Hip surgery generally requires a one to four-day recovery period in your chosen hospital before resting at home. Orthopedic healthcare experts note it takes three to six months to fully recover from hip surgery depending on the extent of the surgery and your overall health. If you are preparing for hip replacement or a similar surgical procedure, review these tips to promote fast and efficient healing.

5 Tips for Hip Surgery Aftercare

1. Make Your Home Recovery-Ready

Ready your home for the recovery process by making everything accessible. Move your bedding to a downstairs futon or couch, so you do not have to walk upstairs, which strains the hips. Rearrange your furniture and move any rugs or other objects you could potentially trip on. You want to avoid anything that forces you to lift your legs, squat, bend over, or otherwise compromise your hips.

2. Listen to Your Surgeon

Follow your surgeon’s recovery advice to prevent infections and other complications. They will explain what to do to avoid post-surgery issues, like wearing support stockings to keep blood from clotting in your pelvis and leg veins. Alert your surgeon to any other upcoming procedures you have scheduled, even if it is something as basic as dental work, because you may need to take antibiotics to avoid infection.

3. Work With a Caretaker

Ask a friend, family member, or professional caregiver to temporarily move in with you if you live alone. It is never a good idea to recover from type of major surgery without assistance. You’ll need another person to help you around the house and with daily activities, such as grocery shopping.

4. Enjoy a Healthy, Well-Balanced Diet

Maintain a healthy, well-balanced diet high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. These foods help the body heal and serve as energy resources, unlike processed options. Minimize your intake of trans and saturated fats while you recover, as well as simple starches and sugars.

5. Perform Physical Therapy Exercises

Perform the physical therapy exercises your surgeon recommends, such as squeezing and releasing the buttock and leg muscles. Your orthopedic surgeon will outline other exercises to help recovery, including bed-supported knee bends and slow ankle rotations, but do not put excessive stress on the hips. You will also receive instructions for getting up, sitting down, and walking with a supportive device.

Trust your hip surgery to Peter A Matsuura, MD, the talented orthopedic surgeon helping patients throughout Hilo, HI, and the surrounding areas. Certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery, Dr. Matsuura provides both surgical and non-surgical treatment options. Call (808) 969-3331 to make an appointment, or visit the website for more information. Follow the Facebook page for more tips and the latest reviews.