« HIPAA Laws | Fingertips Home | Taking Care Of Our Arthritis Clients »

July 1, 2008

Hip Replacement Precautions

I saw several people who had hip replacements in my massage practice. If you've been in practice for a couple of years, or if you work in rehabilitation massage therapy, you will see clients who have undergone hip replacement surgery.

It's important to be aware that there are practical precautions for patients to follow after hip replacement surgery (this also goes for folks who've had pins and plates put in).
1) Avoid bending the hip beyond 90 degrees. This means don't bend from the hip to reach or pick something up off the floor. Avoid sitting in sofas and couches that would cause excessive hip bending.
3) Avoid crossing the surgical leg over the non-surgical leg.
The reasons for these precautions is because the patient could cause the hip to dislocate.
4) Avoid turning the operated leg inward (pigeon-toed).

If your clients decide to get massage within the first 6 to 8 weeks following their surgery, these precautions are important to keep in mind. The client may need help getting up and down from the table. Be aware of any chairs in the practice room or waiting room that may put them at risk of violating the 90 degree rule and direct them to a suitable chair.

As far as activities or treatments with these clients, forewarned is forearmed. Don't do any range of motion or stretches with the leg until their doctor has cleared them for that activity. Don't assign them any exercises that will put the hip into contraindicated positions.

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy bodywork health

Posted by linda at July 1, 2008 8:53 AM