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Back to lifting weights

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T-Mike

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I had left THR on 3/24 and have not been in the gym for 6 months now. I REALLY want to get back into my lifting routine and was wondering if anyone here has experience / advice on getting back into it. I realize that squats, deadlifts, cleans, etc. are out of the question for a while but, for how long? I use dumbells extensively (mainly for upper body) but, I generally am required to bend over quite a bit to pick them up and it concerns me due to the possibility of dislocation. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
 
T-Mike, great question. I froze my gym membership for 2 months and am eager to get back to the gym too. Prior to my surgery on 3/17/09 (now 6 weeks) I was only working on upper body lifting and very minimal cardio (to avoid the inevitable pain).

I saw my OS yesterday, he said I can start again with the gym. However, I have the 90 degree restriction for another month. Therefore, picking up the weights wouldn't be too good. Also, he doesn't want me doing advanced yoga at all right now. I'm going to take it slow at the gym, probably will get back into a routine in a month or so. I'm going to ask the PT's tomorrow.

Melissa
3/17/09 -RTHR
 
Hi Melissa, I wonder why different people have such different timetables. My OS said that at the 6-week mark, my 90 degree restriction would be lifted. Could it be the size of the femoral head? Maybe some OS's are just more cautious? Maybe pre-existing conditions warrant more caution? My femoral head is ceramic and 36mm which I think is at the small end of the spectrum of larger heads. I expect that even when the restriction is lifted, I'm going to be pretty careful for a few weeks anyway. I'm a Nervous Nellie type. I don't mind waiting a few more weeks before tying my shoes or putting on socks without gadgets.
Gail
RTHR - 4/2/09
 
I have found that I can pick things up and not break the 90 degree rule by sliding my leg behind me and just bending at my non-op hip. Seems to work well enough to pickup weights without breaking any rules. I guess balance is the only thing to be careful with.
 
Gail,,,,,,realistically, age is a big factor! Melissa only 27! She would be more flexible in the first place! And especially since she's taught pilates and yoga! :). Common sense should prevail #1 for each of us! :)
 
Scott - I do the same thing when picking things up. My issue specifically is when I bench. I will squat down to pick up one dumbell in each hand and then stand straight up. I will then sit on the bench while simultaneously resting the ends of the dumbells on my thighs. So, yes balance would be the issue. I guess I could use a regular bench press set up. However I am usually in the gym around 4:15 am and I do not need a spotter if I use dumbells. I am sure I could figure something out if I just get off my lazy rumpus and go.
 
I have had TKR on both knees recently but I am not aware of any restrictions? What are the TKR restrictions? What is the 90' rule?

Thanks

GRC
 
T-Mike--Good question. First, let me say that I had anterior BTHR on April 1, 2009 with no restrictions. I was back in the gym early...at 14 days, awkward and with a cane. I had a friend come with me to load weights and basically did only the nautilus free weight machines, and then only upper body stuff, because they were very easy to get into and out of. I've been going regularly since day 14 and went for about 5 weeks before the surgery (because I was on Celebrex) but had not done any real weightlifting for the previous 5 years because of my arthritis (though previously, I always weight lifted).
I have to say, it's nice to be back in the gym. I've added some machines and ab work, but I still do no lower body work except for my PT exercises. I'm also pretty weak, but who cares?
My advice, if your doc allows it, is to bring a friend to do the weight changing, or hire a trainer, stay light and add reps, and don't do any lower body stuff until your OS clears it. I have been told that my OS will not allow any weight resistance training, other than PT prescribed exercises, until all restrictions are lifted. That makes sense to me.
Best of luck. I'm hoping I'll be released to get back into a pool on Friday at my 4 week mark. Let us know how you are doing at the gym.
Tom
BTHR, 4/01/09
 
My OS told me not to thrust my legs out on the universal,,,that THAT movement is NOT good for your knees,,,,,darn! Otherwise, the universal is great for building yourself back up! :)
 
grclark50 said:
I have had TKR on both knees recently but I am not aware of any restrictions? What are the TKR restrictions? What is the 90' rule?

Thanks

GRC
Click to expand...

GRC, the restrictions being discussed and the 90-degree rule apply to hip replacements, not knee replacements. This is a hip replacement recovery thread. :)
 
T-Mike--I just read your most recent post. Your approach sounds a bit risky to me, especially if you have maintained your upper body strength and are using some real weight. You are braver than me, my friend! If you had a posterior incision, I personally wouldn't risk it for a while. I have just been doing flat bench with light weight and added reps. Just an opinion.
Tom
 
I TOTALLY agree with you, Tom! It is so NOT worth the risk of dislocation!!!
 
Once again - there is no logic behind the varying restrictions on the hip replacement. Just different surgeons having different ideas and points of view. Nothing more.
 
Jo--Is that true? I had thought that a posterior approach had a higher incidence of dislocation early on, hence the need for more restrictions. As an anterior bilat with no restrictions, it feels like all bends are away from the incision; therefore, I am less likely to dislocate and less likely to need restrictions.
As I said, this is what I thought, but I don't know it to be true.
Tom
BTHR, 4/01/09
 
Yes, that is true but some impose the restrictions for 6 weeks, others for 12, etc., etc., - that's what I meant.
 
Hi Mike,
My surgeon was happy for me to go back to the gym and do weights after 7 weeks, and I double checked that included the leg ones.

I booked a session with a trainer at my gym who specializes in "muscular skeletal rehabilitation" and he would not let me do lower body wight training until I had done several weeks of what I would describe as PT exercises. I still haven't got back to the weight training, except for a bit of upper body work - been too busy walking/swimming/cycling...

All the best,
Monica
 
PHEW!!!! When in doubt, just do without......its just not worth it til you're further along! Of course, JMO.....I wouldn't want to.tell anyone what to do!!! :)
 
Folks--I thought I would update this since I just had my 1 month post-op. Remember, I had BTHR, anterior approach. To my surprise, the OS told me that at 4-6 weeks, the bone adheres and grows into the implant and there is nothing more I can to to hurt the implant. Accordingly, I am released to do any weightlifting I want, including lower body and including squats. I was cautioned to take it easy and I was advised to wait another week or 2 before doing anything with much strain, just to be safe, but lower body weight resistance training was OK. Mike, I even tried your described approach with dumbbells and flat benching (with pretty light weight), and even for shoulder presses, and it worked fine. In fact, since I am pretty weak, I think most of the strain is on my elbows, not on my hips. So,I was wrong, I guess, and I'm happy to admit it. I'm still going to take it nice and easy, but it is nice to know that I can do almost any weightlifting routine I want to, within reason.
tom
BTHR, 4/01/09
 
T, that's great!! I am looking forward to what my Dr. says this Friday. Ohhhh, I just thought of something...if he releases me, that means I will have to start getting up at 3:45 am again. Maybe I'll just keep his instructions to myself, lol.
I wonder how long I can keep my wife feeling sorry for me???
 
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