Dressage after Hip Replacement?

[GiGi]

This has probably been discussed before but since I didn't think it would apply to me for at least another 15 years I didn't read it. But now it looks like I will have to have one if not two replaced and want to know if I have any chance of ever riding again. FYI I also event one of my horses...

[Beasmom]

Yes, I think you would ride again. In Dressage Today several months ago (I think) a woman recounted her hip surgery and rehab. Also, one of my old instructors had a hip replaced and was able to return to riding.

Ask your doctor every question you can think of, and best of luck with that surgery.

[CallMeGrace]

There's a woman here in Area VIII that events with a bionic hip. Good luck to you! Rehab is hard no matter how you do it - it will be better to have a goal of returning to an activity that you love.

[Trying]

Had two in '07. Riding two horses a day, doing 5 stalls a day and work PT. Any questions, e-mail me. Got back on 6wks after surgery but only walked and found a lot to do at the walk which I still do and ponies are better for making them take the time too.

[GiGi]

Thank you all I have been a mess all evening about this.

Trying you bet I'll contact you as soon as I see the surgeon next Wed. By the way I am only in my 40's!! This came as an extremely BIG shock this afternoon. I figured they'ld give me another script for PT and SI injections again...

[Zu Zu]

You will ride again! I had a titanium hip installed so to speak in 1-17-05 - first thing you will love no more pain & no more medication --just some simple precautions to follow. The toughest part was the being inside and away for a while -- I was gone from my animals about 88 days - could visit during that time but the walker and cane scared them - so I concentrated on my physical therapy. You will be pleased just follow the doctor's directions - be patient and allow your body to heal. I am like a dog and had never been laid up EVER so I just wanted to hide until I got well - found the time difficult spirit wise - wish they had warned me about that part - felt I had lost my life --- BUT NOT SO be pateint IT WILL ONLY BE BETTER - I had left hip - I ride horses and jog Hackeny ponies & five stalls a day plus paddocks... I'll help you any time with answers any questions -- really you will be not only fine but better.

[slc2]

One of the top dressage trainers in north america, pam goodrich, had a hip replacement (maybe both? not sure) some years ago, she said in an interview that she put it off for a long time then regretted not getting it sooner. She rides a LOT, professional trainer at the top levels. I have heard a lot of good things about getting it done. I really hope you feel better about it soon. You will most likely feel a zillian times better after.

[mtngirl]

There is definitely riding after hip replacement. I had my right hip replaced in December 2008...am now back to riding and competing. I should have had the surgery done long before I did. There's no pain at all now, and riding is much more comfortable. Feel free to PM and ask questions.

[Eclectic Horseman]

Got a new right one in January, 2007. Works way better than the old one did! :lol:

[Ripanco]

I had both hips replaced the same time in May '05. Back in the saddle better than ever a few months later. Giving up eventing for the most part this year, but not because of my hips. My current horse does not love it and my aging body just does not bounce as well as it use to! Still doing hunter/jumper and dressage as well as all the barn chores. Riding is actually great PT for replaced hips. (Well, not for someone that did not ride before!)

I found that the new hips gave me a whole new life, and like others, wish I had not waited so long. Your best bet is to stay as strong as you can before surgery. Also find a surgeon that is very experienced who you feel comfortable with. I too would be happy to chat with you about my experiences if you want. It did help me a lot to find some great online communties with support and experience.

Andrea

ps: HI Ann! :)

[monstrpony]

Yup, not a big deal, do your PT afterward, and I asked for an additional round of PT after I was released from precautions at 90 days, just to make sure I was doing the right things to get mobility back. It will feel so much better after!

I've heard some surgeons are more cautious than others, so shop around for one who is supportive.

Good luck, let us know how it goes, and ask any questions you have!

[whicker]

reseach platelet rich plasma prolotherapy. You may not need the hip surgery.
It has done wonders for me and several other riders that I know. Will send pm

[stryder]

A riding acquaintance had her hip replaced in early January. I think in six weeks she asked the trainer to give her pony rides on her gelding. Then she was walk-only for a bit. She's back riding nearly every day.

But since the surgery, I can see she looks years younger. Her face showed a mask of pain before. It's all gone. She's so happy she had the surgery, and wished she'd had it earlier.

[mickeydoodle]

I am an orthopaedic surgeon in my mid-40's and had my hip replaced Jan 08, it is wonderful to ride with no pain. The hip has hurt riding for 30 years. I got back on about 100 days after the surgery, walk trot canter. Hopefully will show 4th/PSG this summer.

[mtngirl]

I also recommend checking out the following website/bb www.bonesmart.org (http://www.bonesmart.org) it's for people to ask questions, post replies etc about knee and hip replacement. Like any BB you have to take some of the posts with a big grain of salt, but overall, it has some very useful information and most of the posters are very encouraging.

Stryder: That's interesting because I've experienced the same thing. A co-worker (male) came to my house about a month after I'd had my surgery and just blurted out "You look great! Years younger!" He was quite embarrassed by it - but I'd had a couple of friends tell me that my "mask of pain" was gone, and it truely made a big difference in my appearance.


Hey Andrea! How is Willow doing with her new shoes? Can you tell any improvement?

Ann