Hip Replacement Surgery - Tips to a Quick Recovery

It can take up to six months for a full recovery frompush their foot up and down. These ankle pumps can
hip replacement surgery, but by following the rightbegin after surgery and continue throughout the
exercises provided by one's surgeon, recovery will berecovery, for about five to 10 minutes each day.
quicker. Communication with the surgeon is importantAdditionally, they can move their ankle in (towards
to find the appropriate level of activity followingthe other foot) and then out, for rotations which
surgery for each individual.should be done just as frequently.b. Knee bends:
Movement Guidelines to Follow After HipWhile lying in bed, the individual should slide their heel
Replacement Surgerytowards their buttocks, keeping their heel on the bed.
Hip replacement surgeons give advice after surgeryIt's important not to let the knee fall outward. This
on how to properly get out of bed, sit, walk, andcan be done several times a day.c. Quadriceps set:
other activities following surgery. Friends or familyAlso while lying in bed, one can tighten the thigh
members can help by understanding these exercisesmuscles and try to straighten their knee. Attempt to
and ensuring that proper movements are used tohold this for 5 to 10 seconds.
speed along the recovery process.a. When gettingThere are hundreds of exercises to use for a quick
out of bed, the recovering individual should get outrecovery from surgery. However, the best and most
on the same side as the hip which was recentlyimportant exercises to follow are those that are
operated on. Pivoting around and keeping theprovided by hip replacement surgeons, as they are
operative leg straight - not twisting the leg - iscustomized to the unique needs of a medical traveler.
important. Finally, the patient should sit on the edgeCreate a Recovery Safe Zone
of the bed and use crutches or a walker for supportA recovery safe zone will help recover from hip
in order to stand up, without bending forward.b.replacement surgery. This includes a comfortable
Those recovering from surgery should sit in firm,sleeping area, as an individual is likely to spend a
supportive chairs that have a straight back, high seatmajority of his or her time in bed. The room should
and armrests. Chairs, sofas, or any other type ofalso allow an area for doing standing exercises and
furniture that sits lower to the ground are not awalking.
good idea. The operative leg should always beIt's important that this sleeping area be within safe
elevated to reduce swelling and you should not flexwalking distance of a bathroom without the need to
the operative hip past 90 degrees.c. It is usuallyclimb up or down stairs, as well as access to food. A
necessary to use a walker or crutches for severalsafe zone for recovery from hip replacement surgery
weeks post-surgery. The patient should not put anyshould be stripped of any obstacles, keeping in mind
weight on the operative leg for There may be somethat the individual will be using crutches and/or a
changes in lifestyle, such as keeping items on shelveswalker when they do get up and move around.
which won't require bending. The hip replacementSupport from Family and Loved Ones
surgeon will advise of risky movements which shouldOne of the most important elements that contribute
be avoided.to a healthy, speedy recovery following any surgery
Follow the Exercises Given by a Hip Replacementis the companionship and support of friends and
Surgeonfamily members. Aside from encouraging a loved one
There are many exercises which can be used toto follow the instructions of hip replacement surgeons
speed along recovery following surgery. Some ofand do their exercises, the simple presence and
these exercises include:a. Ankle pumps and rotations:conversation can go a long way when somebody is
While lying flat on their back, an individual can slowlybedridden and recovering post-surgery.