Hip replacement surfing restrictions

[johnvw]

Hi to All,
Not quite sure just where to post this.
As mentioned before I am expecting a left hip replacement March/April next year, but now I am reconsidering the operation. Main reason is the hip movement restrictions and cautions after the operation may leave me more movement restricted than I am currently experiencing.
My pop up from prone is hopeless, but from the knee paddling position is, at this time, adequate. Not being a goofy footer I find that I draw my right knee up under my chest, plant my right foot, push up and move my left foot to the front position. Very unorthodox I know.
Whether I have the operation or not I can not see any other alternative, as the post operation knee and hip restrictive conditions appear to be quite specific.

So, for all the elderly gentlemen, 60 and advanced, what has been your experience returning to surfing after the hip operation.
This is my reason for reconsidering the operation and persevering with the damaged hip.
Regards
John

[oldmansurfer]

As far as I know the reason to get a hip replacement surgery is because you can't tolerate living the way you are. I haven't heard of any forum members getting hip replacement surgery. Tough decision but I hear Laird Hamilton just had his hip replaced so he must be planning on going back to surf with it although he mostly SUPs or tow in.

[jaffa1949]

A young beach buddy has has a double, he is back in the water doing OK, real secret, be absolutely thorough in your pre-op preparation and physiology and then even more so in post op. Be slack ,then prepare for failure
Good work and good luck! And don't rush

[johnvw]

Hi to All,
Many thanks for the replies. Unfortunately I seem to be asking questions where there are limited answers. It may be just a psylogical thing, but at 67 I am just not ready to sit back in an easy chair and read a book.
At this time I am in a flexibility program, poor old bones and forgotten muscles and concentration on the muscles around the hip and butt. Mind you after two hours on the motorbike the hip starts to complain.
Many thanks again, I really enjoy this Forum and the contributing members.
Regards
John

[jaffa1949]

Ok specifics, not about the operation. But about preparation and recovery.
From a chiropractic and physical therapy point of view. I worked on tandem with orthopaedic surgeons BTW I'm 68 recovering form cancer and doing a program designed to bring me back fully.

Make sure they know you wish to resume surfing

First thing to do is get all muscle groups of the leg working well and built up so the hip joint is fully and well muscled, a good surgeon will have a physiotherapist team and hopefully an exercise physiologist. Have them design the pre op exercises and the extent to take them to.

This does three things. Build the blood supply to you muscles , builds your muscles as a complete structure around where your New hip will be.
An give you more muscle bulk to counter the wastage after the operation. Your muscle can atrophy a lot after so more before helps.
Depending on the prosthesis and the style of the operation , you will be given clear specific exercises and a target of a range of moment the metal bits allow. Your aim is to safely and quickly achieve that range, you will mostly likely be asked to begin walking and exercising immediately or just after immediately . Please follow instructions Set minor goals at the top end of their recommendations.
You will also be reconditioning your heart muscle too. If they offer pool work you can achieve a greater range of movement without as much weight bearing.
Another thing to consider leash attachment often a waist belt is a good idea!
Hope that helps, please take us through your experiences and recommendations it can be put up for others.
Cheers Jaffa

[oldmansurfer]

I just talked to a surfer who had a hip replaced. He still surfs but he says physical therapy is the key to getting back to surfing. He did physical therapy in a swimming pool that got him stronger and moving better

[fakehipliz]

Hey arthritis sufferers!

I had both hips resurfaced two years ago. It is a species of hip replacement but one with no restrictions. Check out surface hippy for stories of surfers who came back.

Not everyone is a candidate. You have to have good bone density and enough femoral head. Just throwing it out there.

I am sure that some people can come back with a regular THR (total hip replacement). Before going into the surgery, ask your doc what your restrictions will be. Some docs will say no, some yes. The answer will depend on the doctor, the prothesis, and the patient. If you don't get cleared for surfing, find another doctor.

[kookextraordinaire]

Hey man, sorry to hear about your injury.

Perhaps learn to pop up goofy footed? It would take some adjustment, but could possibly counter your limited mobility. Hope this helps.

[kookRachelle]

Hip replacements nowadays are so common and the initial recovery is weeks, no longer months. It depends on the technique and the surgeon of course, but 99% of the time they get the patient up and walking around the same day post op. Moving the joint and being active speeds the healing process as the muscles don't atrophy and the circulation is A OK. You will absolutely not be in a recliner sipping on prune juice, my friend. Now with that said, consider this... what will happen if you DON'T get the surgery? Cartilage doesn't heal - it's not vascular. If you have a significant cartilage (a tear, degeneration, etc.) it will never heal on its own. Sure PT can definitely help, but not heal. The way I see it, get the surgery now and spend the few months out of the water instead of letting it get worse and debilitating, or even needing more complex surgery. Also, if you wait until you're older the recovery will not be as fast. Just some things to think about. I don't know everything, but I am an RN and I have had both my hip labrums repaired back in '09. Personally, I was able to be fully weight bearing in a few days and race (running) again within 4 months. PT is the key though. Your physical therapist is just as important as your surgeon.

Best of luck!! Let us know how you're doing!

[saltydog]

Oldmansurfer has mentioned that Laird Hamilton has had his hip replaced too???

[oldmansurfer]

Yes but I am not sure how much he has done since then. His wife Gabrielle Reese has had a knee replacement around the same time and I haven't heard how she has done but I am certain they are both doing extreme rehabbing

[Surfsavage]

Hello! First post here. I felt obligated to chime in on this one as I have had both hips THR. I actually surfed for the first time 4 months after my first one. My profession is post injury-surgery reconditioning, strength coach, and athletic development. You can absolutely function better than ever if you work hard. The key thing is to not think you are "finished" after PT is complete! You must continue to progressively strengthen and work hard on mobility. I cannot stress that enough. PT will get you "functional" but is just the beginning of the process. You can certainly function better than you have long pre op. It will take awhile to get enough mobility, especially to get enough flexion to get that front leg through on the pop up. It's a process and takes a lot of consistent work, but its worth it. I will never suggest that you ignore what your doctor says, but my surgeon told me that I can do whatever i want. I play soccer, surf, lift heavy in the gym etc. New lease on life!

[ScottB]

http://www.surfing-waves.com/forum/download/file.php?mode=view&id=5721&sid=671a20542f3a9643b5174c8a77ab4aca

At 58..I had THR January 2016, surgery went well (muscle sparing)...surfing is a lifestyle ..soo with perseverance thru rehab, yoga, and determination I returned to the ocean on week 7. I was back to feeling confident and normal within 6 months. Following annual eval with thumbs up...I began to travel abroad...This past July 2017 went to Central America surfing some core breaks that reached 6-10 ft. My boards are standard hp that range from 5-10 to 6-4...I feel no restrictions, and have helped make a basic you-tube documentary with Florida Orthopedic. The key is pre and post op physical training..highly recommend a bogo ball. Hope this encouragement helps.

[jaffa1949]

Scotty , it’s great that you are back in the mix in the surf fully , the fitness and doing the full physical therapy before and after joint replacement is the key and continuing all the way. The last two posts exemplify this.
Good stuff!

[paulest]

Hi there, thanks for sharing the post. Next month we are also going to spend the holidays with my grandpa who has hip replacement in July this year. He likes to surf in his own way, but this time I am planning to take walks for his safety. While discussing with my friend, he suggested me to visit Spinlife for buying walker. Any suggestions?

[jaffa1949]

Paulest, really you should review suggestions from his surgeon and the orthopaedic rehabilitation team.
Why, well,the forum is worldwide and suggestions from overseas may not suit.
The general,trend now is to get the patient mobile as soon as safely possible, the specialists where you are have the best idea. But mobility aid will help when tired and allow a better holiday!
Good health to you all !

[RaggaP]

Do it ASAP! Every month you delay the surgery, is another month of your life that you are not enjoying the activity that is supposed to bring you the most joy in your life! I am just over my one year anniversary since my left THR and I want to cry tears of joy how great it feels to be surfing pain free again, back to my form from decades ago!

Here is are some shots from my "recovery surf trip" that my wife promised me once I got the clearance of being fully healed from my surgeon!

[jaffa1949]

Welcome Ragga,
Great recovery, great the joy, thank you for sharing!
Hang out here and tell us how your journey continues

[RaggaP]

Thank you Jaffa! Yes, and I am here to answer any questions for those who are thinking about getting this procedure done. BTW, are you really living in Ober Osterreich??? That is where I was born!

[jaffa1949]

Absolutely , I'm Australian born and. I have moved there with my wife into Salzkammergut area. My kneeboarding son lives just 10 minutes away with his family. My wife is half Scottish half Austrian so we plan to hit the Atlantic coast. Where do you and your new hip surf?