Guide to movements to do and avoid after knee or hip surgery: how to stand up or sit down, use stairs, use the bathroom and take a shower.
STANDING UP AND SITTING DOWN
Use chairs with armrests and that are not too low.
To stand up, place both hands on the armrests and use the strength of your arms and healthy leg. Ensure you have your crutches within reach beforehand.
To sit down, do not drop onto the chair. First reach for the armrest with one hand, then the other bringing the operated leg slightly forward as you gently lower yourself onto the chair.
USING STAIRS
Physiotherapists will train you on the correct method during your hospital stay. When going up: first the non-operated leg, then the operated leg and then the crutches. When going down: first the crutches, then the operated leg and finally the non-operated leg.
USING THE BATHROOM
To use the bathroom follow the same technique used for sitting on a chair even though there are no armrests in this case. Search and find support points for your hands near the toilet such as the wall, a piece of furniture or the toilet itself. For those with a very low toilet or those of tall stature using a raised toilet seat can be helpful.
WASHING AND SHOWERING
During the first few weeks after surgery do not wet the wound. Therefore taking a bath or shower is not possible. Once the dressing is removed and the wound has healed, you can start wetting the wound.
Since taking a bath involves sitting very low, it is advisable to shower initially. The main risk in the shower is falling. If necessary use non-slip mats, hold onto solid supports in the shower or get help from another person.
MOVEMENTS TO AVOID
Avoid all movements that involve flexion and internal rotation of the operated limb, such as: crossing the operated leg over the other, crossing your legs, bending down to pick up objects with your legs close together, kneeling, sitting on very low seats. All movements with legs apart are allowed: for example you can safely pick up an object by bending down with your legs spread apart.
It is permitted to sleep on the operated side without restrictions. You can sleep on the opposite side of the operated leg by placing a pillow between your legs to keep them slightly apart.
