Hip replacement surgery is designed to relieve pain, reduce stiffness, and improve the ability to walk. Usually, patients who undertake this procedure...
Hip replacement surgery is designed to relieve pain,
reduce stiffness, and improve the ability to walk. Usually, patients who undertake this procedure stay at the hospital for about three to 10 days. At this point, rehabilitation may start. Most of the time, people think that exercising is bad as there is too much movement and it may affect the healing process. But, according to medical experts, exercising is ideal for post-operative patients as it may help them regain and improve strength around the hip. Furthermore, it restores the joint’s motion and strength.
During the first few days after the operation, you just want to take it slow. It is vital that you start on some activities straightaway to promote healing, balance the effects of anesthesia, and keep blood clots from developing in your leg veins. Your surgeon, and physical and occupational therapists may give health teachings about pain control, diet, wound care, and exercise.
Some of these exercises commonly performed after hip replacements include:
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Gluteal Sets
Gluteal sets are easy exercises that make stronger the gluteal muscles of the hip. Strong gluteal muscles help in hip extension as well as balance of the joint. How do you do this? Lie on your back, tighten the muscles in your buttocks, and hold for 10 to 15 seconds, and then relax the muscles.
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Ankle Pumps
This type of exercise is intended to toughen your ankle and loosen up your hip at the start of your therapy. Sit on the ground with your operated leg extended and your other leg bent at the knee. And then, slowly push your foot up and down. Do this exercise numerous times for five or 10 minutes. You may do this exercise instantly after surgery and continue until you are totally recovered.
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Straight Leg Raises
This exercise helps reinforce the hip joint. First, lay on your back on a flat surface. Keeping your knee straight, slowly lift the one leg. Hold it up for a count of five and the slowly lower it down again. Change legs and start to raise the other leg.
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Standing Exercises
After the surgery, you are anxious to get out of bed and to stand. This action will need help since you may become dizzy as you attempt to stand. As you recover your strength, you will be able to stand self-sufficiently. While doing these standing exercises, remember to hold on to a secure object.
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Hip Abduction Exercise
Hip abduction exercise build up your hip and increases its range of motion. To start, lie down on the floor with your back flat and arms at your sides. Your legs should be fully stretched and next to each other. Next, slide your operated leg out as far as you can to one side of your body. Maintain this position for three seconds before returning to your original position. Repeat this exercise until you are worn-out.
Always coordinate and ask your surgeon or therapists when trying to perform these exercises as some are restricted to do these.
However, just like any operation, hip replacement has its own complications as well, which include inflammation, pain, and metallosis. Metallosis is a condition in which metal ions from the metal-on-metal hip device may seep into the bloodstream, causing damage to other organs of the body. This compelled some manufacturers to withdraw their products from the market; among them is Stryker hip device recall.
