nickji
member
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2009
- Messages
- 163
- Age
- 79
- Location
- Travelling for 39 years
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Gender
- Male
I've wondered about elevating your hip too! I would think it means just elevating your leg up a bit? PR, hope you feel better tomorrow and have a better day.
Hi Everyone,
In the context that the phrase is used, to "Elevate" any part of the body simply means place it so that it is higher than the heart. This is important. If you raise your leg to elevate the knee, but the knee is still lower than the heart, it's too low. To elevate the hip, just lie down flat with your hips on a couple of pillows. (though I think I prefer the image of Judles suspended in a sling
For those interested, and to the best of my understanding, the 'higher than the heart rule is because: Swelling is often caused by an excess of Lymphatic or Interstitial fluid (ISF), sometimes as an inflammatory reponse. These fluids return to the blood system either through blood vessels or via the lymph system. Lymph fluid re-enters the blood system at the base of the neck, into the subclavian vein. What all this means is that the fluid (lymphatic or ISF) has to get back to the heart and for lymph fluid, which has a 'weak pumping system', elevation above the heart assists in the transport of the fluid.
Enjoy it all,
Nick