Tips for a successful hip replacement recovery

Undergoing a hip replacement can be a life-altering event in anyone’s life, and it is only natural to be worried about the recovery as well as the surgery itself. Indeed, hip replacement surgery is complex and demands a lot of a person’s body, meaning it is imperative that anyone who has undergone the surgery starts physical therapy as soon as they are able. While this may sound daunting, it need not be. There are a few golden rules that, if followed, should make your recovery that little bit easier and get you back to your old self as soon as possible.

1. Prepare (thoroughly!)

Building up your strength before going under the knife can make recovery far quicker and easier. Consider taking up some moderate strength training in order to build up the strength and support you need to facilitate beneficial physical therapy. Of course, it is also important you do not injure yourself, so consult a medical professional and trainer before deciding on the sorts of exercise you wish to undertake.

2. Start physical therapy as soon as possible

Starting physical therapy as soon as you are fully cognisant and settled is very important. Allowing days to pass without exercising your muscles will leave them liable to atrophy, and could make any pain you are experiencing worse. Make sure you have a rehabilitation plan established before going into surgery, so you know exactly what you should do post-surgery.

3. Find the right pain relief

Don’t be afraid to request the right level of pain for you, as prolonged pain will only make the recovery a slower and more unpleasant experience. There are plenty of pain relief medications and options out there, so research and ask as many questions as possible before going into surgery. It is important to note that pain medication is much safer than it used to be, and its side effects are often fairly limited.

4. Don’t compare yourself to others

Recovery from surgery differs wildly in different people, so do not be discouraged by miracle recovery stories. There are a range of different approaches to try, and it is important to find the right one for you. For more information and advice, get in touch with us today, and one of our friendly team will be more than happy to take your call.