Undergoing hip replacement surgery at Tennessee Orthopedic Clinics is a transformative experience, with each patient’s journey post-surgery unique. Various factors, including the type of hip replacement, overall health, lifestyle, and adherence to medical advice, influence your recovery and return to daily life.
What Should I Avoid After Surgery?
Your doctor and physical therapist are pivotal in your recovery, guiding you toward a faster and more effective healing process. Here are crucial activities to avoid post-surgery:
Avoiding Resistance to Movement: Post-surgery, moving as your healthcare team directs is essential. Early movement helps prevent blood clots and accelerates healing, even if it feels challenging initially.
Limit Bending at the Waist: Bending more than 90 degrees, like tying shoes or sitting in low chairs, increases the risk of dislocating the new hip joint.
Knee Movement Restrictions: Lifting your knees above your hips can risk dislocating the hip joint, just like excessive bending.
Leg Crossing Prohibition: Depending on your surgery type, crossing your legs may be restricted temporarily or longer to prevent joint dislocation.
Hip Twisting and Pivoting: Maintain your chest and hips in alignment to avoid twisting movements that could affect the new joint.
Foot Rotation Limits: Keep your feet and toes aligned with your hips, whether walking, standing, or lying down, to maintain joint stability.
Postpone Driving: The ability to drive varies among individuals. Consult your doctor to determine the safe timeline for you to resume driving.
Be Patient About The Healing Process: Rushing recovery can lead to setbacks. Opt for a skilled nursing facility if you need more time for recuperation.
What Can I Expect From Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation begins the day after surgery, where physical therapy helps you gradually regain mobility. Starting with walkers or crutches, the goal is to progress to unassisted walking, typically within three days, depending on individual recovery rates.
While the restrictions might seem overwhelming, they are usually temporary, some may extend longer or become permanent. However, these limitations often lead to a higher quality of life post-recovery than pre-surgery conditions.
Personalized Recovery: Understanding Your Unique Needs
Every patient’s recovery needs and restrictions are different, influenced by surgical techniques and individual health conditions. Your doctor and physical therapist will provide a tailored list of dos and don’ts to ensure proper healing and joint stability.
Post Hip Replacement FAQs
Walking Post-Surgery: Most patients can walk within a day after surgery, with normal walking resuming within 3 to 6 weeks.
Bending Guidelines: Avoid bending your hip over 60 to 90 degrees for 6 to 12 weeks.
Sitting Postures: For the initial six weeks, prefer straight-back chairs and avoid low seating arrangements.
Lifelong Restrictions: Post three months, most activities like hiking and swimming are possible, but caution is advised for high-impact activities like running.
While artificial joints are durable, they are not identical to natural joints and require mindful activities to ensure longevity.
Tennessee Orthopedic Clinics is dedicated to supporting you through every step of your hip replacement journey, from surgery to full recovery. Your adherence to these guidelines will significantly influence your healing process and overall quality of life post-surgery. We serve patients from Knoxville, TN, Oak Ridge, TN, Lenoir City, TN, and Sevierville, TN.
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