Hemiarthroplasty is simply a fancy way of saying hip replacement surgery. More specifically, it involves replacing half of the hip joint.
Those of you who have experienced a hemiarthroplasty, understand the need to get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
As there are no specific weightlifting programs for people with hemiarthroplasty, you really have the ability to do anything that you were doing before the surgery, only now you will be free from pain!
There are many reasons for someone to require hemiarthroplasty.
While age is often a common reason, it is certainly not the only one.
People from all walks of life require hip replacement surgery, whether it is due to a sports injury, car accident, or age.
What’s important now is your recovery and weightlifting can be an important part of that process.
If you are cleared to lift weights and are looking for an exercise routine, look no further. Go PRO today for access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, and more.
What Should I Do Before I Start Weightlifting After a Hemiarthroplasty?
The first thing you need to do is make sure that you are ready for weightlifting. While you might be anxious to get things underway, you may be in too much pain to have an effective workout.
You should start with a physical therapist before you decide to work out on your own. A physical therapist should gradually work you through many different movements until you are ready to them alone.
In addition, you need to make sure that you have clearance from your doctor to lift weights. They will be able to tell you if you can weight train safely without causing tearing or damage to your surgical site.
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What Sort of Weightlifting Plan Can I Participate in After a Hemiarthroplasty?
First of all, you need to make sure that you start off slowly. Although you will eventually be able to do everything that you could do before, and in some cases more, if you push your body too hard too soon, you could face some serious setbacks.
One of the things that you will discover after hip replacement surgery, is that you will have to learn how to bend all over again. In many cases, you will actually have to bend in new ways because your hip function will be slightly different. Initially, it may seem awkward but it will become more natural with further practice. Remember these three tips:
- Bend correctly: It is important to learn how to bend correctly because if you pick up weights the wrong way, you could injure yourself. You have heard the old adage that you protect your back by bending with your knees. Well, when you have a hemiarthroplasty, you are going to have to make your knees and hips work together again to protect your back while lifting weights.
- Work with a spotter: Another important thing to remember is to work with a spotter. Since you have had major surgery and you have to learn how your body works again, having a spotter on hand can save you from serious injury.
- Take time to position yourself: Lastly, make sure that you are comfortable in the way that you are standing before you lift your weights. If you are uncomfortable or feel off-balance, stop and reposition yourself. There is nothing wrong with taking your time.
How Can I Protect My Body During Weightlifting After a Hemiarthroplasty?
The first thing that you need to do is to listen to your body. There is pain and then there is pain! If you participated in weightlifting exercises prior to your hemiarthroplasty, then you probably understand the difference between the two. If you haven’t, then be very cautious and mindful of any pain so that you don’t damage your hip or injure yourself.
You should also talk to your physical therapist and ask him or her for tips for protecting your body and your hip especially after you have had surgery. You should probably do this before your last physical therapy session because your physical therapist will have a clear idea of what your body is capable of.
If you are working out at a gym with your physical therapist, then this might be a good opportunity for you to work with some weights in the presence of a professional.
Certain positions or moves may not be possible at this point in time. If your body won’t bend a certain way or it hurts too much to do a specific thing, then you need to stop until you speak to your doctor.
Your doctor may tell you to wait a while or your doctor may say that this is a movement that you can no longer control so you should avoid it. While this may be disappointing, it is better than possibly reinjuring and making things worse.
If you are cleared to do workouts on your own you should get started on your fitness journey today by going PRO and gaining access to certified personal trainers, workout plans, goal trackers, and more!