Here are the major functional milestones achieved over the first 6 weeks of recovery:
(this will not be the same for everyone – People progress at different rates and the type and the extent of surgery may vary )
1 week – stitches out. Occasional use of Paracetamol and or Ibuprofen.
2 weeks – Full weight bearing without crutches. (However, if walked greater than 1 mile used crutches so that the hip did not get sore). Could sleep on un-operated side for short periods which meant sleeping was more comfortable.
2 ½ weeks – drove short distances, wounds sealed and healing well, swam in pool arms only with pool bouy between knees, walked and did exercises in the pool.
3 weeks – walking up and down stairs normally, however, going up stairs had to use the bannister to push on. Able to use squat technique for getting on an off chairs and toilet.
Good squat technique.
Pool Bouy to grip between knees !
4 weeks – Could lie for short periods on operated side. Swam a few lengths front crawl lengths with gentle leg kick.
5 weeks – Introduced short sessions of indoor cycling on the watt bike, 15 mins initially but only gentle spinning. Made sure I sat upright so as not to make the hip sore.
Claire on the Watt bike – note upright and open angle at the hip!
Was able to swim with reasonable gentle leg kick for up to a mile. In fact this felt relieving.
Back to work as physiotherapist for a short day. I was a little uncomfortable at the front of my hip by the end of the day and it was uncomfortable to drive home in the car. I still managed to do one good set of exercises per day. I felt as though I required an anti-inflammatory tablet ( ibuprofen) on a few evenings before bed. I drove my car on a 2 hour journey but had to stop every 40 mins and get out of the car to stretch and walk a few paces – felt uncomfortable at the front of my hip with cramping into the buttock muscles if drove for longer.
6 weeks – Back to work more of less full time. Easier than the previous week. Doing exercises once per day and 2 swims per week as work allowed. Did not feel that any additional walking was appropriate as I am on my feet most of the day. At this stage my hip feels as though there is a fine line between what is”just enough” and “what is too much”. If I have done too much my hip feels sore at the front of the joint and what I consider to by “inflamed”. I tried not to make it too sore.
