There are more than 300,000 hip surgeries each year.
Preparation can help set up patients for a successful recovery! Following instructions and protocols will be important after being discharged from the hospital. Patients are usually discharged once they can get out of bed, can walk a short distance, have increased mobility, and have pain under control.
Typically, hip replacement patients are discharged after two days and will be able to resume most activities after six weeks after surgery. The first month of recovery is critical for letting soft tissue heal and allowing the bone to grow to the hip prosthesis.
Hip replacement recovery is fairly quick and leaves many patients feeling like they have their life back in their own hands!
We put together a simple list of dos and don’ts after hip surgery to help you prepare for success!
Don’ts
Don’t Do It Alone
Don’t Use Pain for A Guide
Don’t Bend at The Hip More Than 90 Degrees
Don’t Lift Heavy Objects
Don’t Cross Your Legs
Don’t Over Do It
Dos
Do Eat for Health
Do Manage Your Pain
Do Get Up & Move
Do Manage Your Expectations
Do Make Sure Your Home Is Adapted
Do Communicate with Your PT, Nurse & Doctor
Remember to SLOW down once released from the hospital and follow doctor and physical therapist recommendations. It will be important to receive assistance with: driving, grocery shopping, meal preparation, household chores, managing medications, and personal hygiene. Our team can assistant patients in each of those areas including at home physical therapy! Physical therapy can help patients regain strength and improve gait. A strong recovery plan will promote blood flow and healing. Home care also offers peace of mind. All of our services are nurse supervised. Our team has trained eyes to spot warning signs of infection or blood clot.
Successful hip surgery and recovery will reduce pain felt prior to surgery and increase range of motion in the joint! While high-impact activities will still be too stressful on the joint, patients will be able to swim, hike, golf, and even bike comfortably after recovery.