If you’re going to have a hip replacement, it’s possible to resume running after your surgery, although the sensation of running after the replacement can feel very different for some
how do i...?
Over the years, surgeons have been concerned about the risks to a hip implant and have been cautious about advising runners to resume higher levels of activity after surgery.
“With modern implants and bearings, however, there is very little evidence that such caution is justified,” says Jonathan Hutt, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in all aspects of hip surgery, who is based at the London Hip Unit at the Princess Grace Hospital, part of HCA Healthcare UK. “That said, it can’t be completely guaranteed that everyone will return to running at the level they might hope,” he adds.
When can you start running after a hip surgery?
Running is a relatively high impact sport and should be avoided in the early stages of rehabilitation. “I recommend waiting a minimum of three months post-surgery before starting to run,” says Hutt. “There may also be individualised elements of your own diagnosis, anatomy and surgery that will need to be considered and discussed with your surgeon.”
Your rehabilitation programme with your physiotherapist is an important part of ensuring that you have sufficient range of motion, strength and stability to start running again. “While a gradual build-up may seem frustrating, it’s important to remember that your muscles will also have been relatively defunctioned by the disease process in the lead up to surgery and will need time to recover,” he adds. “Everyone’s progress and goals are different and it’s important that your rehabilitation is guided by your personal milestones, not by arbitrary time points.”
What will you feel when running after a hip surgery?
The most important thing is that you make your return to running a gradual and controlled process. “Running on a hip replacement, although safe, will not necessarily feel the same as running on your normal hip, particularly initially,” stresses Hutt. “It’s common to feel a bit rusty and perceive changes in your gait when you start. However, as you progress with your rehabilitation and gradually increase running activities, these sensations should improve.”
Listen to your body during this process. Start with shorter distances and slower paces, and gradually increase intensity as you feel comfortable.
Does running after a hip surgery increase your risk of injuries?
As with most things, the risks arise and increase if you don’t follow proper precautions and reha
