After your joint replacement, the muscles and tissues surrounding your hip will need time to heal. In the early stages (first 6 weeks) post-surgery we advise some caution with certain movements such as flexing your operated hip greater than 90 degrees and twisting your leg inwards.
You should also exert caution when sitting in low chairs and when bending to pick up objects from the floor or putting on shoes/socks/tights.
Once this initial stage has passed the muscles and tissues around the operated hip will have begun to tighten and strengthen.
You can proceed with less caution and progress everyday activities and rehabilitation safely.
In the long term, it is important to remember that you have had a hip replacement. We would recommend that you avoid prolonged extremes of hip movement such as combined flexion greater than 90 degrees with twisting your leg inwards eg. Movements and positions such as cutting your little toe nail.
Walking
Walking Sequence
Walking aid forward.
Step forward with operated leg.
Step to or past operated leg with non-operated leg.
Turning
You can turn in either direction but do not twist on your operated leg, as this can increase the risk of dislocation.
Lift your feet and step around with small steps when turning.
Your new hip is strong enough for you to place your full weight on it immediately after surgery. However, your physiotherapist will provide you with a walking aid/aids (zimmer frame or 2 elbow crutches) to help you mobilise. You can progress onto 1 crutch (hold in opposite side to the operated hip) as you feel comfortable. Gradually over a period of time, you can progress off all walking aids or to a stick if necessary. You can gradually increase the distance you walk, depending on how you feel. Never push beyond your capabilities, it is better to do little and often. If you lack confidence initially, have a friend or partner walk with you.
Please note:
If you have been told that you should restrict the weight going through your new hip, you should continue to use your walking aid / 2 crutches as instructed for the specified time. Your Physiotherapist / Consultant / Trauma and Orthopaedic Practitioner will be able to guide you on when you can progress.
Stairs
When going up stairs, we recommend:
Hold onto the handrail with one hand and the crutch with your other hand.
Step up leading with your non-operated leg
(Good Leg) followed by your operated
leg (Bad Leg) onto the same step.
Then bring your crutch up onto the same step.
Always take one step at a time in the early
stages and ensure that you place your foot fully on each step.
When going down stairs, we recommend:
Hold onto the handrail with one hand and
the crutch with your other hand.
Begin by placing the crutch down onto the step below.
Then step down with your operated leg
(Bad Leg) followed by your non-operated
leg (Good Leg).
Always take one step at a time in the early stages and ensure that you place your foot fully on each step.
Advanced Exercises
Single Leg Bridging - Bend the knee of your operated leg placing your foot on the bed. Raise your other leg straight up. Then squeeze your buttocks and push through your foot lifting your bottom.
Double Leg Squat - Stand with feet shoulder width apart and toes pointing forward. Keeping your back upright, bend your knees forward over your toes and lower your bottom. Hold 1-2 seconds.
Single Leg Squat - Stand on your operated leg, raise your other leg off the floor. Keeping your back upright, bend your knee forward over your toes and lower your bottom. Hold 1-2 seconds.
Forward Lunge - Step forward with your operated leg. Keeping your back upright, bend your knee to approx. 90 degrees and lower your bottom. Hold 1-2 seconds.
Sideways Lunge - Step your operated leg out to the side. Keeping your back upright, transfer your weight over your operated leg. Bend your knee forward over your toes at 90 degrees. Hold 1-2 seconds.