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After hip replacement surgery (arthroplasty), yoga may help to speed up recovery, strengthen the hip joint and help patients regain freedom of movement. A useful article from livestrong.com highlights basic guidelines, considerations and tips to practicing yoga after hip replacement surgery:
Basic Guidelines
- Always ask your doctor or physical therapist for recommendations and clearances.
- Always be working toward establishing a functional range of motion.
- You should never strain yourself by trying to do too much too soon.
- If you experience pain, stop and tell your instructor.
Considerations
- Most patients favor their the side not operated on, so posture and alignment are critical
- Avoid changing positions too many times as it will take longer to get down onto the floor and stand up again
- The time that has lapsed since operation and its affect on flexibility and strength
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Surgical approach used by the surgeon
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Posterior – implantation from rear
- Avoid aduction, or crossing legs at knees; flexion, or bending forward at the hips; and internal rotation, or turning thighs inward
- Back bending postures and spread-leg positions should not cause problems
- After surgery, do not cross legs for 3-6 months or bend forward at the hips past 90 degrees for 1 year
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Anterior – implantation from the side or front
- Backbends should be avoided
- Avoid sitting postures that turn the thigh bone out, wide abductions and any poses that cause hyperextention of the hip
- Any movement that strengthens the hip flexors and adductors is recommended
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Posterior – implantation from rear
Tips
- Always be sure that thighs are rooted in the hip sockets when doing poses
- Make sure not to put all weight on either hip
- Use a chair as an alternative to getting onto the floor
- Avoid overexertion
- Don’t be afraid to move