Preparing for Total Joint Replacement | 29 Healing your joint Outpatient physical therapy Your surgeon may recommend going to outpatient physical therapy. This could occur directly after you leave the hospital, or a decision may be made at your follow-up visit about how to proceed. Outpatient therapy is an important part of your recovery process to ensure the best possible recovery. Activity after surgery Your surgeon and health care team may recommend someone come to your home to assist you for a few visits. It’s important that you continue to follow the range-of-motion and weight-bearing limitations given to you during your hospital stay. You should gradually increase your activity daily by following your physical therapist’s activity and exercise program, as well as any restrictions. Keep these things in mind: • Walking is always recommended; small walks several times a day are ideal. • Perform the strength-building exercises 3x a day. • Plan for rest periods. • Ice and elevation help reduce pain and swelling to your affected joint. ; Do not drive until your doctor says it’s okay. You may cause damage to the joint that you had surgery on, and pain medications may affect your ability to drive safely. Hip replacement precautions After hip replacement surgery, you will have specific precautions to follow while you heal. General precautions: • Keep your knees and toes pointed forward, and do not allow your operative leg to move across the midline of your body (i.e. don’t cross your legs). ; Do not bend forward more than 90 degrees at the hip. ; Do not turn your foot inward. When sleeping: • Sleep on your back with a pillow between your knees and your toes pointed out. • When sleeping on your non-operative side, put two or more pillows between your legs to keep your operative leg above the midline of your body. • You may sleep on your operative side when it’s no longer painful. When sitting: • Use a straight-backed chair with arms. The seat high should be 2 inches above your knees. Use pillows or cushions to raise the height of the seat.
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