Things to do Before Your Hip or Knee Replacement
You might be preparing for a hip or knee replacement.
Now is a great time to think about what items you need to prepare and how you can return to living confidently quickly!
Have a “pre-hab” plan
To start, it’s crucial to listen to your physical therapist (PT) and follow their plan in place for you. Make sure you have a walker or cane, and you keep using it until the PT says it’s time to stop. No cheating! While it might be tempting to ditch the walker or cane early, you must follow their instructions so that you do not have a fall or pro-long the healing process.
In your living space, remove any tripping hazards to eliminate accidents. Some things to consider:
- Make pathways in crowded areas.
- Remove throw rugs.
- Secure cords so they’re not strung across the floor.
- Install handrails.
- Place important items where you can easily reach them.
- Purchase a reacher/grabber tool, a shoehorn, and a sock aid.
Pack your hospital bag in advance. Take some comfort items, but be sure to leave behind valuables and medication, which will be given to you at the hospital. Items to pack include:
- Dental care items, deodorant, and other toiletries you prefer
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothes
- A knee-length robe and slip-on shoes
- A cell phone, if you have one.
- A photo ID
Check the weather! We all know it’s starting to be cold, which means ice and snow for South Central PA. Yet somehow it is also the popular season for hip and knee replacements. Make sure you are wearing shoes with good tread that won’t slip. If it is icy, don’t chance it! Stay home.
Choose Menno Haven Rehabilitation Center to get all your needs met and be in tip-top shape in no time, without battling the elements.
What do you do if you fall after surgery?
The goal at our rehab center is that with a little prep and following the physical therapist’s orders, is to get you back to what matters most! However, we can’t predict every accident, and things sometimes happen.
If you do fall at home: The first thing you should do is not move! While you might feel eager for life to return to normal as quickly as possible, it is best to stay calm and stay still. Assess your pain level, any injuries, and how your orientation feels (dizzy, tired, normal).
Call for help if you need to. Do not try to get up immediately, so as not to damage anything else. Let someone assist you, getting you to a more comfortable spot to check for injury.
If you insist on getting up by yourself or you are still alone—you need to take it slow. You will want to slowly elevate yourself and use your other limbs to lift while not putting any weight on the area that just had surgery.
Watch the amazing tips from Physical Therapist Tony Maritato from Total Therapy Solutions in Ohio, who will walk you through a few scenarios you might face.
We are here for you post-surgery!
Menno Haven Rehabilitation Center is here to help you get back to what matters most! Experience private and spacious guest suites that allow for recovery in a safe and comfortable setting.
Designed like a med-spa, you will receive state-of-the-art therapy services personalized to your specific needs. Our state-of-the-art therapy gym is home to the newest technology that takes the guesswork out of weight-bearing restrictions.
Learn more online or by calling us at 717-217-2900.