10 Tips for Before Hip Replacement Surgery

Though hip replacement is common and we’re fortunate to have skilled surgeons nearby, those facing a pending hip replacement surgery are likely to be anxious about the procedure and how fully they will recover following surgery. For over 20 years, Kruse Village has worked with thousands of rehabilitation guests to help them restore functional ability and quality of life, post-surgery. Our highly-trained team of physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists work closely to tailor each guest’s rehabilitation to their abilities, goals, likes and dislikes.

We’re pleased to tell you there are powerful steps you or a loved one can take before surgery that will facilitate an easier surgery and greatly increase post-surgery success and as full a recovery as possible. We encourage you to review the following “10 Tips for Before Hip Replacement Surgery” and share this article with friends and family who might benefit.

If you smoke, quit

We know how difficult quitting smoking can be, but nicotine can slow your post-surgery recovery and cause additional complications. There are new medications and techniques that make quitting easier than before – consult with your doctor for help kicking the habit.

Lose weight

as you might imagine, excess weight placed on a “new hip” doesn’t help your recovery. If you’ve been meaning to drop an extra 10, 20 or more pounds; now’s the time to really give it your best effort. The discipline now will pay off soon when you’re in therapy.

Begin physical therapy

It’s likely your doctor will recommend some level of physical therapy before your surgery to aid in strengthening muscles. Kruse Village routinely works with pre-operation guests to provide expert physical therapy via our outpatient therapy department.

Prepare your home

Even following a successful surgery and recovery, you still need to be extremely careful, and that means outfitting your home with a handful of inexpensive safety modifications. Have railings near stairs installed if you don’t already have them. Get a shower chair and a toilet seat lift to make bathing and using the toilet easier and safer. Make certain you have a firm chair with arms and a high seat to sit in after your surgery.

Stretch, stretch, stretch

Talk to your doctor about what stretching programs he or she recommends. There are many easy stretching exercises that will help you strengthen your hip and the surrounding muscles, so your recovery will go as smoothly and quickly as possible.

Assess home for falls

Make sure commonly-used items are stored in drawers and cabinets near waist-level – not in lower cupboards. Move cords, rugs or any other trip hazards clearly out of the way. Even consider moving your bed to the first floor if you currently sleep in an upstairs bedroom.

Avoid blood thinners

If you routinely take aspirin or NSAIDs (Advil, for example), it’s likely you’ll want to stop taking them several weeks before your surgery. Ask your doctor for advice regarding such medications.

Purchase necessary supplies

A good “reacher” is going to be your new best friend after surgery – there are many online or at virtually any drugstore. Additionally, make sure you have a good heating pad, ice pack and even toiletries and other staples that may be more challenging to purchase after your surgery.

Bank your blood

Ask your doctor if it makes sense for you to give blood before your surgery so your own blood can be used should you require a transfusion.

Begin taking new medications and supplements

It’s likely you’ll be directed to begin new medications in preparation for surgery. It’s important you follow your doctor’s instructions carefully to avoid post-surgical anemia and other complications which can be prevented through simple medication regimens.

We know pending hip replacement surgeries can cause stress and you certainly aren’t alone if you’re worried. The good news is, if you follow these tips and work with your team of therapists in post-surgery rehabilitation, you can be back home and living a full life before you know it.

If you’d like to learn more about rehabilitation at Kruse Village, please give us a call. Our peaceful 20-acre campus in Brenham, Texas is the ideal location to rest and recover. We are proud to be part of the Baylor Scott & White Quality Alliance – in fact, we’re the only rehabilitation community in Brenham to receive the honor. We’re experienced, compassionate and committed to help you or your loved on following a hip replacement, knee replacement or any other surgery, illness or condition that requires rehabilitation.

For more information, contact Executive Director Darin Severson via phone (979) 830-1996 or email: dseverson@krusevillage.com.

Kruse Village accepts referrals 24/7

even on weekends and holidays! Contact our Admissions Coordinator:
Direct Line: 979-451-9153
Main Line: 979-830-1996 ext. 2022
Fax: 979-836-4926

Recovery