How To Recover After Hip Replacement Surgery?
07 MarHip injuries, hip dislocations, and hip damages are becoming very common, which has led to the growth of the number of hip replacement surgeries today. While these surgeries are becoming common, and the success rates are being observed, people still dread undergoing them. The main reason for this is the worry about the post surgery phase.
Physicians always provide patients with specific instructions to follow depending upon their individual needs, which if followed properly, can help with better and faster recovery. These instructions will include medications, exercises, therapies, and more. So, if you are sure to undergo a total hip replacement in Bangalore, but are equally afraid, here is all that you must expect after your surgery. Go through the blog so that you are prepared well in advance.
After the surgery, you may either be sent to a rehabilitation facility for a few days, or you may be directly sent home. Whatever the case, you need to be strong, positive, and active. Also, physical therapy begins right from the next day of the surgery, and continues for around two months. Along with this therapy, you will also be given some exercises to practice at home for a few months.
What do post surgery exercises help with?
Post surgery exercises provide circulation to your legs and feet, thus reducing the chances of blood clot formation. Beginning with gentle movements like knee bends, leg raises, and ankle rotations, the exercises will boost muscle strength and enhance hip movement. With these exercises practiced daily, you will be able to resume daily activities like walking, cycling, stair climbing, and swimming. But, running and other vigorous sports and activities may need to be eliminated from your lifestyle to avoid excessive wear and tear of your muscles. Also, it will take you somewhere between 20-30 days to resume driving, depending upon your condition. If you have stopped taking pain killers, and if your reflexes are back to normal, you may consider driving.
When can you resume regular activities?
Although standing, walking, and climbing up/down the stairs are the activities you can begin with days after surgery, you may be refrained from other strenuous activities like running, jumping, jogging, and other sports. And, if you are wondering about getting back to work, you will need to wait at least 6 weeks after surgery before you can rejoin your office.
How to avoid complications?
One of the most common complications seen in a hip replacement surgery is blood clot formation from deep vein thrombosis. The timeframe of the first ten days after surgery is the phase of highest risk for such a complication. However, there are chances that you develop blood clots even after this phase. But, if you clear three months without such clotting, you can consider yourself safe from such complication. To combat blood clotting, physicians advice patients to take blood thinning medications, wear compression stockings, perform early exercises, and keep your feet elevated. Also, you will be refrained from taking a flight for up to 6 weeks after surgery because dehydration or prolonged sitting also contributes to blood clots. Considering this, you must always keep yourself hydrated at all times and periodically walk around a small distance.