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Using an exercise bike.

Posted , 10 users are following.

steph81051
steph81051

Hello all.

I am now 5 weeks past my THR. Am able to walk about 1.5 miles two or three times a day without a stick, although still working on the limp. I have the possibility of borrowing a static bike which my physio said would be ok. However, I have no idea how long I should make each session and how often each day. It would be great if others could share their exercise bike experiences with me.

Many thanks.

Steph

1 like, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • kapil29494
    kapil29494 steph81051

    Posted

    Exercise is the only solution for this. More you exercise more will strengththin your leg . I had hip joint operation last april complication of that i suffered from foot drop. Doctor said exercise(physiotherapy) is only solution for this.hope this will be helpful for this
    • Lallydye1
      Lallydye1 kapil29494

      Posted

      Hi

      I think I too have foot drop. Pain in my non operated side in the arch and heel. I would be grateful to hear any advice you have to give on correcting this.  I have bought myself arch supports which help but as soon as I take my shoes off the pain returns.  Dam annoying.  I wonder if I have a leg lencgth discrepancy?

      I hope you are doing well with your physio.

      Best wishes

      Alison

  • rich1960
    rich1960 steph81051

    Posted

    When I started outpatient physical therapy approx 3 weeks after THR, I would warm up for 10 minutes on a stationary bike.  At first, I went 3 days/week. 
  • renee01952
    renee01952 steph81051

    Posted

    hi steph !!

    wow, you are doing great, girl ...

    I rented a stationary bike for 2 months - I had done the bike riding at PT's office for 10 minutes each time - He told me to start with 10 minutes, 3 times a day - and then increasing time when you are ready to - To be honest, I had it it on the lowest resistance mode as i don't care to ride the bicycle at all - also, personally, the saddle was hard and uncomfortable - the rental company didn't have a "ladie's" saddle --

    oh, and the first week I managed 10 minutes twice a day .... 

    let us know how you are getting on

    big warm hug

    renee

     

  • erika61265
    erika61265 steph81051

    Posted

    I would say to listen to your body. Start with short periods and build from there.
  • belleAUSSydney
    belleAUSSydney steph81051

    Posted

    I don't have an actual exercise bike. I have a bike pedal set that sits under my computer desk. I got rid of my footrest and the pedals are now my footrest. At first, I was doing two long pedal sessions a day on them. However, after a few days, I relaxed and just pedalled a bit when I felt like it. I've now been doing this on and off ALL day for weeks and it has helped so much. I had a job tonight which involved standing (outside in freezing cold) for six hours and I DID IT! Couldn't have without all that pedalling.
    • linda38528
      linda38528 belleAUSSydney

      Posted

      Fabulous idea - we spend so much time in front of a computer screen that really 'works' for me. Thanks.
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK steph81051

    Posted

    I started with 5 minutes at a go, building up time and resistance as I felt able.

    One thing, even my posterior scar is well clear of the saddle, so it's actually quite comfortable.

    Graham

    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      Oh, and I'm now on the 'Boris' hire bikes in London as part of my commute. It's great to be back in the saddle
  • Lallydye1
    Lallydye1 steph81051

    Posted

    Hi I think bikes are great for building up your strength.  I am now back commuting to work on my bike (4.5 miles each direction - downhill there and uphill home) it has been great for my stamina and sorting out my limp.  I had my op in early Feb and started on an excercise bike at 6 weeks.  I was worried about breaking the 90 degree rule before this.  Now I am getting fit again and loving it.  I still have some stiffness in my hip but no pain. I need to work more on stretching I think.  However I do have foot pain in my non operated side and am now wearing arch supports to help. 

    Still feeling pretty good.

    You sound as if you are doing great keep it up and you will be back to full speed soon enough.

    BW

    Alison

    • erika61265
      erika61265 Lallydye1

      Posted

      I want to ride a bike but it scares me that I might fall off. I just hit 4 weeks post op
    • Lallydye1
      Lallydye1 erika61265

      Posted

      Hi

      Yes at 4 weeks I too was scared to fall off.  I only used an excercise bike after week 6 until quite recently when I bought a new road bike and have been commuting.  I am 4 months post op now and pretty much feel back to normal.  Every week you will begin to trust your new hip and soon enough you will use it confidently and won't always be thinking of falling over.  The first time on my new bike I was a bit scared but as soon as I got on it I realised that I was fine.  I wont go off road onto bumpy terain or anything lile that and I figure if I was to get hit by a car then maybe my hip would be the least of my worries.  

      At 4 weeks it is still very early for you so dont worry too much you will get there.

      Best wishes

      Alison

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