clam shells until six week check - I had to wait the same amount of time for cycling (which I hated every moment of) and other exercises. Your hip is in deep healing, it needs time to knit together, if you do too much too soon you risk damaging it (and starting again possibly) or you will be so much pain.
I think walking properly as much as possible (without limping, keep the sticks if you are limping) is truly the best exercise. Slowly building up your muscles in your thighs, taking it slowly and little and often at four weeks. You will get there, promise, but you need a shed load of patience - are you seeing a physio?
rose0000 franco10
Posted
Chloeparrot franco10
Posted
Hi Franco
4 weeks post op is far to early to be worrying about doing clam shells.
My advice is - patience and if it hurts don't do it!
'Simples'
renee01952 franco10
Posted
As said here, you are still early in recovering from major invasive surgery -
an incision was made, severing muscles, tendons, tissue etc ... bone cut, hip joint forcefully removed ... hardware jammed in - a lot of heavy manipulation was needed as well ...
have you had your follow up appointment ?
clam shells are pretty tough to do and might be too early to do them ---
do you see a physical therapist ? it is very easy to do this exercise incorrectly which might cause additional pain and strain ...
take it easy okay ....
big warm hug
renee
madla39168 franco10
Posted
You early stageto clam shells. 4 weeks to early ,give it time. Your body heeling and need rest as well. Just do some excersice,
water excersice and take it slowly.
Hug Madla
Msky franco10
Posted
Hi Franco.Im 3 weeks out tomorrow.This is my second hip and experienced a fractured femur on the 1st,which healed with what they call a fibrous union. I'm having to proceed very carefully.Sometimes our muscles take a little longer to progress depending on many factors including your age,how long you were experiencing hip pain a With possible corresponding muscle atrophy.Factors like that. Take care,be patient a
Monk kind to yourself
nicscott franco10
Posted
Hi ya I'm four weeks post op today so I would like to keep in touch with ur progress,I'm walking a lot without crutches been in the bike today at the gym and been back at wrk since last wk but be warned I sound great but to night I've had to leave my little boy at his football as I was in to much pain in both hips! Other hip was done Feb 16,I'm now in bed recovering so my advice is take it slowly just so a little of what u can each day,I no how u feel I'm quite irritable at the moment I no I'm doing well but I want everything to be even quicker as to clam shells No I can't do them and I did wrk very hard on my legs before my op gym 5 days a week! 4 wks before op I only worked on streghthinh exceecise so I wouldn't worry about them at the moment
Msky nicscott
Posted
Hi Nicscott. I read your advice to Franco and am going to take your advice to him into consideration.I am at 3 weeks 2 days. My workmates are already calling and texting me ,asking when I'm going to come back.I am feeling better everyday and feel strength slowly,really slowly returning to my legs.My PT said she was impressed with my leg strength. I walk a lot in my job and have had the 3 joint replacements in 18 months.I may want to give my body 8 weeks instead of 6 weeks just because it is such a physical job. I feel guilty for feeling like I need that.
judith12644 Msky
Posted
Don't rush back if your job is quite physical. I didn't go back to work properly until I was 10 weeks.(I teach reception aged kids.) Glad you are doing well.
nicscott Msky
Posted
Hi ya I agree with you people don't realise how hard it actually is getting over the operation and your mind set to,don't let people push you into going back u need to feel fully better if u have that option then do it in your own time,I'm a hairdresser and in demand unfortunately so I have rushed back but all I'm doing is going to wrk coming home going to bed because obviously my body isn't ready for wrk yet so take ur time do not rush try and do some pt it definatly does help X
Msky nicscott
Posted
Niscott ,a hairdresser is a really hard job post hip as you are on your feet , you have to use that foot peddle thing to raise and lower the chair,your bending and flexing your hips . I take my hat off to you it is a hard job .I talked to the PT about it today,she said that I'm just starting to be able to do things and show progression and that does not mean I'm ready to work . She states that would really push it and invite a lot of pain that will abate and can be prevented if I give it a little bit more time . You take care of yourself Nicscott🙂🌷
nicscott Msky
Posted
Awe thank u that is so caring I no I shouldn't be doing what I'm doing, but I enjoy work and I really felt a little depressed going back to my wrk helps me, I just hope I can help people to feel more confident that they can do it if they want been to the gym this wk too which has also helped me X