Recently just started more advanced leg/hip strengthening and now 7 weeks post-op
Curious what other HR people found their most difficult exercise.
For me it is lying on my back and lifting my leg 2 feeet off ground and holding for a 10 count - working my way up to 30 reps then later 1 LB ankle weight and 2 lb ankle weight - supposedly when I can do 30 reps with 2lbs leg strength will be normal - recommended 3 times a day and this exercise I dread
It seems like it will be a long way off (FYI - so easy with my non-op leg, my gait is normal with no limp, other exercises side lifts, quad stretches, pulling knee to chest etc. not as difficult)
Wondering if others found this normal?
That is the tough one for me too! Keep at it and it will get easier
Dee
That was tough when I started outpatient PT. My toughest at seven weeks was the same move but sideways.
At three months (when I stopped outpatient PT), I was doing 3 sets of ten reps with a five pound weight - I could feel it when I stopped but it was doable. It's normal to feel challenged now, but you will make good progress.
Each time you challenge the hip, it will have trouble at first, then come through quickly. You'll be surprised how you take things for granted in a few weeks that were kicking your behind.
Keep it up, you're on your way.
Packman, be very careful with that exercise so you don't over do it. The psoas tendon usually runs over the hip capsule and there is a bursa there too help ease the friction. During hip resurfacing the capsule is cut and the tendon drops down along the metal device. There is lots of healing needed there.
I'd say follow your surgeon's recommended exercises.
I chose to completely abandon those exercises involving straight leg lifts. I've read on this site where Dr. Su says to avoid straight leg lifts for some time just so you don't aggravate the psoas tendon.
At about three months my strength came back in that area without specific exercise.
Chuckm
That is a nightmare of an exercise! Even now, at 9 months post op, when I am fitter in many ways than I have ever been, I still find that lifting my operated leg to fasten shoe laces is weaker than I ever expected. Straight leg raises, as you describe are now ok but it took quite a few months to be able to do that. Take it slow and gentle but you'll get there.