Should I move less after having an artificial hip replacement? Do these 2 steps to move easily

Hip joint "disease" often causes unbearable pain, especially after an artificial hip replacement. Will it get better if you don't move it? Experts point out that in order to protect the hip joint from injury after surgery, the whole body should be made flexible before exercising. Do stretching exercises first to relax your body, and you can also move easily by using straight knee lifts or bridge stretches.

Physical therapist Hu Yuanqi pointed out that the hip joint is the most important spherical joint when the human body stands or walks, and can cope with movements in all directions. Because of the high usage rate, the hip joint is prone to degeneration or ischemic necrosis. Depending on the work or living habits, it is also prone to different diseases. For example, the elderly, those who engage in long-term carrying work, and those who are obese are more likely to develop degenerative arthritis. People with rheumatoid arthritis caused by immune system disorders, trauma or poor blood circulation are prone to ischemic necrosis of the hip joint. Those with severe symptoms must replace the artificial hip joint.

Hip replacement does not mean you will be completely cured

However, patients should be reminded that for those who undergo hip replacement surgery, surgery does not mean they are completely healed and do nothing. If the patient is inactive for a long time after surgery, the joints and cartilage will not receive adequate lubrication and nutrients, leading to joint contracture and muscle degeneration. In severe cases, a second surgery may be required.

Patients must not mistakenly believe that movement will cause pain and therefore refrain from movement. Instead, they should begin postoperative physical therapy after evaluation by a physician. The cooperation of family members is also very important. Don’t do everything for the patient. Instead, encourage the patient to do things by himself as much as possible within his ability.

Hip joint "disease" often causes unbearable pain, especially after an artificial hip replacement, which requires more stretching.

Maintaining artificial hip joints and avoiding crossing legs

Physical therapist Hu Yuanqi emphasized that the most common orthopedic surgery is artificial joint replacement, among which hip joints account for the majority, with an average of 10,000 people each year; in addition to the common causes of degenerative hip arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fractures also cause the hip joint to be unable to function normally, and all of them require artificial joint replacement.

Within 3 months after the operation, you should continue to strengthen muscle exercises and take good care of the artificial hip joint to extend its life. Avoid raising your knees higher than your hips; when sitting, keep your knees below your hips; when sitting with your legs straight, support your body with your hands behind you to avoid leaning forward, crossing your legs, or crossing your legs.

6 amazing benefits for postoperative physical therapy patients

If you want to extend the service life of your artificial hip joint, you should pay attention to weight control, because being overweight will increase the stress on the hip joint and accelerate its wear rate. It is recommended that patients control their body mass index (BMI) to 25 and not exceed 30. In addition, you should also develop good living habits and a balanced diet.

Postoperative physical therapy has 6 great benefits for patients, including:

• 1. Prevent joint stiffness that causes inability to bend or straighten, affecting daily life such as sitting on the toilet and walking.

• 2. Prevent lower limb swelling: Less movement due to pain can easily lead to lower limb swelling, pain and discomfort in the short term.

• 3. Prevent muscle decline, extend walking time, go up and down stairs normally, etc.

• 4. Prevent venous thrombosis.

• 5. Avoid sequelae.

• 6. Help patients recover their original life functions as soon as possible.

After the doctor's evaluation, therapist Hu Yuanqi demonstrated two easy-to-use and simple physical therapy exercises that can be done in bed to help restore muscle strength after surgery. If you feel any discomfort during exercise or at any other time, remember to consult your doctor or physical therapist.

[Straight knee leg lift exercise]: Bend the healthy leg and step on the bed. (Photo provided by VitalSurgery Zhongshan Spine Surgery Hospital)

Exercise 1 [Straight Knee Leg Raise]: Bend the healthy leg and step on the bed to lift the affected leg upward, 30 to 50 degrees is best, do not exceed 90 degrees, hold for 10 to 15 seconds, repeat 10 to 15 times, and do about 3 rounds a day.

【Bridge Exercise】: Use the strength of your feet to lift your buttocks. (Photo provided by VitalSurgery Zhongshan Spine Surgery Hospital)

Exercise 2 [Bridge Exercise]: Perform with the assistance of a family member. Be careful not to let the hip joint exceed 90 degrees. The patient bends both feet and steps on the bed. Use the strength of both feet to lift the buttocks. The healthy foot can apply more strength to help the affected foot share the burden. After lifting, hold for 10 to 15 seconds, repeat 10 to 15 times, and do about 3 rounds a day.