Anticipated hip replacement recuperation process: Understanding the course ahead
A hip replacement surgery can be life-changing, helping alleviate pain and improve mobility. However, the recovery journey varies for each person, and it's crucial to follow the doctor's advice for the best outcomes.
Before The Big Day
Preparation is vital to a successful hip replacement surgery. Typically, someone can resume daily living and light activities within 3 to 6 weeks post-surgery. But the steps taken before surgery are crucial in affecting the overall recovery timeline.
Discuss the procedure with your doctor, research what to expect, and do some leg exercises to strengthen your legs, core, and upper body leading up to the surgery. Maintaining a moderate weight and quitting smoking can also reduce the risk of complications. Lastly, arrange for help with daily activities for the week or two following your return home from surgery and prepare meals in advance for convenience.
The First Few Days
After a partial or total hip replacement, most people stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days, with some going home on the same day. In the days following surgery, doctors typically administer pain relievers such as opioids, local anesthetics, NSAIDs, and acetaminophen. The incision is stapled or stitched for about two weeks and may require wound care at home.
People should start moving around as soon as possible after surgery, initially with assistance, though it can feel painful or uncomfortable. Physical therapists may teach you exercises to strengthen your hip and show you how to avoid doing activities that could damage your new hip.
Returning Home
A person may require assistance with everyday tasks for several weeks after returning home, or they may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility. Pain and discomfort may persist for a few weeks, and you should continue taking any prescription medications.
A physical therapist may show you exercises to perform at home to speed recovery and improve flexibility and strength in the new joint. In some cases, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist may check in and help with recovery. Keep your incision wound dry until a doctor removes the stitches or staples.
The Early Recovery Phase
By 10 to 14 days after surgery, most people no longer have stitches, and pain and swelling may begin to go down. However, this may take longer for some people. At this stage, activity levels can vary, with some people being able to move about more easily without aid, while others may still need assistance such as a cane or walker.
recovery beyond 2 weeks
Within 3 to 6 weeks, many people can generally resume light activities of daily living. They may feel stronger, more stable, and comfortable putting more weight on their leg. They may also be able to return to basic self-care and light chores.
Many people return to work after 6 weeks, though this may vary. After 6 to 8 weeks, people may be able to have sex again safely. Continue physical therapy as recommended by your physical therapist, for at least two months after surgery, then discuss when it is safe to do additional exercises like swimming and walking.
Recovery beyond 3 months
After 3 months, a person may be able to resume daily activities and participate in low-impact sports. Regular check-ins with your doctor are essential to evaluate your progress and recommend the best type of physical therapy to aid in your continued recovery.
Recovery Tips & Precautions
To aid recovery, follow physical therapy exercises, try gentle exercises, sit in a reclining position, use cold compresses for swelling, take prescribed medications as directed, use walking aids when necessary, avoid sitting still for long periods, watch out for falls, and don't engage in intense exercise or move or lift heavy objects.
Recovery may be more challenging for older adults due to compromised mobility and a higher risk of comorbidities. Speak with your doctor for tests and treatments for heart and lung disease, clogged arteries, high blood pressure, and other conditions.
Hip Resurfacing Recovery
• follow physical therapy exercises as a physical therapist instructs• try other gentle exercises, such as daily walking• sit in a reclining position• use a cold compress to reduce swelling• take any prescription medications as a doctor instructs• use walking aids, such as crutches, if necessary
In hip resurfacing, the femoral head is trimmed and capped with a metal cover, while the damaged cartilage and bone inside the socket are replaced with a metal shell. Most people can go home within 1 to 4 days after hip resurfacing surgery, though they may need a walking aid for the first few days or weeks.
People may experience some pain and discomfort for several weeks after the surgery, for which a doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids. Physical therapy after surgery is also recommended to maintain range of motion and restore strength. People may resume their regular activities around 6 weeks after surgery.
Surgery Outlook
Following hip replacement surgery, people experience less pain, better mobility, better quality of life, and improvements in daily activities. However, long-term effects and restrictions may include numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site, the potential need for metal detectors to identify the hip replacement, an increased risk of falls or injury participating in high-impact sports, and the need for antibiotics before certain dental procedures and safe positions and supportive cushions during sexual activity.
• sitting still for long periods• crossing the legs at the knee• bending the hip more than 90 degrees• bending down to touch the feet or ankles• sitting in low chairs• intense exercise, which may involve jumping or sudden turns• moving or lifting heavy objects
- To facilitate a successful hip replacement surgery, one should discuss the procedure with their doctor, research expectations, and perform leg exercises to strengthen muscles before the surgery.
- Maintaining a moderate weight and quitting smoking can minimize the risks of complications during and after the hip replacement surgery.
- Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process, teaching exercises to strengthen the hip and showing how to avoid damaging the new joint.
- Patients should start moving around as soon as possible after surgery, even with assistance, and continue taking any prescribed medications to manage pain.
- Within 3 to 6 weeks post-surgery, people can generally resume light activities of daily living, with someReturning to work and engaging in low-impact sports possible after 6 weeks.
- Beyond 3 months, regular check-ins with a doctor are necessary to evaluate progress and recommend ongoing physical therapy for continuous recovery.
- Comorbidities such as heart and lung disease, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure may make the recovery process more challenging for older adults; consult a doctor for appropriate tests and treatments.
