rehab after Birmingham Hip resurfacing

[dansmith11]

Hey guys,

My dad (50), just had the Birmingham hip resurfacing surgery. (As opposed to a total hip replacement) They basically take a metal ball that’s attached to a pin, and pound that into the end of the leg bone, and then that ball rides in a cup that is attached to the hipbone.

He is almost 9 weeks into recovery; at around week 12, he needs to get on a rehab program, to get some strength back in his hips and legs. He wants me to design him a workout routine (I’m good at making them for myself, but my knowledge of rehab after surgery is a little lacking). The doctors and physiotherapists have said he can do anything a person with a regular hip can do, however I don’t want to give him something that is going to be stressful on it and cause any damage before it is strong enough to handle everything. Does anyone have any experience with rehab after hip surgery? Any tips for designing a routine?

Also, he plans to get his other hip done in April of next year, but wants to build up some general core strength, particularly in the lower back, because his lower back is weak, and the tightness/lack of strength in it has really slowed down his recovery time from this surgery. So he wants to get stronger by then, to aid recovery next time.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Bill Hartman]

While he doesn't have the same limitations as a typical total hip replacement. I would still consult directly with his PT in regard to exercise.

That said, I would think that banded (mini bands or theraband) walks in all directions, progressive step-up variations in all directions, progressive range of motion squats starting with body weight, bridging, trunk strengthening, etc. would all be acceptable. Confirm all with the PT.

I'm not terribly familiar with the rehab, but have read some remarkable stories about returning to high levels of function and even sports.

Bill