Are you scheduled or on the wait list for a hip replacement? Many people have lived with hip pain for years before actually getting it replaced. This kind of pain can stop you from wanting to move never mind exercise.
But, staying as strong as you can will make a massive difference to your recovery and how you live post-surgery.
In come Pilates! This form of movement is truly one of the best when it comes to preparing for a hip replacement. The equipment provides opportunity for you to move, stretch and strengthen with minimal discomfort.
We have worked with many clients to get them in the best possible position before their surgery and the pay-off is most definitely worth the effort.
KEY AREAS TO FOCUS ON PRE-SURGERY
1. CORE STRENGTH. And by core I mean your whole trunk. Strengthening your abdominals, low back, mid and upper back is very important as the trunk “carry’s the legs”. When we are strong in our core and have good posture and alignment, we are lighter on our feet. Less pressure in joints and a greater ease of movement.
Post-surgery – when you are strong in your trunk/core, it is easier to move your body during recovery.
2. HIP AND GLUTE STRENGTH – Keeping blood flow and nutrients flowing to the pelvis and hip area is critical for optimizing muscular strength, mobility and reducing pain. The more strength and mobility you have pre-surgery the quicker the recovery. The Pilates reformer equipment can strengthen this area while you are on your back taking the compression from gravity out of the equation. This decompresses the hip and knee and allows you to move using the muscles around your hip and thigh creating fluid flow, strengthening and maintaining muscle elasticity.
3. REALIGNMENT OF COMPENSATION PATTERNS – when we are in pain, we adopt compensation patterns to try to minimize the pain of moving. Maintaining the best alignment possible and staying strong to minimize compensation patterns pre-surgery will minimize other pain and injury that can result. Back pain, neck and shoulder pain can be a result of compensatory movement patterns. Addressing this pre-surgery will make a huge difference to a speedy recovery.
4. BREATHWORK – proper breathing techniques help with managing pain and calming the body. Learning to breathe well by strengthening the diaphragm will ease the tension and strain in your body both pre and post-surgery.
Plus exercise is good for the soul! It feels good, stimulates your “feel good” hormones and gives you a sense of being in charge of your health.
This is a photo of instructor Joan Littlejohn 3 days post-op. She did Pilates daily right up until her surgery and her recovery has been amazing.
COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION - create a health and fitness plan pre-surgery. Call 604.943.8823 or email admin@twconline.ca to meet with Linda Mallard.