The hip Replacement recovery phase involves several key steps. Following these key steps ensures quicker recovery and an efficient healing process. At Swift Surgeries, we know recovering from hip replacement surgery can feel overwhelming, but with the right guidance, support, and mindset, this journey can lead to renewed mobility and an improved quality of life. This guide can answer your questions regarding how you can experience a successful recovery.
The 7-Step Hip Replacement Recovery Guide
If you or a loved one is facing or has undergone hip replacement surgery, understand that following the proper recovery process is essential for a smooth transition back to daily life. In this guide, we’ll outline seven crucial steps to help you navigate your recovery effectively. Let’s embark on this journey toward renewed mobility and improved quality of life!
1. Understanding Your Surgery
- What to Expect: Know that hip replacement surgery involves replacing the ball and socket joint in your hip utilizing the direct anterior hip approach. A custom surgical approach for each patient is thoroughly planned for the surgery using pre-operative X-rays as well as in-operative X-rays.
- Recovery Timeline: While each individual’s recovery varies, most people can expect a rehabilitation timeline ranging from a few weeks to several months, with formal therapy often lasting six to twelve weeks. The hip replacement full recovery takes one full year.
2. Preparing for Surgery
- Pre-Operative Assessment: Scheduling and attending your pre-surgical consultation to discuss your medical history, the surgery itself, and future rehabilitation is vital to the process. This is also a great time to express any concerns and ask any questions.
- Home Preparation: Make your home recovery friendly. Remove tripping hazards, arrange furniture for easy movement, and gather necessary medical supplies such as a walker or crutches. We recommend our patients remain on a single level during their recovery, avoiding stairs. It is also strongly encouraged to have assistance accessible for the first 7-10 days, and at your home for at least the first 36 hours after returning home.
3. The Initial Days Post-Surgery
- Hospital Stay: If your surgical case requires a stay in the hospital, it may range from 1-5 days and will include monitoring pain management, vital checks, and regular check-ins with your surgeon.
- Mobility Aids & Durable Medical Equipment: Learning how to use mobility aids is key. Our team of experts will provide extensive education, examples, and on-site training on how to utilize your equipment. Sizing and fitting will also occur during your pre-surgical visit. Our team is available for any questions 24/7 after your surgery should you have any questions regarding your mobility aids.
- Pain Management: Take prescribed medications as needed. Communicating openly with our Swift Surgeries team about pain levels will help in optimizing your therapy. Before your surgery, our team will review all of your current medications and ensure your post-operative prescriptions are aligned.
4. Rehab Phase
- Physical Therapy: Our Swift Surgeries team has developed a result-proven, recovery-focused, and successful post-operative physical therapy program. Upon returning home from your surgery, you should follow the at-home exercises found in your Swift Surgeries Patient Handbook.
- Exercises: Focus on gentle exercises tailored to your needs. Typical exercises may include:
- Ankle pumps
- Heel slides
- Glute sets
You must listen to your body and progress at your own pace. Rushing into activity can result in a slower overall recovery or lead to wound complications.
- Strength and Flexibility: Gradually increase the intensity of exercises as advised by your surgeon or therapist. Strengthening the supporting muscles will enhance stability and support long-term recovery.
5. Home Recovery Tips
- Rest and Activity Balance: Rest is crucial for healing, but short spurts of activity are also necessary. Focus on a balance to avoid overexertion. Our Swift Surgeries Patient Handbook provides written and visual instructions for recovery activity, and our team is available 24/7 for any questions.
- Nutrition: Healthy eating plays a pivotal role in healing. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D support bone health and recovery. Hydration is essential. If you would like support on nutrition, you can always reach out to our Wellness Institute Team. All of our patients will work with the Wellness Institute Team prior to their surgery to ensure each patient is in optimal health for surgery. This same team is available to you after your surgery, don’t hesitate to utilize them!
- Surgical Incision: Our surgeons utilize the bikini incision which allows for minimally invasive surgery, a patient-appropriate and individualized sized incision, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing placed scar. Additionally, the location and direction of the incision align with the hip joint, avoiding stress on the incision when bending the hip joint during recovery.
6. Emotional Well-being
- Mental Health: Recovery can encompass emotional challenges. Engage with friends, family, or support groups to alleviate feelings of isolation. Practising mindfulness and relaxation techniques can also help. It can feel overwhelming during your recovery phase – remember it is only temporary and the long-term results from rest are worth the short period of time you are resting.
7. Returning to Daily Activities
- Gradual Return: Follow your surgeon’s recommendations before resuming comprehensive activities. Breaking down tasks and taking frequent breaks build sustainable habits. It is normal to have some pain during the recovery phase of a hip replacement. Most of our patients have a significant reduction of pain following surgery and continued improvement during the post-operative months of recovery.
- Life Post-Surgery: Understand that complete recovery is a process and takes one full year. You’re not just repairing your hip; you’re renewing your lifestyle. Celebrate milestones along the way, big or small! Reach out to your surgeon or the Swift Surgeries team at any time during your recovery. We are here for you.
Conclusion
Every step of your recovery from hip replacement surgery brings you closer to an active, fulfilled life. Use this guide as a roadmap, always stay in touch with your healthcare team, and give yourself grace throughout the journey. Remember, healing takes time, and every day is a new opportunity to reclaim your mobility and enjoy life. You’re on your way to becoming a new you!
Helpful Resources
- Our Swift Surgeries patients receive access to an extensive catalogue of educational videos for pre- and post-operative information.
- Our Swift Surgeries Patient Handbook has a plethora of knowledge available to each patient including medication logs, frequently asked questions, contact information, pre and post-operative education, and visual diagrams for exercises.
- Swift Surgeries Team is available 24/7 to our patients. No question is too big or too small. We can also offer support via email, text message, virtual call, and phone call.
Always remember our team is here to support you from the initial consultation all the way through your 10-year follow-up appointment. We look forward to taking great care of you!
