Undergoing a hip replacement can be challenging to adjust to, and getting back into activities you once enjoyed can be difficult. Dr. Lee Bazzarone, a retired chiropractic doctor with experience in hip replacements, chiropractic care, and chiropractic rehabilitation, shares his tips for easing back into sports after having a hip replacement! Dr. Bazzarone also had a hip replacement seven years ago and knows firsthand how vital it is to follow these tips below for a full recovery.
Getting Chiropractic Care Advice
First and foremost, Dr. Bazzarone encourages anyone with a hip replacement to consult and check with their chiropractor and surgeon for information about their recovery.
“Most of my patients don’t know what to do after a hip replacement surgery. I advise them to talk with their chiropractor about the best activities for them and which to avoid,” Bazzarone said.
As a chiropractic doctor and a rehabilitation practitioner, Dr. Bazzarone understands the importance of following your chiropractor’s advice and taking into account individual situations when it comes to hip replacement recovery. In addition, it’s vital to get a physical exam done, which gives valuable information about your health, such as:
- Range of motion
- Your current strength and flexibility
- Any other prior injuries that affect you
- The overall health of your joint
It’s important to note that everyone will have a different recovery process, so it’s essential to pay attention to the advice of your chiropractor and take things slow.
Starting Slowly
After consulting with a chiropractor, Dr. Bazzarone suggests starting out slowly with physical activity after a hip replacement. “Start with smaller activities, such as walking short distances, and then gradually increase the intensity of your activity,” Bazzarone said.
In addition to this, he also recommends avoiding high-impact sports such as running, basketball, and football, as these can put a lot of strain on your hip joint. If you’re interested in strength training, Dr. Bazzarone suggests using low-impact exercises such as swimming or cycling that won’t add unnecessary stress to your hip joint.
Other low-impact exercises you might enjoy are:
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Pilates
- Water aerobics
These low-impact activities can help you improve your overall strength and flexibility and allow for a safe transition back into sports.
Create an Exercise Routine
Dr. Bazzarone recommends you create an exercise routine for yourself. Starting an exercise routine can help you stay on track and ensure your body gets the necessary rest between workouts. In addition, Dr. Bazzarone understands the power of habit and motivation when it comes time for recovery. “It’s understandable to lose steam and feel lost after your hip replacement,” Bazzarone said. “Creating a routine and sticking to it will help you stay motivated and on track with your recovery goals.”
For instance, going for a light walk every day or joining an aqua aerobics class twice per week can help you stay on track and motivated. When creating an exercise routine, consider factors such as the intensity of workouts, days of rest, and proper diet.
Suppose there are certain classes you’d like to join, such as a low-impact dance class. In that case, Dr. Bazzarone recommends visiting the facility and talking with an instructor to ensure you’re doing appropriate movements that won’t harm your hip joint. Afterward, you can safely schedule your week around these classes.
Continue Follow-Up Chiropractic Treatment
The best thing to do for your recovery is to continue follow-up chiropractic treatment. Regular treatments from your chiropractor will ensure that your hip joint and surrounding muscles are in proper condition and that you’re moving correctly.
It’s also important to talk with your chiropractor about any pain or discomfort you may be experiencing, as they can adjust their plan accordingly. Some of the many chiropractic treatments your chiropractic can provide for your hip replacement include:
- Manual adjustments: These can help align the spine and adjust any misaligned joints
- Stretching exercises: These can help improve flexibility and range of motion
- Massage therapy: This can reduce inflammation and also improve circulation
Dr. Bazzarone encourages visiting your chiropractor, especially as you transition back into sports after having a hip replacement. Continuing to get checked by a chiropractor will ensure you’re staying on track with your recovery and that any new pain or discomfort is taken care of.
Focus On Your Goals
Finally, it’s essential to stay focused on your goals. Don’t be discouraged if you have any doubts or fears about returning to sports after a hip replacement.
“It’s natural to feel unsure of yourself after a major operation and starting something new,” said Dr. Lee Bazzarone. “But remember that with the proper care, knowledge, and guidance, you can reach your goals and get back to your full potential.”
In addition to this, it’s important to remember that everyone recovers at their own pace. Don’t push yourself too hard or compare your progress with others. With the right attitude and care, you can safely ease back into sports after having a hip replacement!
Dr. Lee Bazzarone is a retired chiropractor passionate about holistic health and wellness. Since 1988, he has been helping patients stay healthy and pain-free through customized care plans and natural healing techniques, including chiropractic medicine. He continues to help educate people on the importance of caring for their bodies and staying active, along with his loving wife. Together, they are active members of their Church and have participated in volunteer missions in Haiti.
