Hip dislocation, more commonly referred to as hip dysplasia, typically is a birth defect. The hip socket is formed abnormally, making it difficult for the hipbone to set properly in the socket. While the condition is most commonly seen at birth, it can develop over time when the child starts walking. Various levels of dysplasia are treated with a harness or braces to try to correct the deformity. Hip dislocation surgery is complicated and requires extensive rehabilitation. Adults who experience hip dislocation following an accident or joint damage might undergo a total hip replacement that also requires rehabilitative therapy.
Childhood Surgery
Children and babies who undergo surgery to correct a hip deformity usually are placed in a body cast to maintain the hip alignment. A number of problems might ensue, including an uneven gait once they start walking. Children might need assistance learning how to walk if one leg is shorter than the other, which is a side effect of a prolonged stay in a body cast after dysplasia surgery. Babies who must remain in a cast might not start walking as soon as their peers, but eventually conquer the skill and might not have any further problems.
Walking
Following surgery on your hip, you might not be able to place weight on that side for about eight weeks. If your new hip is cemented in place, you should be able to begin walking immediately after surgery with the help of a cane or walker to bear some of the stress. Walking for children and adults who've had a hip dislocation should be dictated by the amount of pain you undergo. While you don't want to forgo walking when you're ready, you should use an assistive device, such as a walker, cane or braces for a period. Gradually build up the length and duration of your walks, and as you gain strength, begin walking for short periods unassisted.
Swimming
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, swimming is an effective form of exercise for people recovering from hip surgery. The water buoys you so that you don't place weight on the affected leg. You can achieve range of motion by kicking underwater while swimming or holding onto the side of the pool. Warm water in a heated pool is soothing to recovering hip joints. Wear swim fins to add resistance to your swimming and build surrounding muscles to better support your weakened hip.
Strengthening
It's important to perform exercises that strengthen surrounding muscles that support your hips. According to the Patient Education Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health, isometric exercises you start doing immediately after surgery can help build those muscles. Isometrics are those activities that require you to squeeze a targeted muscle and hold it for a time. While lying in the hospital bed, you can begin doing isometrics to strengthen your buttock muscles that will help you enormously when you start walking. Concentrate on your butt and squeeze your cheeks together. Hold for 10 seconds and release. Repeat 10 times, three or four times throughout the day. Try the squeezing routines on your upper thighs as well.
