By John Wensich
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Summary: Over the last 20 years, John Wensich, has undergone four hip replacements by Dr. Vincent Pellegrini , the chief of orthopaedics at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Below, Wensich, who is a competitive bodybuilder, explains the important role rehabilitation programs play in making a full recovery after orthopaedic surgery.
When recovering from any major orthopedic operation, such as hip, elbow or shoulder surgery, it is vitally important to carefully follow your doctor's directions for rehabilitation. All exercises for strengthening and range of motion should be done as recommended with close attention to the schedule that is prescribed. The exercises must be progressive in nature and done on a regular basis. Failure to try to improve in both strength and flexibility may cause continued weakness and inability to function.
It’s also important not to overdo the rehabilitation exercises or try to be to mobile too early. This can cause damage to the intricate and delicate work done by your surgeon. Overdoing it can not only delay your recovery, but could cause the need for another repair. Your body and your doctor will tell you when you can extend your efforts. If you follow the prescribed rehab plan combined with proper rest, good food and overall healthy living, your recovery will be on or ahead of schedule.
It is important to continue to strengthen and exercise the recovering body part in conjunction with an overall fitness program. The stronger the recovery and daily exercise plan, the higher your post operative quality of life will be. A person I know from my profession before I retired is a classic example of what happens when the rehabilitation program is not followed. This person did little or no rehabilitation following a hip replacement surgery.
In addition, the person did nothing to raise their fitness level or to reduce their obesity. Today, several years after the operation, this person is no more mobile or physically capable than before the hip replacement. Still in pain and discomfort, this person limps through life failing to see the importance of rehabilitation and a fitness lifestyle.
In my own case, my recoveries have been dramatic. All have been on or ahead of schedule. I follow Dr. Pellegrini's orders to the letter "and then some" as the good doctor says. I continue to do strengthening exercises for both hips on a weekly basis as recommended, combined with an effective fitness routine and good diet. The results speak for themselves as demonstrated in the success of my 2007 Bodybuilding competition season.
A person need not train for competitive sporting events or go to the gym six or seven times a week to have a successful recovery and regain the enjoyment of full mobility and physical activity. If you have an athletic background your doctor may show you what to do and let you proceed on your own, or you may need to go to physical therapy sessions for sometime after surgery. Which ever the case, you will be on your way to getting your life back. All it takes is weekly consistency in moderate cardiovascular and strength training exercises, proper rest, a healthy diet, good weight management and the will to maintain this for the rest of our lives.
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