I had my left hip replaced on June 22, 2016, spent two months recovering with physical therapy and rest before returning to work as a waiter. Many of the exercises used in therapy I could continue to use at my local gym, like leg presses and riding a stationary bike. I was also able to get back on my road bicycle (I'm a regular cyclist) and do my normal 6 mile circuit several times a week. This allowed me to really exercise my new hip and strengthen both my legs. Because I work on my feet I often suffered from aching leg and calf muscles. But I found that work outs at the gym and on my bike would always help or alleviate these aches. Also I discovered that stretching my legs and back muscles with normal yoga postures like 'downward facing dog' brought more relief to my legs.
My main complaint now is stiffness when I get out of bed or when I've been in the car. My ease of walking is vastly improved so that walking is again a great pleasure. Over Christmas I was easily able to walk from downtown Cortland Street up to St. Marks Place, over to Christopher St. PATH Station and then from Grove St. in Jersey City, which is a good mile to where I had parked my car. Altogether 8 miles without pain or limping - all this after a 6 hour work shift at my restaurant. Walking is better now than even 10 years ago. Thank you so much Dr. Boettner and HSS for your wonderful work.
Best Wishes,
Timothy Sullivan
Cycling / Biking
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