After surgery, integrative therapy options can help to strengthen the joint and aid in healing. Integrative therapies can include a range of activities including acupuncture, hypnotherapy, massage and exercises like yoga and Pilates.
These techniques enhance the healing process and maximize the benefits of hip surgery. Some may have more practical uses in learning to use the new joint, and others may be intended to help manage pain or aid in relaxation.
Pilates
Post-operative regimens like Pilates can be explored weeks or months after surgery. The goal of the exercises is to increase the new hip’s range of motion, develop muscle memory in certain muscle groups, stabilize the core and enhance joint and muscle stamina.
Pilates is often an allowed activity for people after hip replacements and can be adjusted based on a person’s experience level.
Post-operative Pilates is an option that is recommended on a case-by-case basis. Patients need to get the OK from their doctor before beginning Pilates, and they should seek out a certified Pilates instructor.
Yoga and Pain Management
Yoga is another post-operative exercise option that people may look into when recovering from hip replacement. Patients should talk with their doctor before beginning any exercise options after hip surgery.
Yoga is very individualized, and hip patients should meet with a certified instructor who can adjust positions to accommodate their new hip.
Painkillers are often prescribed to manage post-surgical pain, but there are also integrative therapies related to pain management. This is important because extreme pain can impede a patient’s ability to relax, which can lead to lack of sleep and increased stress on the body.
Some therapies to manage pain could be trying anti-inflammatory foods and liquids such as pineapple, papaya and foods rich in omega-3s, like fish or flax seeds. Some people may look to control pain through breathing exercises.
Patients should speak to their doctor about their post-surgery diet plans.
Complications After Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery is extremely successful, but complications like dislocation or infection can occur. Surgeons will tell patients the best way to avoid these problems.
Rehabilitation is very important to restoring a hip implant patient to their normal life. Rehab can help a patient avoid muscle atrophy and improve the implant’s function. There are rehab exercises people can do during the weeks after the surgery to make them stronger and aid in the healing process.
There are many things that people who get a hip replacement can do to make the recovery process smoother. Doctors likely will give them specific ways to avoid complications, including:
- Follow directions about weight bearing
- Participate in physical therapy to strengthen leg muscles and joints
- Use walking aids like canes, crutches or walkers
- Limit range of motion and hip flexion
- Manage pain
Several manufacturers are facing lawsuits over their metal hip implants. In fact, Johnson & Johnson (and its DePuy unit) has agreed to pay $2.5 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits over its hips.
Before surgery, patients can talk to their surgeons about implants that are made of a combination of materials, including plastic and ceramic.
I read through your blog post integrative therapy options for seniors after <a href="http://www.recallcenter.com/biomet-hip-replacement/">hip replacement.</a> I also read your post that talked about how pilates and yoga are good options after the surgery
Catherine
I recently had the misfortune of having to under a pretty intense hip
replacement. I had to undergo some reconstructive surgery in order to correct a severe trauma. The whole process leading up to the surgery was traumatic for obvious reasons. I don’t want to go into too much detail but during my surgery, my team used a FAW blanket called the Bair Hugger and it helped so much with my post surgical recovery. I also able to start moving and doing yoga pretty quickly. I credit my super quick recovery to the blanket. Here are some facts about the system http://www.fawfacts.com