Joint replacements reduce pain but sometimes they can limit a person’s range of motion. But a particular type of hip replacement allows patients full range of motion. Dual mobility hips
— Read on www.ivanhoe.com/
Don’t go it alone…ask for help from people who have been through hip replacements…
When I was first diagnosed with hip dysplasia and AO at age 50, I was completely unprepared. Shocked. Terrified. The pain was bone-on-bone, relentless, and made every step feel like a battle. But the hardest part wasn’t just the physical agony—it was the question: Why me?
I wasn’t a runner. I wasn’t a professional dancer. I was a swimmer and a walker, someone who lived an active but moderate life. And no one in my family had hip issues. How had this happened to me?
The pain wasn’t just an inconvenience—it was isolating. Walking the dog, climbing stairs, even bending to pick something up felt risky. Every movement was a reminder of my limitations. The fear extended beyond the pain—it was the fear of losing independence, facing surgery, and stepping into the unknown.
I spent countless hours online researching my condition, meeting orthopedic specialists, and trying to understand what was happening to my body. It was overwhelming. Anxiety was a constant companion. I wondered if I’d ever feel “normal” again.
Looking back, though, that combination of pain, fear, and curiosity became my fuel. It inspired me to help others navigate this journey. That’s the heart of this site: to provide knowledge, tools, and strategies so anyone facing hip pain or surgery can approach it with confidence, courage, and clarity.
During my journey, I discovered a tool that truly transformed my recovery: PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy.
I was introduced to PEMF before my surgeries, hoping to reduce inflammation, ease pain, and extend the time before I needed surgery. My routine became a mix of gentle stretching in a YMCA pool (yes, shower caps included!) and daily PEMF sessions at home.
The results were remarkable. Not only did it help physically—reducing pain and improving mobility—but it also eased the mental toll. Having a therapy I could control gave me a sense of agency, which is priceless when facing something as daunting as surgery.
Years later, PEMF remains a cornerstone of my recovery and wellness routine. It supports healing, immune function, and overall health, and helps me manage pain without relying on harsh medications.
PEMF devices come in several forms, depending on your needs:
Full-body mats: Energize every cell in your body
Localized paddles: Target specific joints like hips, knees, or shoulders
Brain entrainment devices: Support neurological function and cognitive health
But what makes PEMF truly remarkable is what it does at the cellular level.
Every cell in your body has essential duties:
Generate energy
Remove waste
Repair and regenerate
Perform specialized functions
PEMF enhances these processes. Magnetic fields move ions and electrolytes within tissues, sparking a cascade of chemical and electrical activity that boosts healing.
This activity increases ATP (adenosine triphosphate)—the energy currency of cells. Higher ATP means your cells have more energy to repair, regenerate, and function efficiently. Low ATP? Cells get fatigued, slow down, and become vulnerable to injury or disease. PEMF acts like a cellular power-up, helping your body recover faster and function better.
Hip pain is not just a physical challenge—it’s an emotional one. Chronic discomfort can bring:
Fear of movement: Every step feels risky
Isolation: Limiting activity cuts you off from friends, family, and community
Uncertainty: Questions about surgery, recovery, and long-term mobility can loom large
PEMF therapy, combined with education, support, and intentional movement, can ease both the physical and emotional burden. It gives you confidence to move, reassurance to heal, and control over your recovery.
If you’re recovering from hip surgery or managing chronic hip pain, PEMF therapy can help your body:
Heal faster: By energizing cells, tissue repair is optimized
Reduce inflammation and pain: Targeted therapy helps joints and soft tissues recover
Support bone and joint health: Aids bone remodeling and recovery after surgery
Enhance overall cellular function: Smooths the healing process and boosts long-term health
Here’s what worked for me:
Daily sessions at home: 20–30 minutes on a full-body mat or targeted paddle
Movement therapy: Gentle swimming, stretching, and walking
Tracking results: Pain, mobility, and emotional well-being
Education and support: Connecting with communities and professionals for guidance
The combination of cellular energy, movement, and support gave me control over my hip journey and helped me approach surgery with confidence rather than fear.
Hip replacement is about more than surgery—it’s about reclaiming your life. PEMF therapy helped me take control by:
Reducing pain without over-reliance on medication
Supporting recovery and mobility
Giving me a tool to actively participate in my healing
It’s a reminder that healing isn’t passive—you are an active player in your recovery, with tools, strategies, and knowledge to guide you.
Hip pain can feel overwhelming, isolating, and scary. But with PEMF therapy, proper movement, education, and emotional support, it doesn’t have to be.
Your journey is unique, but these tools give you:
Energy at the cellular level to heal faster
Relief from pain and inflammation
Confidence to move safely and actively
Support to navigate emotional challenges
Empower your recovery: Hip pain doesn’t have to define your life. With the right strategies, you can regain mobility, restore confidence, and take control of your recovery—one empowered step at a time.
Does this scenario sound familiar to you or anyone you know?
You feel dizzy, a tingling in your body, you feel like you’re being electrocuted with nerve pain. You cannot get out of bed or you wake up with migraines, pains in your mouth and teeth, joint pain, and it hurts to be touched…you just don’t feel like “you”. You want to isolate and sleep. So, you go to your doctor and he tells you it’s all in your head. No one seems to understand and you feel crazy. Some of us feel more deeply, some of us are very sensitive to our environment or are allergic to what we’re putting in our bodies. I used to consider myself the Princess and the Pea – where I would feel everything while others felt nothing.
And, regular blood work doesn’t tell an entire story of your condition or any imbalances or…
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As hipsters—whether you’ve had one hip replaced, both, or are just exploring the bionic life—we often ask the same question: how active should we be?
Some of us get stuck in the “why me?” loop, feeling frustrated, cautious, or even resentful of our new reality. Others go full-on superhero mode, pushing their hips to the limit to prove that bionic parts are better than the originals. Both extremes, however, miss the sweet spot.
Sitting on the couch, afraid that moving too much will wear out your hip? That’s not the path to a long, happy, pain-free life. After all, the reason for surgery was to get your life back—free from fear and free from pain. Moderation, listening to your body, and returning to the life you love is the real goal. After all, your emotional health is just as important as your physical health.
Even years after surgery, we hipsters often lie awake at night asking ourselves: how long will this last?
We remember the bone-on-bone pain that drove us to the brink, the nights jolted awake by sharp aches, the days leaning on a cane just to move from room to room. And yes, we remember the moment we admitted, “UNCLE, I need a hip replacement.”
Preparing for surgery can feel like a trip to the vet: your heart pounds, your thoughts spiral, and you wonder if you’ve made the right choice. Finding the right surgeon, researching the best procedures, understanding rehab—this isn’t just a medical process. It’s a mission. And connecting with other hipsters for support, encouragement, and firsthand knowledge transforms the experience from terrifying to empowering.
Being a successful hipster means learning to tune in to your body. Every hip is different, and every person experiences movement, recovery, and pain in their own way.
How does swimming feel to your hips, knees, and legs?
Is running enjoyable or punishing?
Does walking leave you energized or sore?
The answers will guide you toward the right activity level. Think of your hip like a finely tuned classic car: it needs maintenance, respect, and attention. Genetics, past wear-and-tear, and lifestyle choices all play a role in how it performs—but how you treat it matters even more.
It’s easy to swing between extremes: total inactivity on one side, overexertion on the other. But the most successful hipsters find balance. Gentle, consistent movement—walking, swimming, stretching, light resistance training—keeps the joint healthy and supports emotional well-being.
Remember: your bionic hip is designed to help you live fully, not cautiously. Moving your body, enjoying life, and challenging yourself within reason is what makes the hip replacement worth it.
I once asked a friend how long a case of golf balls would last me. We laughed—hard. The answer? It depends how you play, and which course you’re on.
That’s exactly how life with a bionic hip feels. Some days are smooth fairways; some days are rough terrain. And just like golf, a little humor keeps the journey lighter. Laughter is surprisingly good therapy for both mind and body.
A hip replacement isn’t just a medical event—it’s a journey. And with every journey, there’s a learning curve.
You learn patience, because recovery takes time.
You learn self-awareness, because only you can truly feel your body’s limits.
You learn advocacy, because your health is your responsibility.
By listening to your body, learning from other hipsters, and staying informed, you can take control of your recovery and your lifestyle. You’ll discover that empowerment comes not from fear or restriction, but from knowledge, action, and connection.
Personally, I feel lucky. Lucky for this body, lucky for the second chance to move freely, and lucky for the opportunity to guide others along this path. Hip replacement gave me more than mobility—it gave me perspective, gratitude, and humor in abundance.
Life after a hip replacement isn’t just about how long the hip lasts—it’s about how fully you live while you have it. Walking, swimming, hiking, dancing, laughing, even running carefully—these are the joys that make bionic hips worth every step.
Move mindfully – Listen to your body and respect its limits.
Balance is better than extremes – Neither couch potato nor superhero mode works.
Laugh often – Humor makes recovery lighter.
Be your own advocate – Track progress, ask questions, and explore therapies that resonate with you.
Connect with other hipsters – Shared experiences are invaluable.
Our hips may be artificial, but the life they allow us to live is real. Treat your body with care, curiosity, and respect. Laugh at the small moments, celebrate the progress, and embrace the journey. Because at the end of the day, life after a hip replacement isn’t about how long the hip lasts—it’s about how boldly and joyfully you live while you have it.
Hipsters, remember: You’re more resilient than you think, your hip is stronger than you imagine, and the road ahead is yours to enjoy.
XOXO
Hipster Girl
A Veteran’s Healing Oasis
— By Jodi Seidler
Everyone on the planet Earth has stress. It is a fact of everyday life. With some sufferers, stress manifests with relentless headaches.. With others, stress can dramatically affect an individual’s stomach and overall GI tract. The list of physiological effects is truly endless. Now…just think of the psychological effects that veterans experience as they are returning home from war in the Mid-east. In addition to the more readily apparent disabilities, it is estimated that nearly 230,000 returning veterans suffer with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Anyone who experiences trauma of any kind can suffer with PTSD. Both civilians and veterans can experience flashbacks and memories of a traumatic incident— during the day or even transforming dreams into terrifying nightmares. For an affected individual, there is literally no escape from the emotionally startling terror. Stress that is fueled by PTSD is often accompanied by depression, sleep disorders, chronic pain…often resulting in problems with alcohol and substance abuse.
Rhonda, a single mother, began experiencing significant stress after volunteering to serve in the army at the ‘tender’ age of eighteen. Rhonda was deployed to Germany to work during the end of the Vietnam conflict…. essentially thrown from a ‘Leave it to Beaver” lifestyle into an unimaginable state of reality. Stretched beyond anything Rhonda had ever experienced, she was daily pushed to the limit and suffered an extreme level of stress. For Rhonda, it resulted in 1996, with a diagnosed condition of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia. After an honorable discharge from the army, Rhonda continued to work for four more long and arduous years. Rhonda’s daily existence involved consuming prescribed medication for her pain, depression and arthritis. Each day, she continued hoping there was more to life after the army than just managing her pain. So she began researching techniques for relaxation and healing, leading her on an odyssey of self-healing. This quest brought her to Heaven and Earth Oasis and healer Valerie Heath.
With Valerie as a guide, Rhonda pursued the understanding of Theta healing. This innovative approach involves getting to the root cause of an individual’s persistent pain. Rhonda began with diet and lifestyle changes. “Meditation was the first thing that helped me. It calmed my body and caused some of the pain to subside. I learned that we create pain from all the traumas that we experience. As I began my soul searching, researching and experimenting different modalities, the teachers and healers showed up – because I was ready. I began trusting the instincts that told me what to do.”
Valerie Heath taught Rhonda more about self healing and the modalities to help her release her stress. Valerie’s personal inquiries through Theta healing created an in-depth healing landscape; knowledge of what would be good as far as supplements and self healing techniques. Rhonda called Valerie Heath “Her Midwife for healing”. Rhonda also enjoyed healing on the BIOMAT – the magnetic surges and infrared heat was “like someone plugged me in and charged me up. With the energy of the BIOMAT and Valerie’s Reiki hands-on healing, the calm and recharged feelings lasted for days. Rhonda emphasized “Valerie’s healing energy, and her ability to really hone in on what I needed to know, and what I needed to hear sped up my healing process. She hits it on the nail when she talks; I have learned so much from her because she is tuned in when you talk to her. Even with a phone call, there is a transference of healing energy. She is one of the healers that really helped me a lot in the last few years. I get to a point and then I hit the wall, and when I can’t get through it – she helps me through…a little door will open. Valerie Heath’s in-house healing birds also helped me in the healing process. After several treatments, I was empowered to get on with my life feeling more whole”.
As far as her own healing practices, Rhonda says “I am becoming a wounded healer myself through my own healing quest. Valerie is providing an opportunity that is really needed, not treating the symptoms – but getting to the root without using drugs of any kind”.
A lot of the veterans from many wars are still living in the past, back in the war…lost. They can’t move on and a lot of their illnesses come from that. With places like Heaven and Earth Oasis, they can begin their healing journey – and learn tools for self-healing. Mediation, supplements, diet changes, Theta healing, Reiki, BIOMAT, yoga, talk therapy…moving through the pain and stress – and not just disguising it with medication. Rhonda agrees, “It’s been a hard journey but everyday I am excited to see what I am going to learn next. Every day something within me is changing”.
As more veterans and holistic practitioners continue to work together, the possibilities for greater healing, pain management and awareness will continue to grow. Imagine a world where veterans possess a healing tool kit of many techniques and modalities to work with, and their own individual treatments can be customized. Heaven and Earth Oasis is a shining example of what is possible!
Valerie Heath
For 20 years Valerie has worked with military groups, such as the Veterans Assistance Network, as a sales consultant for computer products and phone equipment. During this time, she became aware that military veterans need the most help to heal physically and emotionally and was gripped by a determination to do something meaningful for them.
With Valerie Heath’s background and experience using holistic, non-invasive techniques to heal illness, she founded Heaven and Earth Oasis, a nonprofit 501 (c) (3). http://www.heavenandearthoasis.org
The organization is dedicated to healing military personnel by applying an array of established alternative and complementary methods of treatment that work. Many of the methods they employ, such as Reiki, are now successfully incorporated by military organizations to help heal war veterans diagnosed with combat-related illnesses such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Contact Valerie Heath at: Valerie@heavenandearthoasis.org
Never ever in my wildest dreams would I have thought I would have needed a hip replacement. It started out as a headache in my leg and soon, I couldn’t walk. After swearing off surgery, I spent two painful years in denial going to physical therapy, trying acupuncture, taking medications, even talking to psychics – and just plain praying for a miracle. Having never had surgery, I was fearful of the unknown.
You become an advocate for your health and well-being. You put the HIP into hip replacement – no matter what AGE you are!
Jodi Seidler from Hipster Club shares her tips and insights.
Just like baby proofing your home, it’s important to prepare your home for your hip replacement.
Hipster Club 