Category Archives: Hip Journal

RECOVERY CHECK LIST

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The Ultimate Guide to Hip Recovery: Preparing, Healing, and Thriving

This guide is your roadmap for navigating hip pain, preparing for surgery, recovering, and thriving afterward. It’s designed for anyone experiencing hip issues—whether it’s early-stage discomfort, post-surgery recovery, or long-term joint management.

Understanding Hip Pain and Joint Degeneration

Hip pain doesn’t always start suddenly. For many, it’s a slow progression…

The Hipster Club Guide to Hip Replacement RecoveryDownload
  • Early signs: Stiffness, mild pain, clicking or popping sounds
  • Advanced signs: Bone-on-bone pain, loss of mobility, difficulty sleeping
  • Common causes: Osteoarthritis, dysplasia, past injuries, autoimmune conditions

Why understanding your pain matters:
Many people try to push through discomfort, thinking it’s “normal aging.” But early recognition allows for interventions that can slow progression and improve quality of life.

Tip: Keep a pain and mobility journal. Track your daily activity, pain levels, and triggers. This record will help your doctor and physical therapist create a personalized plan.

Emotional and Mental Health in the Hip Journey

Hip pain is not just physical—it’s emotional. Many patients experience:

  • Anxiety about mobility and independence
  • Frustration with limitations in daily life
  • Isolation from friends and activities they once enjoyed

Strategies to support emotional health:

  • Mindfulness practices: Meditation, journaling, or guided imagery
  • Community support: Hipster Club, support groups, and online forums
  • Professional guidance: Physical therapists, counselors, or health coaches
  • Set realistic goals: Celebrate small wins like walking further or sleeping through the night

Tip: Your mental health is directly linked to physical recovery. Don’t skip this part of your healing process.

Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery

Preparation is key for a smooth recovery. Here’s a comprehensive checklist:

Physical Preparation

  • Pre-op exercises to strengthen your core, glutes, and hip muscles
  • Cardiovascular activity like swimming or cycling to improve endurance
  • Stretching to maintain flexibility

Home Preparation

  • Clear pathways, remove trip hazards, and place essentials within reach
  • Set up a recovery station with pillows, water, and snacks
  • Consider raised toilet seats, walkers, or supportive chairs

Medical Preparation

  • Compile your medical history, medications, and supplements
  • Ask your surgeon about blood work, imaging, and pre-op instructions
  • Prepare questions about anesthesia, recovery timeline, and post-op therapy

Nutrition & Lifestyle

  • Anti-inflammatory diet rich in protein, vegetables, and healthy fats
  • Avoid alcohol and smoking to promote healing
  • Hydrate well pre- and post-surgery

Tip: Think of this phase as building a foundation. The better you prepare, the smoother your recovery.

Post-Surgery Recovery Roadmap

Recovery is not one-size-fits-all, but there are key stages and strategies:

Immediate Post-Op (0–2 Weeks)

  • Pain management: Ice, elevation, and medications as prescribed
  • Movement: Gentle walking, short standing sessions
  • Monitor for complications: Swelling, redness, fever, or unusual pain

Early Recovery (2–6 Weeks)

  • Physical therapy begins: Strength and mobility exercises
  • Gradual increase in activity: Walking, light chores, and gentle stretching
  • Maintain mental health: Journaling and mindfulness to track progress

Mid-Recovery (6–12 Weeks)

  • More active therapy: Swimming, cycling, and low-impact exercises
  • Balance and stability: Core and leg strengthening
  • Community engagement: Sharing progress, asking questions, learning from others

Long-Term Recovery (3–12 Months)

  • Return to hobbies: Golf, walking, swimming, or light jogging
  • Monitor hip health: Regular check-ins with your orthopedic surgeon
  • Lifestyle adjustments: Weight management, posture awareness, and supportive footwear

Tip: Track your milestones and celebrate each stage. Recovery is a journey, not a race.

Nutrition & Supplements for Joint Health

What you eat directly affects your joints, inflammation levels, and recovery speed. Key considerations:

  • Protein: Builds muscle to support hip stability
  • Anti-inflammatory foods: Leafy greens, berries, turmeric, fatty fish
  • Calcium & Vitamin D: Support bone density
  • Magnesium & Omega-3s: Reduce inflammation and improve circulation

Supplement Tips:

  • Talk to your doctor before starting new supplements
  • Keep a food and symptom journal to track what works best
  • Avoid excess sugar and processed foods that promote inflammation

Exercise & Movement Strategies

Movement is medicine—but it must be safe and tailored.

Low-Impact Options:

  • Swimming and water aerobics
  • Cycling on a stationary bike
  • Walking on flat surfaces
  • Yoga or Pilates (hip-friendly modifications)

Strengthening & Stability:

  • Core exercises to protect the lower back and hips
  • Glute activation to support hip stability
  • Gentle resistance training with bands or light weights

Tip: Always listen to your body. Some days will feel better than others—progress gradually.

Community & Emotional Support

Recovery is easier with others who understand your journey. Hipster Club was built for this reason:

  • Connect with people who’ve walked your path
  • Share tips on surgery, recovery, and lifestyle adjustments
  • Ask questions, celebrate wins, and get encouragement

Tip: Isolation slows healing. Even short check-ins or online discussions can make a huge difference.

PEMF Therapy: Boosting Recovery at the Cellular Level

Once your foundation—preparation, exercise, nutrition, and support—is in place, PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy can accelerate healing:

  • Reduces inflammation – Eases pain and swelling in joints
  • Supports cellular repair – Recharges ATP for energy and regeneration
  • Enhances recovery – Promotes mobility and overall function

Types of Devices:

  • Full-body mats: Energize all your cells
  • Targeted paddles: Focus on hips, knees, or sore areas
  • Brain-focused PEMF: Supports cognitive and neurological function

Tip: Think of PEMF as the “turbo boost” for your body—it complements therapy, movement, and lifestyle strategies.

Your Hip Recovery Checklist

  • Educate yourself: Knowledge is power
  • Track your progress: Pain, mobility, and emotional milestones
  • Move with purpose: Consistency matters more than intensity
  • Build your support network: Friends, family, or Hipster Club
  • Advocate for yourself: Ask questions and explore holistic options
  • Celebrate every win: Small improvements are still progress
  • Explore PEMF therapy: Cellular support enhances all other recovery steps

Your Next Steps

  • Join Hipster Club – Connect with others who understand your journey [Insert link]
  • Schedule a consultation – Work with your healthcare provider on a personalized plan
  • Try gentle exercises – Start walking, stretching, or swimming
  • Learn about PEMF – Discover how targeted cellular energy can support your healing [Insert link]

Remember: Recovery is a journey, not a race. With preparation, support, and the right tools, you can reclaim your mobility, confidence, and life—one step at a time.

Download our Hipster Club Healing Workbook….below!

Hip_Recovery_WorkbookDownload

The Hipster Club …when You’re Just TOO Hip

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Navigating the Path to Hip Replacement: A Guide to the Initial Investigation Process


Facing the prospect of a hip replacement can be daunting, but understanding the initial investigation process can help alleviate some anxiety. From recognizing symptoms to consulting with medical professionals, each step plays a crucial role in ensuring a successful outcome.

Recognizing Symptoms:
The journey begins with recognizing symptoms that may indicate the need for a hip replacement. Persistent hip pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, and difficulty walking or performing daily activities are common indicators. It’s essential not to ignore these signs and seek medical advice promptly.

Consulting with a Physician:
The next step involves consulting with a primary care physician or orthopedic specialist. During this appointment, the physician will conduct a physical examination, review medical history, and possibly order diagnostic tests such as X-rays or MRI scans to assess the extent of hip damage.

Referral to a Specialist:
Depending on the severity of the condition and the physician’s assessment, a referral to a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon, may be necessary. Specialists have expertise in evaluating joint conditions and can provide personalized treatment recommendations tailored to individual needs.

Exploring Non-Surgical Options:
Before considering surgery, exploring non-surgical treatment options is often recommended. These may include lifestyle modifications, physical therapy, medications, or injections to manage pain and improve mobility. The goal is to alleviate symptoms and delay the need for surgery whenever possible.

Considering Surgical Intervention:
If conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, surgery may be the next step. The decision to undergo a hip replacement is a collaborative process between the patient, physician, and possibly other healthcare professionals. It’s essential to discuss the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of surgery thoroughly.

Preoperative Evaluation:
Prior to scheduling surgery, patients typically undergo a preoperative evaluation to assess overall health and readiness for the procedure. This may include blood tests, electrocardiogram (ECG), and other diagnostic tests to identify any underlying medical conditions that could affect surgery or recovery.

Planning for Recovery:
Preparing for recovery is crucial to ensure a smooth postoperative experience. This may involve arranging for assistance at home, modifying the living environment for accessibility, and discussing rehabilitation plans with healthcare providers. Having a support system in place can also contribute to a successful recovery.

Conclusion:
The journey to a hip replacement begins with recognizing symptoms and seeking medical advice. Through a series of steps, including consultations, evaluations, and collaborative decision-making, individuals can navigate the process with confidence. By understanding the initial investigation process, patients can take proactive steps towards regaining mobility and improving their quality of life.

It’s the Miles – Not the Years!

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Life as a Hipster with a Bionic Hip

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.

The Big Question: How Long Will My Hip Last?

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.

Learning to Listen to Your Own Hip

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.

Moderation is the Name of the Game

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.

A Little Humor Goes a Long Way

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.

From Fear to Empowerment

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.

The Gift of Perspective

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.

Tips for Fellow Hipsters

  1. Move mindfully – Listen to your body and respect its limits.

  2. Balance is better than extremes – Neither couch potato nor superhero mode works.

  3. Laugh often – Humor makes recovery lighter.

  4. Be your own advocate – Track progress, ask questions, and explore therapies that resonate with you.

  5. Connect with other hipsters – Shared experiences are invaluable.

Final Thoughts

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

Everyone is a Patient!

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Taking care of your new hip joint

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Taking care of your new hip jointTo use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. Share on facebook Share on twitter Bookmark & Share Printer-friendly version After you have hip replacement surgery, you will need to be careful how you move your hip, especially for the first few months after surgery. In time, you should be able to return to your previous level of activity. But even when you do your everyday activities, you will need to move carefully so that you do not dislocate your hip.You will need to learn exercises make your new hip stronger.After you fully recover from surgery, you should not downhill ski or do contact sports, such as football and soccer. You should be able to do low impact activities, such as hiking, gardening, swimming, playing tennis, and golfing.

via Taking care of your new hip joint: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia.

Hip Revision Surgery |

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Hip Revision Surgery Total hip implant demonstrating socket, liner, ball and stemTotal hip replacement or total hip arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in which an artificial hip joint prosthesis is implanted to replace an arthritic or damaged joint. A hip replacement includes an artificial hip socket and femoral stem with an attached femoral head picture at right.Hip replacement surgery is very effective in relieving pain and improving patient function and quality of life. However, hip replacements may “wear out” or fail for other reasons, and occasionally require a “hip revision surgery.” In hip revision surgery, the worn out or failed prosthesis is replaced with a new hip implant.

via Hip Revision Surgery | St. Louis Hip Surgeon John C. Clohisy.

New method for hip replacement wins favor with some surgeons – The Washington Post

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Over the past two decades, the number of Americans having total hip replacements has more than doubled, to more than 300,000 a year. Though most patients eventually walk again without pain or the aid of a cane, recovery and rehabilitation can be rigorous, painful and lengthy. The surgery is extensive: As its name suggests, it involves removing the joint — the damaged bone and cartilage — and replacing it with prosthetic parts made of metal, plastic or ceramics. Typically, surgeons enter the joint from the rear, which requires cutting through muscle and cartilage. But with a relatively new procedure, surgeons enter from the front and only stretch the muscles aside, avoiding the cutting and minimizing pain and recovery time. According to those who use this anterior technique, the benefits are substantial.

via New method for hip replacement wins favor with some surgeons – The Washington Post.

Hip Replacement Implant Materials

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There are a large number of hip implant devices on the market. Each manufacturer has different models but each style falls into one of four basic material categories:metal on plastic polyethylene or UHMWPEmetal on metal MoMceramic on plastic UHMWPEceramic on ceramic CoCThese category names reference the materials used for the implant bearings. The stem and ball fit into and articulate against the cup or acetabulum. Each component can be made of one of several materials.

via Hip Replacement Implant Materials.

How to be Participatory in the Face of Adversity

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From the lens of a patient who recently experienced major surgery, I now realize how difficult it is to be participatory when you are in pain and taking large doses of pain medication which dulls the senses and puts you in a place where you are not really thinking about anything but how to get through the next couple of days.

I consider myself to be an empowered patient who fully participates in my health care, questions my clinicians, and evaluates the risk/benefit of treatment plans presented by my clinicians.

I use the health data my clinician offers, including the reports and notes that are in my electronic health record, and confer with people who have had some experience with the same or similar conditions. I always go one step further and search the web for relevant information that applies to my particular health concerns. I provide feedback to my doctors and never hesitate to speak up and ask questions. I tap the wisdom and advice of my peers and encourage my providers to be participatory.

How to be Participatory in the Face of Adversity | e-Patients.net