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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@helennicola

I had a hip replacement 4 yrs. ago, had a P/T come to my house briefly. I did the exercises faithfully and work out 3x wk. plus walk 4-5x wk. I have had tendinitis (originally diagnosed as bursitis) off and on for the past 2 years for which I went to P/T. I had a steroid shot which did not help but I find the exercise machines I use at my gym help the most. I continue to play golf 3x wk. and the tendinitis is no longer a problem.

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Yet another testimony to keeping on moving after joint replacement. Thank you.
Do you remember how long it took before the new hip felt "normal"? It will help people with recent surgeries know what to expect.
Sue

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@sueinmn

Yet another testimony to keeping on moving after joint replacement. Thank you.
Do you remember how long it took before the new hip felt "normal"? It will help people with recent surgeries know what to expect.
Sue

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I was perfect almost immediately! I used crutches initially, then a cane, I was back to normal within weeks with no pain at all. I was in good physical health at the time, 70 yrs. old and always active, all of which is a factor.

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Thank you all for your experiences and encouragement about hip replacement. The comments have lessened my anxiety and yet are realistic about what to expect and do. I am so grateful for MayoClinic Connect!!!

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@helennicola

I was perfect almost immediately! I used crutches initially, then a cane, I was back to normal within weeks with no pain at all. I was in good physical health at the time, 70 yrs. old and always active, all of which is a factor.

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could you please be more specific on what "within weeks" means? Thanks

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@bbeebe1943

could you please be more specific on what "within weeks" means? Thanks

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I believe (if I remember correctly!) that I was walking unaided within 3-4 wks. Everyone was amazed at my fast recovery myself included. Your recovery also depends on the procedure your surgeon uses as there are 3 different positions a surgeon may choose to place the incision and also how aggressive the post op therapy is. My surgeon had me up and walking within hours of surgery. I would research the ortho doctors available, their methods and patient reviews and if possible choose someone who was referred to you.

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@helennicola

I believe (if I remember correctly!) that I was walking unaided within 3-4 wks. Everyone was amazed at my fast recovery myself included. Your recovery also depends on the procedure your surgeon uses as there are 3 different positions a surgeon may choose to place the incision and also how aggressive the post op therapy is. My surgeon had me up and walking within hours of surgery. I would research the ortho doctors available, their methods and patient reviews and if possible choose someone who was referred to you.

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I was also walking unaided within a couple weeks, and was up walking the day after surgery (with a walker then). It's been a month now, I don't use a walker, crutches, etc., but might use a cane if I go to the grocery store. Cannot drive yet, they say if it's you're right side, you have to wait at least 4 weeks, 6-8 is even more likely. My surgeon is very reputable, he just does not push PT for hip replacement patients. He said that a recent study showed that hip patients recover as well without it. I don't know if I buy that...but I have gone to PT a few times and feel worse after I go. I will give it more of a chance, sounds like I might just be too impatient...but it is still quite painful. My incision is from side to side, maybe 6" long, at an angle, if that tells you anything..

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@bbeebe1943

I was also walking unaided within a couple weeks, and was up walking the day after surgery (with a walker then). It's been a month now, I don't use a walker, crutches, etc., but might use a cane if I go to the grocery store. Cannot drive yet, they say if it's you're right side, you have to wait at least 4 weeks, 6-8 is even more likely. My surgeon is very reputable, he just does not push PT for hip replacement patients. He said that a recent study showed that hip patients recover as well without it. I don't know if I buy that...but I have gone to PT a few times and feel worse after I go. I will give it more of a chance, sounds like I might just be too impatient...but it is still quite painful. My incision is from side to side, maybe 6" long, at an angle, if that tells you anything..

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I had no pain afterward, my P/T consisted of some stretching floor exercises and the P/T came to my house only once. My incision was 4” straight down in front of my hip which eliminated the surgeon having to cut through muscle plus sitting was never painful. I didn’t wait the full time period but started driving when I felt comfortable although I had to help my leg up for quite a while. The exercises are mainly to keep the hip flexible, if you feel worse from it I would hold off until you are better healed. I wish you a quick recovery going forward. 😁

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@helennicola

I had no pain afterward, my P/T consisted of some stretching floor exercises and the P/T came to my house only once. My incision was 4” straight down in front of my hip which eliminated the surgeon having to cut through muscle plus sitting was never painful. I didn’t wait the full time period but started driving when I felt comfortable although I had to help my leg up for quite a while. The exercises are mainly to keep the hip flexible, if you feel worse from it I would hold off until you are better healed. I wish you a quick recovery going forward. 😁

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Thank you very much. Glad yours turned out so well!

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@bbeebe1943

Thank you very much. Glad yours turned out so well!

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Did you apply a lot of ice? I have ice on mine all the time it seems.

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I did not need ice or nsaids luckily.

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