getting back in the pool after a total hip replacement..

I had a THR Sept 2020 and was back in the water about 8 weeks later - mostly to make sure the incision (I had anterior) was fully healed.  Because I had osteoarthritis, I actually felt BETTER after the surgery although I had lost a fair amount of strength and fitness.   I was only an average Masters swimmer but I have finally regained most of my mobility in my kick.   I was told initially not to do much breast stroke kick for the first few months but now I am fine (well, I was never a great breast stroker anyway).   Strongly recommend you increase your strength training to do as much as you can tolerate.   No matter what others have experienced, you will likely have a slightly different experience.   Also, somewhat careful at the walls - depending how you do your turns - just be gentle on the pushoff with that new hip until the supporting muscles and tendons / ligments regain the strength.   And oh yes, you may have some nerve damage from the surgery which can take months (years) to recover.   As always, follow your doctor's advice.   All will be fine!

I fell and had a replacement 2/21. I made sure to do PT everyday, watch my diet and generally take better care of myself.  I was 68 when fell. I worked to get off the walker after 6 weeks. Back in the water on 3/30/21 to do the 1 hour swim. I need to do open turns and completed 2300 yards. So proud I could enter the 1 hour swim. I then started back to Masters practice in the slow lane and slowly got better. Luckily the pool was set up long course and didn't have to turn as much. Turns seem to create the most problems - continued to do PT everyday at home. By first week of May I swam the 5k Miami swim. I needed help in and out of the water but got it done! I still have issues if too many turns and too much walking. Be patient and work toward complete recovery. The best advise is keep moving - contact me if you want to discuss further. Catherine Rust

Are you able to swim with fins yet? If so, how intensely? Thanks.

Happy to answer this from a PT perspective. Go to www.ageupwell.com.  I am happy to give you some guidelines. areltee@ageupwell.com 

I just saw your post…sorry about the delay. After 16 months have no problem with flip turns even in SCY. I am kicking better both with and without fins but still am limited. I try to do at least 500 kick a session on my back without a board. Because I am a distance swimmer I usually swim 4000-5000 6 days/week with some being open water.  Hope your recovery is going well

Could you please tell me which surgical approach you had done- anterior or posterior?