When Can I Play Golf After a Hip Replacement?
As joints age, everyday activities like walking or the perfect golf score can become uncomfortable or even painful. Replacing worn-out joints allows individuals to experience less pain, more mobility, and improved quality of life. After the procedure, people often jump quickly into old routines, returning to mobile leisure pursuits like golf. While total recovery can take several months, healthy patients can expect to return to regular routines within 3-6 weeks. The key to a full recovery included adequate preparation, a rigorous rehabilitation plan after the procedure, and listening to the body to ensure the new joint isn’t damaged while healing.
Shortening the road to recovery
A healthy diet is integral in prioritizing bodily health. If a patient is not already eating a balanced diet, doctors recommend shifting to one in the months leading up to total joint replacement surgery. Calcium, iron, and fiber lower the risk of constipation, often caused by pain medication, and boost bone density. Cutting nicotine use before surgery is recommended as well. Smoking often leads to low oxygen levels in the bloodstream, increasing the risk of surgical complications while under anesthesia. To promote a smooth and quick recovery, quitting smoking several weeks before total joint replacement surgery is highly encouraged.
Boosting your range of motion
Vigorous exercise immediately after surgery is typically not recommended. Developing and committing to a comprehensive rehabilitation plan several days after the procedure is foundational to making a full recovery. Exercise like knee pushdowns, leg extensions, and heel slides strengthen the muscles while boosting the new joint’s range of motion. No equipment is required for strengthening and stretching movements. As a result, exercise can be done anywhere, even on the green. Combined with muscle-building exercises, individuals are recommended to perform 30 minutes of low-impact aerobic activity daily. Machines like the elliptical or stationary bike boost blood flow and heart rate while minimizing stress on the delicate new joint.
Take a crack at healing
While some patients may be tempted to fore within days of a hip replacement, the minimum recommendation is 3-6 weeks of rest. With a total commitment to healthy habits and a robust rehabilitation plan, healing quickly is possible. Many patients will be ready to take on the elusive birdie within several weeks of the procedure.
