I'll be starting again next week after seven weeks off after my major hip replacement. My healing is much longer than usual - it was a complex surgery since I was born with arthritis hips.
What can I expect? I have a feeling flip turns are out. Will I be able I use my fins? Do breaststroke and fly?
I plan on cutting the workouts our coach puts up in half and seeing how that goes.
Anything else I should know?
Hi Caitief, I agree with MSK's advice. Medical clearance to swim is essential. Breaststroke and possibly butterfly are to be avoided until you are fully healed. I would also advise approaching the use of fins with caution. The fins force you to use your hips and knees more prominently during the kick, and this might be harmful as you are healing. Additionally, you should be careful when pushing off the wall during turns as this can also put pressure on the hips. If you can, I would advise working with a coach who is comfortable helping you during your rehab back into swimming - assigning drills and sets that will not be harmful to your hips as you heal, and slowly allowing you to get back to your regular training over a longer period of time.
Hi Caitief, I agree with MSK's advice. Medical clearance to swim is essential. Breaststroke and possibly butterfly are to be avoided until you are fully healed. I would also advise approaching the use of fins with caution. The fins force you to use your hips and knees more prominently during the kick, and this might be harmful as you are healing. Additionally, you should be careful when pushing off the wall during turns as this can also put pressure on the hips. If you can, I would advise working with a coach who is comfortable helping you during your rehab back into swimming - assigning drills and sets that will not be harmful to your hips as you heal, and slowly allowing you to get back to your regular training over a longer period of time.
