After Hip Surgery: Mastering Daily Tasks

You must learn how to follow hip safety while doing daily tasks. This includes using special aids to help you prevent bending. With a therapist's help, you will practice doing daily tasks safely with your new hip.

To prevent bending your hip too much while bathing, use a long-handled sponge and a shower hose. Your therapist can show you how to use a shower bench or chair in the bathtub or shower stall.

A sock aid and a long-handled shoehorn let you put on and take off socks, stockings, and shoes without bending your hip too much. Other tools can help you put on underwear and pants.

A reacher can come in handy when you need to grasp objects that are too far above or below you. Try to store items at a convenient height. Small items can be carried in a basket on your walker.

As a passenger, make sure the car seat is all the way back. Keeping your operated leg forward, lower yourself onto the seat. Allow the seat to support you. Then slide back in a semi-reclining position, and pivot your body. Bring your legs into the car one at a time. Try to stay away from deep or especially low car seats that would cause a lot of hip flexion when you get in or out.