Training After Hip Replacement

[Erick]

I am getting a hip replacement a few months from now. Anybody in the forum who is training after a hip replacement? Can you write about your training experience after the surgery?

[AndyMaBobs]

Hi Eric!

I haven't had a hip replacement, however I did suffer from perthes disease as a kid. The condition is an erosion of the hip bone which meant that my hip was coming out of it's socket, and that my hip did not have a full ball joint. I had 2 surgeries. The condition left me in and out of a wheelchair up until I was 14. I started Muay Thai when I was 18, and not once did the kid version of me ever do the exercises that my physiotherapist instructed me to do. I was simply not responsible enough. So for me Muay Thai was my first foray (outside of swimming) into physical sports/competition. 

Because my situation isn't identical to yours, I can't give the level of advice that you would probably want to hear, however my experience is that it did not stop me from training - however due to my left leg (the non diseased one) being stronger, I found that I developed a stronger right kick than left, as the left leg was my standing leg. 

I to this day cannot perform a bodyweight squat with correct form, only now am I taking functional training seriously enough to see any real results in the squat (I am using Da Rulk's system and finding it helps me). I'd recommend them to help rehabilitate yourself (so long as you don't push yourself too hard and injure yourself). 

I'd also recommend kung fu style stances, I use Kung Fu.life as my main resource, the shaolin stances do a great job at building strength and balance and it's very easy for you to find your own pace and intensity with them. 

I know our situations aren't identical, but I hope my experience and ways of working around my bum hip will help you with your shiny new one.

I wish you the best of luck with your surgery! 

[erick00]

I am 66 years old and had a hip replacement about 3 months ago. Before the hip replacement I had already reduced the kicking, especially the "round kick"  because it caused me to limp even more, and because my never-so-great flexibility was even worse. After the surgery I was really amazed that at this point I cannot even feel that I have an implant! The recovery was rough in the beginning, especially the lack of energy. Just keep training slowly, ever slowly. Now I am doing a lot of Muay Thai techniques, elbow techniques, "teeps", light knees on the heavy bag, footwork, shadow boxing, etc etc. I am also combining my Muay Thai training with BJJ. In summary, just go light and slow and you will improve. Don't get too frustrated with what you can do. Find what you can do.

Edited September 9, 2020 by erick00