21 Tips for a Speedy Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery

Recovery from hip surgery can be made smoother with the right “tools” and helpful tips regarding simple adjustments to your environment. Planning ahead will make your recovery process easier and less stressful. To paraphrase an old saying “The right tools make the job easier”. Your “job” is the recovery process.

1. This one is a no-brainer but many people forget there are a number of stages of recovery and a walker, crutches or both may be required as well as eventually a cane.

2. A comfortable shower chair or bench so you can sit down while in the shower. Make sure it will fit your shower or tub and is lightweight.

3. A body length pillow to allow more comfort when sleeping and avoid crossing your legs during the night. Keeping your legs uncrossed is considered a” hip precaution” that is generally recommended by doctors.

4. A “grabber” device with a long handle. This will make reaching objects high up a lot easier.

5. A heavy gauge clamp-on style bathtub rail that holds firmly to tub wall without marring the tub surface. It can easily be removed once it’s no longer needed.

6. Make sure you have a non-slip bath mat or non-slip shower slippers.

7. Portable commode-these are raised for easier access and less bending at the hip.

8. Make sure you have secure handrails for stairs. Test already existing handrails or install them.

9. A long handled bath sponge or brush. One with a rubber handle makes it easier to hold.

10. Buy an adjustable ergonomic chair. Whether you have a home office or just spend time at your computer an ergonomic chair is a must have to reduce stress and strain on your body and put you in the correct position for comfort. A firm seat cushion and an adjustable seat that allows your knees to remain lower than your hips, a back that is firm and armrests, are advised.

11. Remove any obstacles (such as electrical cords) or furniture that may interfere with a walker, crutches or cane. 12. Check to see if any floor surfaces are especially slippery and try to avoid them or be more careful when navigating them.

13. Secure” grab bars” in the tub and toilet area- be careful to check out reviews as some of the temporary ones advertised are not able to truly withstand weight and may fail.

14. Reevaluate your wardrobe choices for the recovery period. Putting on tie shoes may be difficult, if you need to wear sox or pantyhose, there is also a device to help put them on called an English Sock Aid. Bending more than 90 degrees should be avoided. Along handled shoe horn for slip-ons, elastic shoe laces for tie shoes, a shoe remover as well as a dressing stick may be helpful.

15. Move often. Do not sit or stand for any extended period of time. 16. Have additional firm pillows for couches or accent/side chairs so that your knees remain below your hips.

17. Take time adjusting to the emotions that follow any surgery.

18. Additional weight can put excess pressure on hips. Try to maintain a healthy eating plan.

19. Go to a physical therapy center or hire a physical therapist to come to your home. 20. Check to make see if these tools or services are covered by your insurance.

21. Follow the exercise plan mapped out by your physical therapist for the post operative weeks. Continue with ongoing exercise at home and at work-here are a few examples for the early postoperative period (always check with your doctor and or physical therapist to be sure these are recommended).

● Ankle pumps

● Ankle rotations

● Buttock contractions while lying flat on your back on your bed

● Straight leg raises again while flat on your back in bed

● Standing knee raises once you are able to walk. Do these while holding on firmly to the wall or a secure bar. Do not lift knee higher than waist.

● Walk smoothly, not hurrying. With walker or crutches.

Climbing up and down standard height stairs. Once you have been cleared to ascend and descend stairs, make sure you have a firm secure handrail. As you increase the repetitions you will build stamina, flexibility as well as strength. Remember lead up stairs with “good” leg and lead with the “bad” leg going down.

Keep in mind your recovery activity plan should include:

A progressive waling program, first in home and then outside. Practice walking sessions that slowly build up your endurance and mobility. Slowly resuming normal household activities and tasks Slowly increasing exercise program to include several sessions a day to restore flexibility and movement as well as strengthen the hip joint. The items mentioned can be found either online by doing a search for the specific item. (the benefit here is they will ship right to your door). And of course many home centers, pharmacies, surgical supply stores or Wal-Mart type stores also carry these products.

Plan on getting these prior to surgery so that you have them on hand once you get home.

About the Author

Denise Zangoglia is a home office professional who has been working from home since 1999 and has helped many friends through the hip replacement recovery process. She is the publisher of TheHomeOfficeCafe.com, a website devoted to helping entrepreneurs and work at home professionals with resources for creating an ideally designed ergonomic work space along with tools to support and grow their business. She writes on a variety of topics ranging from choosing the best ergonomic office chairs for productivity to home based business resources such as online secure data backup, website creation and marketing strategies.