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What physical therapy exercises did you do after hip replacement?
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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I am 7 weeks out from my left hip replacement. PT came to my house for two weeks, then I was prescribed outside PT for 8 weeks.
There seems to be a standard series of exercises done by PT for the hip. There is the risk that the PT will be too aggressive, which happened to me with one of my PTs, and you have to make sure to tell them if it hurts. It may be a little sore, but should not be painful especially while you are still healing. I had a “tight band “ and uneven leg length and they have helped with that. Walking is great, but PT helps with flexibility and other unique problems. It has been good for me.
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3 ReactionsWas your therapist able to even your legs? I have different leg lengths, too. My PT has ended but she recommended a small heel insert to level my legs. If I can even them with PT, I’d prefer to do that. Thank you
Welcome to Mayo Connect, where we share our various medical journeys.
I have had uneven leg lengths just about all my life. Even one of my hip surgeons remarked on it, measure it and tried to fix it during revision of a hip replacement. It didn't work, so I was left with PT & lifts. The PT taught me to walk in such a way that I could "get by" without the lifts, but the legs were still uneven.
What finally "fixed" me was a specific type of chiropractic care called Upper Cervical Chiropractic (my provider belongs to NUCCA), the goal of which it to align your spine from the top down. And have it stay aligned without weekly or more frequent "adjustments." In my case, unless I am having a problem, I am only seen every couple of months for a quick check.
In my case, first was a complete diagnostic process - like 3 hours. Then he aligned the top of the spine - one of my shoulders was over 1" higher than the other - this took several trips over a month. After that was stable, he aligned the sacrum & tailbone. My shoulders and hips are now level, and the difference between my legs has gone from 1/2"+ to about 1/8" - barely noticeable.
Did your PT put evaluate whether your shoulders and hips were level?
Sue
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2 ReactionsThanks for your quick response!
My PT only measured my leg length. I’ve had different leg lengths as long as I can remember. That was the first time I knew how far off they were (about 1 cm). My surgeon also told me my spine was slightly curved which was also new information.
I see my surgeon soon and am going to ask him about the procedure you followed. It sounds promising. I wouldn’t be worried about the difference except 1 cm is quite a bit and I’ve started to have issues with my non-op leg which I suspect may be from the leg discrepancy.
Thanks again - very helpful to see how you’ve managed your leg discrepancy.
Hi Moda-
My leg length actually measures evenly, but PT and Dr both say that because my hip was painful for quite a length of time, my hips compensated and I have to “relearn” my stride. I do wear a small lift in my heal, but was told not to wear it around the house,etc.
PT is giving me some exercises to lengthen the short one. Agree with you that I would rather correct my uneven stride than wear the lift. The lift is not practical for a lot of my shoes.
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1 ReactionThat’s helpful to know that they told not to wear the heel lift full time. I’ll definitely talk to my Dr. a little more. I don’t want to make it worse. Thank you!
Sue,
I have always believed in chiropractic care. I first saw a chiropractor when i was ten and fell off my horse. I had a scary neck injury from that fall and instead of taking me to the ER, my mother took me to a chiropractor. I never asked her how she knew to this in 1962.
It worked - he made some adjustments and I was aligned. Since then, i have seen chiropractors on several occasions and always with success.
Now, i have osteoporosis and am being treated for that. What are your thoughts about chiropractic treatment and mushy bones?
Sorry, I can't offer an opinion on that topic, not having that problem myself. However, with lifelong spinal issues, my husband has long been warned not to go to the "yank 'em & crank 'em" physical sort of chiropractor. Our family chiro for the past 20 years uses much gentler tactics, and the cervical chiro is yet a whole different, gentle method.
That would be a great question for your chiro & your prmary.
Sue
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