What physical therapy exercises did you do after hip replacement?

Posted by bbeebe1943 @bbeebe1943, Jun 21, 2021

My ortho surgeon said PT is not necessary after hip replacement. I had the surgery 3 weeks ago and am still having considerable pain. I'd be interested in hearing others' experiences in this regard. Thank you.

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@migizii

In reply to bigwellness….this is migizii….I had two previous hip surgeries (age 13,29) and I was told I would need THR by the time I was in my 40’s also. As it turned out, I didn’t have the surgery until I was 58. I will possibly need another one, as my family has long life genes, but one never knows for sure, when the surgery will exactly be needed. I am aware that exercise (not overdoing it) and maintains a healthy weight helped me considerably.

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Thanks for your comments.

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@migizii

In reply to bigwellness….this is migizii….I had two previous hip surgeries (age 13,29) and I was told I would need THR by the time I was in my 40’s also. As it turned out, I didn’t have the surgery until I was 58. I will possibly need another one, as my family has long life genes, but one never knows for sure, when the surgery will exactly be needed. I am aware that exercise (not overdoing it) and maintains a healthy weight helped me considerably.

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@ migizii
Hello,
I'm curious why you needed a replacement at 13.
My brother's grandson had a brain tumor then bilateral hip replacement at 15 and needs knee and shoulder replacements too.
He has a rare disease of some kind.
Thanks,
Jake

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@jakedduck1

@ migizii
Hello,
I'm curious why you needed a replacement at 13.
My brother's grandson had a brain tumor then bilateral hip replacement at 15 and needs knee and shoulder replacements too.
He has a rare disease of some kind.
Thanks,
Jake

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Hi Jake, I had a genetic disorder which caused my hip to dislocate. As my mother is adopted and there was no family history of any problems like this on my father’s side, it came as a surprise. Thus, I have no explanation for it and my only sister did not develop the issue. The disorder was identified as SCFE. I’m sorry I can’t be openly more help. Take care and good luck finding answers

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I had both hips replaced years ago. I, too, was told that PT was not necessary but I went anyway and I am really glad that I did. I also had a genetic disorder where I didn't have a full socket so the muscles were pretty much holding my hip in place. They gave me a full socket in surgery so now the muscles had to be retrained as to what to do. After surgery they continued to push on the hip which did not hurt the hip replacement any but sure caused a lot of pain. The PT help to relax these muscles and then strengthen them. It took about 6 months to get everything straightened out but now I have no pain! If you go, be sure to do all of your exercises as prescribed as my therapist said that is why I had such a good result. I still do them when soreness pops up and it seems to take care of it. Once in awhile, nothing I do seems to help so I go back to my PT for a "Tune up" and then I'm good again. Note: not all Physical Therapists are the same so don't hesitate to try a different one if you are not getting the results you need. Good luck!

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@migizii

In reply to bigwellness….this is migizii….I had two previous hip surgeries (age 13,29) and I was told I would need THR by the time I was in my 40’s also. As it turned out, I didn’t have the surgery until I was 58. I will possibly need another one, as my family has long life genes, but one never knows for sure, when the surgery will exactly be needed. I am aware that exercise (not overdoing it) and maintains a healthy weight helped me considerably.

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Thank you so much for your comments. They are very helpful and encouraging. Best to you.

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And you have a nice evening💖

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@sueinmn

Yes - 5 - The first were in 2005, both hips 6 weeks apart - I was in my early 50's and should have done it at least 5 years earlier, but I was in denial until I couldn't walk up steps. The implants were a new type, touted to last for 30 years because both ball and cup were made of metal. I got pain relief, but had strange grinding and clicking feelings almost from the beginning, which the surgeon dismissed at my annual checks was "normal."

In 2009 - 2010 I began to suffer from strange hair loss, lumpy tissue in my thighs, fatigue - never connected it to the hips. 2010, he handed me a letter at my annual visit that said "some people are experiencing issues with the implants..." I was tested, and it was determined the metal was breaking down, causing metallosis (heavy metal poisoning) from chromium and cobalt being shed as the parts rubbed together.

In 2011, I had the hips replaced with conventional implants. Much muscle damage was discovered from the metal as well as the metal in my blood. Then, one of them dislocated (probably due to the weakened muscles) and had to be done again.

Fast forward 10 years - ABSOLUTELY I am glad I did it. I am able to do just about everything, except run on hard surfaces or participate in jumping sports. The surgeon is delighted with my results, and says these hips should last me at least 15-20 more years. I can almost keep up in footraces with my 5 year old grandson, and can climb hills and trees with him.

I know everyone doesn't have the same results, but from the people here on Connect, I see some commonalities in those who have success. Keep weight controlled to limit stress on joints, keep muscles strong and as flexible as your body allows. Don't smoke, and maintain a healthy diet. Do ALL the pre- and post- surgery therapy and exercise recommended. Maintain a positive attitude.

Sue

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Sue and all other commenters, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your comments. It is scary for my son and me to know he will need his hip replaced before he is 40. Currently, both of us think he will need hip replacement before he is 35. It is comforting to know, although he will most likely need his hip replaced again 15 - 20 years from then, it sounds like it is doable to get his hip replaced a third time down the road.

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@bjgwellness

Sue and all other commenters, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your comments. It is scary for my son and me to know he will need his hip replaced before he is 40. Currently, both of us think he will need hip replacement before he is 35. It is comforting to know, although he will most likely need his hip replaced again 15 - 20 years from then, it sounds like it is doable to get his hip replaced a third time down the road.

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You also need to remember that the technology of joint replacements and repairs "leaps ahead" every 10 years or so - what is possible today would never have been contemplated 10 or 20 years ago - like partial knee replacements, robotic surgery, micro-repairs, bone implants... so encourage him to get it done when needed to preserve his youth, with the comfort that options will be available later.
Sue

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@bjgwellness

Sue and all other commenters, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your comments. It is scary for my son and me to know he will need his hip replaced before he is 40. Currently, both of us think he will need hip replacement before he is 35. It is comforting to know, although he will most likely need his hip replaced again 15 - 20 years from then, it sounds like it is doable to get his hip replaced a third time down the road.

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FYI--I had my first hip replacement 17 years ago. I just had x-rays and it shows no wear at all...yay! I am very active (go to the gym regularly) and I have no pain although sometimes the muscles tighten up and I have a few sessions of PT to put me back on track. You might find this funny...a few weeks ago I saw a friend I hadn't seen in a long while. She asked me how my hip was and for a minute there I didn't know what she was talking about! I FORGOT I'd had a hip replacement. Thought that was pretty cool because before I had my surgery, I was wondering how my life would change afterwards. For me, my life is much better "after" the hip replacement. I know it's scary and everyone is different but for me, having my hip replaced was the best thing I've done. Good luck to you!

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@sueinmn

You also need to remember that the technology of joint replacements and repairs "leaps ahead" every 10 years or so - what is possible today would never have been contemplated 10 or 20 years ago - like partial knee replacements, robotic surgery, micro-repairs, bone implants... so encourage him to get it done when needed to preserve his youth, with the comfort that options will be available later.
Sue

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Thank you! That had not occurred to me. Very encouraging to know.

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