What exercises help recovery & strength after hip replacement?

Posted by Helen, Volunteer Mentor @naturegirl5, Mar 3, 2020

I'm looking for feedback, suggestions, and support for re-building strength after left total hip replacement.

My surgery (anterior incision) was at Mayo in November, 2019. For the first 3 months after surgery, I followed the physical therapist's recommendations for exercises (range of motion, walking, stationary bike) and added no leg bands or weights to my lower body. I even went snowshoeing and that was great! Let me note that I've been lifting weights for almost 30 years and was physically active until the hip pain became worse over the past few years. Thus, the decision to do the recommended total hip replacement. At the 3 month follow-up on February 20, 2020, the surgeon said there are no restrictions on my physical activity but to take it slow. I've still trying to figure out what "taking it slow" means. I'm lifting light weights (10-15 pounds) on machines (hamstring curls, leg extensions, leg press). I've added these just since returning from that February 20 appointment at Mayo and go to the gym twice a week. I have osteoporosis so weight lifting is important. But here's the thing - I have more pain and discomfort in my surgical leg and lower back than before February 20.

What is everyone else doing for their rehab post surgery at the 3 month mark? How are you have pain? How are you managing?

Blessings to you all.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 20, 2020

@oregonjan Yay! Doesn't it feel great to be actually doing something that will help regain your mobility. I have a new first question for all ortho surgeons now. "What is your view of post-surgical PT?" If they are ho-hum or negative, I find a different doc! After 11 surgeries for ortho issues, almost all due to arthritis, I have concluded that the operation is just ONE STEP in the process, and proper PT and exercise are just as critical to a successful outcome. Keep us posted on your progress. And ice after exercise will help keep you going.
Sue

Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jun 20, 2020

Perfect Sue. Keep singing that song. Post-op is not a race.
Chris

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 20, 2020

In reply to @artscaping "Perfect Sue. Keep singing that song. Post-op is not a race. Chris" + (show)

@artscaping Thanks Chris. Maybe just trying to psych myself up. Thumb recovery is on my horizon in a few weeks. 3 months with an OT twice a week, and 6-9 months of twice daily exercises at home. It worked well for the other hand, so I'll be keeping at it again. Already wriggling fingers and extending elbow to keep everything from locking up before the cast comes off on July 1st. Thinking about the color of splint I want this time - maybe lime green? Have had red, blue and purple for previous ones. Maybe I should have my grandson choose.
Sue

nancybb | @nancybb | Jun 20, 2020

In reply to @oregonjan "Had my video visit with PT and it went much better than I'd thought it could...." + (show)

I am also back to PT for my post hip replacement surgery. It’s going slow, but finding small improvements every week. Also battling lower back problems so strengthening that as well. Keep it up!!

Chris Trout, Volunteer Mentor | @artscaping | Jun 20, 2020

In reply to @sueinmn "@artscaping Thanks Chris. Maybe just trying to psych myself up. Thumb recovery is on my horizon..." + (show)

@sueinmn, Oh my goodness, I finally figured out your alias. Of course, you are. That sounds about right for thumb surgery. And you are coming off a success.
May you find joy today.
Chris

oregonjan | @oregonjan | Jun 22, 2020

In reply to @sueinmn "@oregonjan Yay! Doesn't it feel great to be actually doing something that will help regain your..." + (show)

Right you are about insisting on PT. Unfortunately with my HMO I had no other choice of surgeon within 50 miles. But when/if I have CMC joints fixed I'll insist on PT afterwards. (That would be a different ortho surgeon). Meanwhile, I'm optimistic!

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 22, 2020

In reply to @oregonjan "Right you are about insisting on PT. Unfortunately with my HMO I had no other choice..." + (show)

@oregonjan CMC thumb repairs are best done by a hand surgeon who keeps up on the latest best techniques. 2 friends and I had ours done 2 years ago by 3 different docs with different 2 different processes and 3 PT regimens - the one who had an old technique took over a year to recover with limited success. The 2 using the newer technique were very successful, but my more thorough therapy ended with better strength and flexion. I really appreciate being in an area with great medical options.
Sue

peggyn | @peggyn | Jul 14, 2020

Hello, I had posterior TLHR on June 18th.I am almost 4 weeks and cannot walk without a walker. I can stand just fine without any pain, but If I take a step the pain is in the front part of groin. I can put weight on that leg as long as both legs share the weight , I just cannot take a step..
Has anyone had anything like this. How long did you use a walker and how long did it hurt to walk?

Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jul 15, 2020

@peggyn Depending on your previous physical condition and other issues, using a walker at 4 weeks isn't all that unusual. More concerning is the continuing groin pain - it can be healing pain, an indication of prior weakness made worse by inactivity, or MAYBE a hint something isn't quite right.

Have you talked to your ortho about the pain and what you are experiencing? Have they taken x-rays to determine whether everything is in place and healing ok?

I see from your earlier posts that you had significant pain and muscle weakness before surgery. This does not automatically go away after the replacement, all the muscles need to be strengthened and retrained as you heal. Over the years I have learned that some docs feel like the job is done once the hip is replaced, and others view it as just one in a series of events to get you back to your best life. (Speaking from a little bit of experience here - two total hip replacements, and 3 revision surgeries.)

If you have not yet had physical therapy (not just the little bit you get in hospital) now would be a good time to ask for a referral for a comprehensive evaluation & rehab plan. In addition to exercises for the leg, you may need gait training to retrain your body to not "favor" the left hip, strength & flexibility training. It is a commitment you need to make to yourself to do the therapy every day, in clinic and at home, for as long as it takes to get moving. Sometimes it can really be a drag, but in the long run, it pays off.

Let me know what you learn from your doc.
Sue

oregonjan | @oregonjan | Jul 16, 2020

In reply to @peggyn "Hello, I had posterior TLHR on June 18th.I am almost 4 weeks and cannot walk without..." + (show)

I can certainly sympathize with your position and Sue's answer is right on target. I had my TLHR in Feb. and also had no PT or exercises until I insisted long enough and my surgeon referred me --after 20 wks!. SInce then the hip itself has healed fine (not considering a small bone-piece displacement which is not causing trouble) but I still cannot bear my weight on that leg, just as you say. However, all the pain is gone; the muscles are just too weak to support my weight. I've been having weekly video visits with my PT for just over a month now. Flexibility and stamina have improved immensely but the weight-bearing is going extremely slowly. However, I had been using a cane for nearly a year prior to surgery so there was a lot of muscle-strength lost.
Be sure to get going with physical therapy. I think the pain should start improving very soon but I think you will just have to be patient until the muscles heal and regain their strength for full weight-bearing again. Hang in there and stay positive!