The recovery period following a hip replacement operation varies from person to person. It generally depends on the person’s age, weight and general health. However, it often takes a period of six weeks or longer.
A physiotherapist or occupational therapist will guide you through the physical rehabilitation and guidance.
The reason for finding the right seating after a hip replacement is that some movements need to be avoided during the recovery period. For instance, during recovery, the hip shouldn’t be bent to an angle that is beyond 90°. This means the body shouldn’t bend forward past a right angle.
A recovering patient should also be conscious of the rotation of their leg while standing. The leg should not be twisted inwards or outwards in any way. All this also rules out crossing one’s legs while seated.
High back chairs are the solution to this issue. Unlike tilting chairs and soft-cushioned chairs, they will help the user maintain the 90° angle required. Furthermore, they provide firm support for the back, spine and neck. On models like the Oakham, the legs are height-adjustable to ensure that people of different statures get the primary benefit of the chair.
There are softer varieties of high back chairs and those in different styles. We recommend making sure that the height and measurements of these chairs are right for you. The extra styling can come at the cost of actual care and functionality if it is not the appropriate size for the user.
Seating isn’t the sole problem that a recovering person needs to solve. The issue of being unable to bend and stretch affects all areas during recovery. The bathroom is a major risk area during recovery. There are many toiletry aids available, from raised toilet seats to toilet frames.
See our full hip replacement aftercare guide for an outline of all the different aids at a patient’s disposal during recovery.
The silver lining about the pain and limitations that come after a hip operation is that, unless there is a complication, they are temporary. As such, users may not want to commit to buying furniture designed to make someone sit at specific, rigid angles. Fortunately, hire services can provide a much simpler and more flexible solution.
For further help and advice, don’t hesitate to contact our team. If you’re still unsure and want to get hands-on with a product, we offer in-person consultations and demos in which you can see the benefit for yourself.
