Bonneville America Forums Forums Off Topic Discussion Forums Lounge Rehab for hip replacement

July 7th had full right hip replacement surgery, I've been making steady progress still walking with walker, but able to put much more weight in rt leg. Question do any of you have experience how long it will be until I CAN RIDE again? Have any of you had this surgery? MD stated six weeks b4 I can drive car. BUT I WANT TO RIDE. I hope some time in Sept or Oct. Other wise it will be next spring, YUCK.

I shattered my heel in mid-February and had surgery on it in early March. I was riding again even before I could walk.I would use crutches to get to my bike and just didn't get off again until I got back to my crutches. By Early April I could walk a short ways with just a collapsible cane that fit in my saddlebags, because I just HAD TO go to the Ga. Rally! Doctor told me 12 weeks of zero weightbearing on that leg. He was wrong. Didn't take will power into account. By now, i'd say i'm back to about 95% use of my foot/ankle/leg. Don't know if it will ever be 100%. I know it's not the same thing you're dealing with but maybe it'll give you some inspiration. Good luck and be careful!

Hey, I saw a girl yesterday, with a false leg, climb onto her Ducati with her crutches slung over her shoulder and ride off into the sunset (for sunset, please read cloudy, dusty back alley of west London).

So as soon as you feel ready, go for it. Get an air sprung seat pad if it helps.

Just as a comparison, I busted my left shoulder (and left ankle and big toe), while riding, on April 3 of this year. I had my new implant on April 4. On June 17, my Orthopedist gave me the all clear that I could really work the left arm again. I've been doing therapy twice a week since then.
My biggest problem is that my arm muscles atrophied with inaction, especially the upper arm muscles. I've been slowly gaining range of motion, but still not enough to be confident in riding.

I don't expect to be back on the saddle until at least September, assuming I can find a good 2007 to replace my baby.

Hip replacement is bigger than shoulder. I'd say don't push it, listen to your doctor and listen to your physical therapist (especially if she's real cute!!).

Believe me, I'm hurting seeing all the bikes out on the road and hearing about rides that I can't join in on.

I've also got all kinds of cool stuff, ordered from Brent and Eddy just before my accident, sitting in my garage plus the aftermarket stuff taken from my bike before turned over to the Insurance Company. It's killing me I can't use it all right now.
Be patient and heal well.

The thing is, you can probably operate the bike well enough, if all goes well.
The kicker is if all does not go well.
If the back end slides and you have to put your foot down.
If it gets knocked over and you have to pick it up.
Heaven forbid you have an accident.
What will this do to your new, still healing, hip.

As much as the temptation drives you nuts, let it take as long as it needs to.

Hip replacements are different from fractures, amputations and other broken things.... They have precautions that must be followed to prevent dislocation... that's how they get them out to replace them.. once you dislocate a joint, you are at risk to dislocate again.... that's why: Don't cross your legs, don't flex past 90 degrees, don't twist either in or out (depending on the approach) So.... you must let it heal in place without risk of dislocating the joint again. Let it heal in place and your chances of a pain free, functional hip improve greatly...... Healing takes time.... Sorry this does not sound as encouraging as 'go for it' but, do it right and you will be much happier, ask your therapist..... you did or are seeing one right? Best of luck and you will be back soon....How's the hip that was not replaced?

I had a total hip replacement two years ago. Best thing I ever did! I spent a week on the walker and three with a cane and was pretty much good to go after that. If your worried about your riding future, don't. I can ride longer and easier than I ever could before the surgery. I don't know what your circumstances were prior to the surgery, but for me I wish I'd had it done two years before I did. I had the minimally invasive surgery from the front instead of the back side, but I believe the conventional surgery heals pretty quickly also.

Welcome to world of hand scans at the airport

AngusPT, The hip that was not replaced no problems. The consensus opinion is to let the hip fully heal, and not ride until next spring, unless New England has an unusual warm winter.

Don't push it... If you do and something happens it will just set you back farther. Also remember, if you stop at a light or something and your bad foot slips, you may have a LOT of weight on that hip REAL fast... not really the best situation.

Get ready for those warm November days!

I had a hip replaced in Oct. 96. Didn't own a bike, but did about 35 demo rides in March 97 during Bike Week in Daytona.No problems.
Bought Bike in 2002 and in 05 rode up to Western New York and Canada. Put 8,000 miles in 6-1/2 weeks.
Good Luck

Graduated to cane today. Tired after short trip up street. The consensus is not to ride until late OCT or Spring of 09. Thanks for all the feedback, some things I did not even think of.