Traumatic surgeries impact each person differently. This is mostly based on the level of health or strength prior to surgery, and the length of healing time since the surgery was performed.
Take this into consideration when you feel you still have some minor limitations. Performing certain movements vary from each individual and each hip.
Along with limitations with certain movements, there are some exercises that should be limited regardless of the success in the rehab process. Typically between three and six months is when post-op patients will begin to attempt gardening tasks.
However, this can still come with restrictions on certain actions including:
- Squatting
- Bending over
- Shoveling
- Lifting heavy objects
Because people underestimate this fatiguing activity, they are sometimes not prepared. Think about the risk factors of not being prepared for a basketball game or a round of golf? If you are not warmed up or have little insight on what you are getting into, you might not have the best luck in succeeding.
Getting Prepared to Return to Your Garden After Hip Replacement Surgery
It has been a long time coming since you’ve been able to spend a day in the dirt. We recommend making sure your body is prepared properly beforehand.
Some ways you can get ready for your day in the garden include:
Double Check with your Surgeon:
- We recommend you always ask your surgeon and therapist their thoughts on your progress levels prior to jumping back into a former hobby or sport.
Maximize your Mobility:
- Mobility is an indication of how well you move. Therefore, maximizing your mobility through strength, coordination, and body awareness will increase more than one aspect of your physical abilities.
Strengthen your Muscles:
- Ideally, this is already incorporated in your rehab program. Strengthening your surrounding muscles will aid in reducing the load of the joint.
Increase your Flexibility:
- Proper flexibility will ultimately lower your chances of injuring yourself. It will also improve your posture and your overall balance.
Improve your Balance:
- Walking on an unsteady landscape can be tricky for the newly healed hip. Be sure your balance is top-notch before getting back on the farm.
Protect your New Tissue:
- The tissue is one of the only things holding your new hip in place. Maintain a limited range of motion and increase as directed by your physical therapist.
Use Gardening Tools and Assisted Devices:
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a little help. Purchasing a planter’s stool, a foam knee pad, or raised flower beds will reduce the amount of pain and chances of reinjuring the hip or injuring another body part.
Be Aware of the Landscape:
- Keep an eye out for what type of land you will be walking on. Some gardens have sneaky holes or bumps that can put you at risk for a fall.
Visualize What you Wish to Accomplish:
- Think and plan out exactly what it is that you wish to achieve for the day. Determine how long it will take, and what actions will be required from you in order to complete the task. Allowing yourself to see and understand what needs to be done will let you tackle the job in the safest and efficient way.
Sometimes, once warmed up and feeling good, it is easy to get comfortable and try a few riskier things. Be sure to remember you just had hip surgery and try to avoid doing these things while out in the yard. Some activities you should avoid include::
- Not taking breaks
- Spending hours weeding
- Stooping over flower beds for long periods of time
- Being in one position continuously
- Using heavy tools or lifting heavy weight
Always listen to your body. If you are still recovering from hip replacement surgery then you will still be going through the healing process. Always carry a communication device with you such as a pendant alarm or a cell phone.
Ease Back Into It with New Gardening Options
We are guessing that you are itching to get back into this beloved activity, so let’s make sure it is done right. Whether you are planting in your kitchen, in your yard, or in your greenhouse, consider revamping your space for ultimate benefits.
To help you garden in a comfortable way, consider adjusting your habits by using new products. These include:
- SIZE: 40-1/2" L x 15-1/2" W x 31-1/2" H overall, planting box: 37-1/2" L x 15-1/2" W x 8" deep,...
- ERGONOMIC: Elevated raised planter box with legs eliminates the need to bend over, making gardening...
- METAL: Made of stable galvanized steel raised garden bed with anti-rusty grey coating, not made of...
Raised Flower Beds:
A raised garden bed allows the body to experience minimal twists and contortions. This will allow both you and your flowers to remain healthy.
- Wide Application: MEIWO newly upgraded hanging planter pockets are larger and deeper, making them...
- Easy to Install: You’ll get 10 clear, adjustable ties that fit most railing sizes. Got a wall or a...
- Decoration of Your Life with Green: Whether you're looking to jazz up your outdoor fence, porch,...
Vertical Gardens:
Purchase a brand new hanging garden or simply refurbish a shoe organizer. This will guarantee comfort.
- Durable Cotton Weave: Handcrafted macrame plant hanger made from soft cotton for a vintage look.
- Fits Various Pot Sizes: Accommodates pots up to 12 inches in diameter for indoor and outdoor use.
- Easy Installation: Simply expand the 4 leg strings and place the pot in the middle for a secure...
Hanging Plants:
Reachable and easily accessible, floating plants will optimize your space and your flexibility.
- Attractive Hanging Design - Practical sturdy plant stand equipped with a elegant hanging rod will be...
- Premium Quality Construction - This plant shelf is made of phyllostachys pubescens. High hardness,...
- Practical Sturdy - Round comer and back crossbar design bring you more safety in use; Reasonable...
Shelving Plants:
Keeping all of your plants in one space makes it easier to minimize movement and energy. Tiered planting can be made simple for those softly returning to full-time gardening again.
Be Prepared Before You Start Planting Again
Now that you are ready and excited to return to your feel-good hobby, let’s make sure you are prepared properly. We have provided some assistive products to help make sure your time in the yard is nothing but comfortable.
