After hip replacement surgery, regular exercise to restore normal hip motion and strength is important to ensure a full recovery. Your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist can recommend appropriate exercises for the various recovery stages. Using rider exercise machines might be an option in your latter stages of recovery. However, when using rider exercise machines after hip replacement surgery, do so with caution as using them improperly could cause more harm than good.
The Basics
If a stiff, painful hip joint is affecting your mobility, you may be a candidate for hip replacement surgery or total hip arthroplasty. Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint, or prosthesis, designed to be compatible with your body and resistant to wear. Common conditions that damage the hip joint include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or a broken hip. While hip replacement surgery is successful more than 90 percent of the time, according to MayoClinic.com, the importance of post-operative exercise should not be overlooked.
Benefits of Exercise
Regular post-operative exercise is vital to a full recovery. Exercise may reduce pain, speed up recovery and increase your sense of control and confidence. Exercise causes endorphins, or "feel good hormones," to be released, which may increase your pain threshold. You can improve your flexibility and mobility through exercise. Exercise increases circulation, especially to the area of injury, which can promote healing. Exercise can empower you during a time when the natural tendency is to feel weak.
Types of Rider Exercise Machines
Rider exercise machines are made by a company called HealthRider. In addition to making rider exercise machines, the company makes treadmills, ellipticals and bikes. As of 2010, HealthRider makes two different models of rider exercise machines: the HealthRider and the HealthRider HR2. The HealthRider is the original low impact, total body workout system that HealthRider claims will help you lose weight and feel great by exercising 20 minutes a day three times a week. The HealthRider HR2 is the new and improved version of the HealthRider, which boasts the same weight loss claims.
Considerations
While the consumer reviews for the HealthRider and the HealthRider HR2 are generally positive, one consumer writes about the HealthRider HR2, "I had to send it back as it hurt my back to use. The resistance bar seems to make it jerky." Another consumer had just the opposite experience with the HealthRider, writing, "I can't tell you how wonderful your product is for weight loss but even more so for back pain." An advantage of the HealthRider HR2 is that it has a new, larger seat for added comfort.
Warning
Do not use a rider exercise machine without the approval of your orthopedic surgeon. Initially, only use a rider exercise machine under the supervision of a physical therapist or qualified trainer to ensure proper positioning and technique. Adjust the seat to the highest position to avoid hip flexion. After hip replacement surgery, it is important not to flex the hip more than 90 degrees, which means bringing the knees more than 90 degrees towards the chest. The HealthRider and the HealthRider HR2 have two sets of foot pedals. Position your feet on the set of pedals that allow for a slight bend in the knees to avoid overextending your legs. If you are not able to achieve proper positioning and technique to avoid undo stress on your hip, do not use rider exercise machines. Consult your doctor or physical therapist to determine what exercises would be more appropriate.
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