3 months in and ready to run?

[donwynne]

Hello!

I’m three months in and my new bi-lat resurfacing feel great! no pain any more in the joints, I’ve been trying to get to the baths most days for a swim and been on the cross trainer which is really building my muscles back up. My posture is good, standing and walking with a straight back and my limping has nearly disappeared. Just wanted to know when’s a safe time to start a little running on the tread mill?

[Danlalane]

I bet most on here would agree that it is best to talk to your Dr and stick to their recommendation. Most Drs say waiting to 6 months is necessary. For those really chomping at the bit to get back to running there are zero gravity treadmills that some PTs use and there is water running with a flotation belt/device. Again, would talk to your Dr before doing any of these.

[stevel]

I was cleared to downhill ski and gentle jog on a treadmill at 3 months!  I went skiing!  Check with your Doctor as for his rehab protocol.

[petemeads]

Mr McMinn recommends 11 months for gentle treadmill running on his website. I jogged my first post-op parkrun 5k at 2 months, 2 weeks later I was 6 minutes quicker and progress was steady after that.
I was very careful, am very light and run without much impact, and had done a lot of walking to get the confidence that a gentle jog would not do any harm. Fortunately I did not snap the head off my femur during the learning process - that happened during my other hip's operation... Be careful if you want to experiment, especially as a bi-lateral.

[LarryBud]

You'll have that hip the rest of your life.

I personally know the desire to expedite the recovery and get on with things.  I also know the disappointment of pushing too hard too early ( minor setbacks fortunately ).  Ask you Dr. and follow their protocol.  Time will pass soon enough. 

[hernanu]

I'm closing in on 12 years on both hips being resurfaced. I'm a martial artist and was just as hungry to get going. I'd say it was a good 11 months before I started kicking a punching bag with any kind of confidence.

My question would be - why rush it? It's been 12 years (almost) and so far no pain and no limitations for 11 of those 12 years. Why risk a problem when patience can lead you to a long.. long period of running or anything you want to do?

I'm sure there's plenty of good stories of it working out, but three months sounds like pushing it. I'd talk to my doctor and work with him or her to plan your return.

Hernan.

[imgetinold]

Like everyone else here, I say follow what your doctor says.  I had mine done by Dr. Gross in South Carolina (he's one of the best), and his protocol is NO impact activity for six months.  After that you can work those activities back in.  I started playing tennis again at six months, and it took another 6 months to get back to where I was.


It's a marathon, not a sprint.  Try to be patient and talk to your surgeon.