Recovering from Total Hip Replacement Washington DC

Like many other medical procedures, having a Total hip replacement Washington DC has become easier and less complicated in recent years, owing to many technological and medical advances.  Artificial hips have also been improved to be a lot more functional and durable.  Recovering from hip replacement DC requires some care and attention to make sure that the new joint stays in place and functions as well as possible, which is what the professionals at http://www.medstarwashington.org/ do.

After Total Hip Replacement DC

The time it takes to recover from a hip replacement surgery is somewhat dependent on the kind of surgery that was performed.  Some surgeries require quite a large incision that will take a greater amount of time to heal.  In other cases, the hip joint can be replaced through a relatively smaller incision that will heal more quickly.  In either instance, the internal bone structures have undergone essentially the same procedure.  The old hip joint was removed by the surgeon and replaced on with an artificial one that is either bonded with cement or made of a porous structure that will allow bone tissue to grow into and around it, subsequently making it very secure.  Recovery time will also depend on the overall health of the patient prior to the procedure. Here are some things to keep in mind during recovery from hip replacement surgery:

• Remember to take all prescribed medications.  Pain medication can be gradually reduced as healing takes place.  It is important to take blood thinners for ten days or so.
• Rehabilitation services will provide a walker, cane or crutches post-surgery.  The amount of weight that can be borne on replaced hip immediately depends upon whether it was cemented in place or not.
• A physical therapist helps with re-learning how to walk and do various activities of daily living in safe ways within a few days after surgery.  They can provide an exercise program to facilitate faster healing and return to normal routines.
• Certain activities such as as sitting on low chairs, beds and toilets are restricted for a while after surgery because they can place too much stress on the new hip joint before it has had a chance to properly heal.