Total-Hip-Replacement-Recovery

5 Tips for a Successful Total Hip Replacement Recovery

Exercise, maintaining a healthy diet and body weight, taking steps to prevent blood clots, and preparing your household for reduced mobility can help to ensure a successful recovery following your hip replacement surgery.

Surgery may be the most important and intense step in any treatment plan, but it is not the only one that carries serious weight and particular risks. The recovery period following an orthopaedic surgery usually involves many important steps and processes that will determine your long-term health and mobility.

This is the case with total hip replacement surgery. Hip replacements have become a common procedure (more than 300,000 total hip replacement operations are performed annually in the United States); and, since the 1960s when these operations were first performed, the safety of hip replacement procedures has increased dramatically. The ultimate success of the surgery, however, will be determined by the success of the recovery process.

The doctors and specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute use the best methods and equipment available to promote a successful total hip replacement recovery; they will guide you through every step of the recovery process. However, there are steps for a healthy and smooth recovery that have to be taken independently. Continue reading to learn about the measures you can personally take to improve your total hip replacement recovery process.

What You Can Do to Improve your Recovery

Practicing these five total hip replacement recovery tips can help you to have a smooth and successful recovery.

  1. Get in a healthy exercise routine

  2. Most hip replacement patients are able to walk within the same day or next day  of surgery; most can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks of their total hip replacement recovery.
    Once light activity becomes possible, it’s important to incorporate healthy exercise into your recovery program. Recommended activities include gradually increased walking and light household activities (sitting, standing, climbing stairs). Movement is essential to a healthy recovery.

  3. Pay attention to diet and weight

  4. Excess weight can put stress on your new hip prosthesis and increase wear and the risk of complication.
    Maintaining a healthy body weight before and after your surgery can help to improve your recovery process and the ultimate lifespan of your prosthesis. Additionally, make sure to maintain a balanced diet during your recovery.

  5. Exercise to Promote Blood Flow

  6. Certain exercises can help to promote blood flow and prevent clots. These include:

    • Regularly squeezing the thigh and calf.

    • Motion exercises for the legs that utilize full range of leg motions

    • Walking with or without  the assistance of supportive devices (such as walker/cane)

  7. Make household preparations
    Your mobility and ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks following your surgery will be strongly reduced. Prior to your surgery, make practical modifications to your house so that the things you’ll need will be accessible without excess movement. Additionally, make plans with friends, family, or caretakers to ensure that someone will be available to help with tasks like cooking, bathing, and running errands.

Taking careful precautions and putting intentional effort into your recovery help to ensure a smooth and successful total hip replacement recovery. Keep these critical tips in mind as you prepare for your hip replacement surgery and the subsequent recovery period. If you have any questions about total hip replacement or would like to schedule an examination, visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.

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