Bipolar hemiarthroplasty

by Pauline

Four months ago I had an accident and smashed my hip and now have a bipolar hemiarthroplasty.

I live in England and have had to find my own way of rehabilitation. I am doing well but still cannot bend down and can't lift myself up from a chair without support.

I am 80 years of age and am fortunate that I do not have any arthritis but would like to try Pilates to regain some strength and mobility.

What DVD would you recommend that would give me safe exercises to help me recover further?

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Jennifer's Response:

Hi Pauline and thank you for your question. In a Hemiarthroplasty just the ball is replaced in the hip not the socket, which can allow for a full recovery which you seem well on the way.

You do still need to be a bit careful when sitting so as not to bend too far down. Most of the Pilates DVD's would have you on the floor or a firm surface and that would entail getting up and down off the floor. Is this possible for you?

If it is you can surely try my Pilates DVD: You can find it by clicking the link from here: Pilates for healthy back and joints. Some of the exercises are done standing and you may try them in a chair as well.

It is very important for you to strengthen the thigh and hip muscles as well as keeping the ankles and knee strong.

This page would be very helpful for you as it shows different balance exercises that keep the ankles, thighs, and hips strong in standing positions: Balance Exercises.

More of these balance as well as Pilates on the floor can be found in my Pilates Ebook here which is more comprehensive than the dvd.

Some other helpful pages for you to look at doing home exercises:

Exercises for the Older Adult

Fitness test for Senior Fall Prevention

Hip Replacement Exercise