Swimming and cycling after hip replacement

moamethyst
moamethyst Member Posts: 16
edited 23. Apr 2009, 15:08 in Living with Arthritis archive
It was January I had my hip replacement. I am not sure about going back to swimming yet. I am a bit frightened of other swimmers bumping in to me or kicking my hip. Also I used to find it difficult getting out of the pool because I found the steps difficult before I had the operation so I am not sure if I could get out once I was in. I want to go back swimming though because it is the best excercise as long as you don't do the breast stroke leg movements. I can only do the breast stroke so I will have to improvise.
I am hoping that now I am back using my bicycle it will strengthen my leg muscles. It is an ordinary bike I have not an excercise bike. I didn't go to far on it and I am not able to go up slopes yet but that will come with practise. I want to try and get fit again.

Comments

  • tanith
    tanith Member Posts: 175
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I was back in the pool within 3 mths of my RTHR and had no problems.. mind I always have gone at times when I know its quiet as I hate it if the pool is noisy ... also ride my bike now fairly regularly.. I would say swimming is a great way to regain strength and fitness I didn't do any breast stroke legs for about a year but after that it just felt ok to try and I found no problem with it... now I am back swimming twice a week at least .. give it a try but take someone with you the first time just in case you have problems with the steps.. I am sure one of the onduty lifeguards would be happy to keep an eye on you if you have to go alone...
    Our worst times are always our best lessons.
  • moamethyst
    moamethyst Member Posts: 16
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I was told not to swim the breast stroke leg movements even after I have healed up so that is good that you are managing to do them.
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,900
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Negociating the steps is my worry when swimming. I am hoping to go when the pools are quieter, when the children are back at school after the Easter hols. I haven`t ridden a bike for years, so not sure about that one. But i do want to up my exercise to get my weight down a bit and prolong my new hip.
    It is good to know that you are both managing well with your new hips.
    NB
  • moamethyst
    moamethyst Member Posts: 16
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi

    I went to Yoga last night. I had to take a wee stool with me to lean on so that I could get up off the floor after doing my floor excercises. There were are a lot of positions I couldn't get in to. I don't know if I will ever be able to sit cross legged again. Is that possible after a hip replacement.

    I was gardening today but because of my hip replacement and both knees suffering from arthritis I used a special garden kneeler which helps me get up and down. I couldn't cope without it. I am exhausted now so having a lazy evening.

    How long does it take after a hip replacement operation before you can bend down to touch your toes or cross your operated leg over your other one?

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