Activities to Avoid After Hip Replacement Surgery
Rehabilitation post hip replacement surgery begins straight after the surgery, with hospital physiotherapists encouraging you to do some bed exercises to help get you back on your feet as soon as possible. The road to full recovery can vary from 3-6 months, and in some cases even longer. However with some knowledge about the do’s and don’ts post-surgery, your recovery can move speedily along. While everyone’s recovery is unique and you should always follow the advice of your doctor and physiotherapist. These guidelines will give you an idea of what to expect from your body post-surgery.
What to Avoid Post Hip Replacement Surgery
Sitting or standing in one position for a long period of time
Crossing your legs for at least 6-8 weeks
Bending your knee up too high, no higher than the hip
Bending the waist beyond 90 degrees
Leaning forward while sitting
Bending down from your hips to pick up anything
Walking pigeon toed
Sitting in low chairs
In general, most patients achieve a recovery that enables pain free walking, bending, stair climbing, kneeling and a return to low impact sports such as swimming, cycling, golf, tennis etc. Some activities such as yoga which require particular flexibility may be limited depending on the patient and their recovery. High impact sports which place stress on the joint such as running or football aren’t advised in all patients but can be achieved by some younger patients.
In addition, doctors recommend to avoid extreme sports altogether to avoid dislocation of the hip. Sexual activity can be resumed when the patient feels comfortable but isn’t advised for the first 6-8 weeks. You may feel some stiffness around the joint at times, particularly with excessive bending, however this will diminish with time. Most patients find that any post-surgery discomforts they experience are minor compared to the pain and limited function experienced prior to surgery.
At Ballsbridge Physiotherapy Clinic, we want to help you get back to normal function and feel confident in your new hip. We have a team of chartered physiotherapists to assist you in developing a post-surgery recovery plan, or address any concerns you may have in regards to what you should avoid with your new hip. To book an appointment, contact the clinic on 01-6606582, or alternatively book an appointment online here.