Recovery of Hip replacement

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

| A |

| B |

| C |

| D |

| E |

| F |

| G |

| H |

| I |

| J |

| K |

| L |

| M |

| N |

| O |

| P |

| Q |

| R |

| S |

| T |

| U |

| V |

| W |

| X |

| Y |

Patients should avoid high-impact activities but will be encouraged to walk and follow a gentle exercise programme as early as possible in order to:

reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis,
reduce joint pain and stiffness,
increase flexibility and muscle strength,
and improve cardiovascular fitness.

A physiotherapist should be assigned to help you recover and to explain the doâ€™s and donâ€™ts after the operation. It is very important that you follow their advice to avoid complications or dislocation of your new joint.

An occupational therapist should also be available to you. They will assess how physically capable you are. When you are about to leave hospital they will assess your circumstances at home. They will be able to advise you on how to do daily activities, like washing yourself, more easily. They will also advise about any equipment you may need to help you to be independent in your daily activities. This might include things like a raised toilet seat and things to help you dress.

After hip replacement surgery you should:

contact your GP if you notice redness,
fluid or an increase in pain in the new joint.
donâ€™t bend or twist at the hip, avoid low chairs and toilet seats,
donâ€™t cross your legs,
donâ€™t lie on your side,
and follow the advice of the doctor and therapists.