Question
Hi Sharon

My question is about exercising 4 yrs after a total hip replacement.  I was 55 dealing with osteoarthritis pain for 4 yrs and got to the point pain meds did not work and it was difficult to walk. I must have had an excellent doctor.  It was great to wake up without pain.  I felt awesome and still do.  In fact I was back to work in 5 weeks at a daycare. I recovered very well after my replacement in fact when I got home after surgery I used only one crutch.  I always exercised and did so before the surgery(pool aerobics)walking and machines.  I believe exercise is what helped my recovery.  The nurse wanted to take a movie of me getting in and out of bed to show other patients so I believe exercise is very important. I want to do more than exercise with machines and bikes treadmill and walking and pool aerobics.   I would like to start doing classes of low impact aerobics, or dance class,(no jumping or kicking) some weights but i am afraid. I like to dance. My doc said as long as its not jumping or kicking What is your opinion? What aerobic exercise would be good??

Thanks for your help

Answer
Ms. Fran

You are a wonderful testament to total hip replacements.  Congratulations, I wish I was as active as you are!

The best aerobic exercise you can do, without impact is swimming.  You have to be careful with water aerobics because even though you are in the water, you have to pound on the floor of the pool and that can cause pain.  If you do deep water aerobics you will fare better.

With any exercise that has repetitive movements, you should clear it with your doctor.  I did the "step" work for awhile and it was OK, but it bored me after awhile.  But I got clearance first since when you do step exercises, you are again, pounding while you raise up.

If your balance is good, I personally don't think dancing would be a bad thing, but you really do have to clear everything with your orthopod.  I would hate to see you do something that would set your activity back, so check with him.

The other thing you have to be really careful with is twisting, if your shoulders and hips are not in a straight line, that can cause dislocation if you are not careful.  You always have to be mindful of quick jerky movement, and dance has some of that in it.

Also be careful not to cross your midline with your legs, that too, is dangerous.

To err on the side of caution, is good in my opinion, but you really should run all this by your surgeon.  Depending on the type of replacement you have, activities can be geared towards the replacement.

Best of luck to you, it sounds like you are doing fine.

Sharon