How to Speed Up Your Hip Replacement Recovery
If your hip pain and stiffness are keeping you from the activities that you love, it may be time for a hip replacement surgery in Dallas. Though hip replacements are one of the most common joint replacement surgeries with over 300,000 successful procedures performed each year, there is still a great deal of mystery surrounding the recovery process. How quickly will I be back on my feet? Will I be in pain?
Much like any major surgery, the recovery process following a hip replacement can involve some pain, stiffness, and grogginess. However, most hip replacement recipients are up and walking the day after surgery, though taking it slow at first is extremely important.
Hip Replacement Surgery in Dallas: How Can I Speed Up My Recovery?
No one likes to be stuck in bed after a surgery, and in fact, getting up and moving around is extremely important for joint replacement surgery recovery. Here are a few simple strategies to improve your recovery time after a hip replacement.
Follow the recommendations of your physical therapist. During the days immediately following your surgery, a physical therapist will be working with you to rebuild muscle strength and improve blood flow as you recover.
Once you return home from the hospital, your physical therapy will most likely continue at home for a period of time, and it’s extremely important to complete the exercises your physical therapist assigns for you between sessions. Neglecting crucial strength-building exercises can greatly hinder the success and timeliness of your recovery process.
Hydrate and fuel your body properly. Though drinking enough water and maintaining a healthy diet is always important, these things play an especially crucial role during the surgery recovery process. The general recommendation for water intake is half your body weight in ounces, and incorporating more vitamin and mineral-rich foods like fruits, leafy greens, legumes, and lean meats can increase your rate of recovery.
Remove any tripping or injury hazards from your home. Once you’re home from the hospital, it’s important that your space is optimized for recovery. Since your normal gait will be closer to a shuffle for a while as your hip recovers, make sure there are no wires or furniture items you could potentially trip on while moving throughout your home. Installing a comfort height toilet and a shower chair can also prevent potential injury in the slipperiest room of any house, the bathroom.
To find your perfect orthopedic surgeon in Dallas, contact Dallas Orthopedic Associates today.