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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    How can I achieve weight loss after a hip replacement?

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    Orthopaedics Weight Management
    Hi, im 24 years of age, I had a hip replacement roughly 8 months ago, but I still have pain in my hip, knees and lower back. I just want to know the best way to lose weight without losing a lot of muscle and what exercises i can do. I'm 6''2 and 130 kgs and I am desperate to drop the weight and get my life on track asap thanks, James
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  • 4

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    Tim Cottman - Fields

    Exercise Physiologist, Physiotherapist

    Tim is considered a movement specialist - using exercise, education and hands on therapy as his main treatments, helping everyone achieve optimal function. His interests … View Profile

    Hi James,

    Firstly, these can be quite typical complaints from individual’s post hip replacement even 12 months post, however this does not mean that rehabilitation is going to be a struggle.

    There are really 3 aspects to think about in order to optimise weight loss given this information.

    1. Management of painful tissues - through routine physical therapies, medications, equipment (such as braces) etc.

    2. Monitor and adjust aspects regrading nutrition, stress, sleep etc. to help promote weight loss and maintain energy levels.

    3. Determine ways to exercise preferably at higher intensities to help keep muscle mass and improve metabolism. 

    I would start with an aerobic exercise you can do relatively easily, without too much discomfort or irritating painful tissues to build a foundation (walking if possible, recumbent bike dependent of your range of motion, arm ergo etc.). This should be something that is progressively increased as able up to "most days a week".

    The second part of the exercise would be any a quality upper body resistance program in the form of weights or resistance bands, standing or seated. This is assuming that core stability, hydrotherapy, graded lower limb exercise is done during your routine rehabilitation.

    Exercise wise you need to be diligent with rehabilitation and then also take advantage of strength and fitness in your upper body.

    Best Regards,

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  • 1

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    Kirsty Woods

    Exercise Physiologist

    Hi I’m Kirsty Woods,I would like to use my experience, expertise and passion to help you reach your weight, energy and health goalsI have been … View Profile

    As mentioned by Tim other key lifestyle aspects to consider include diet, sleep and stress as they can impact metabolism and hormone function.

    In terms of activity resistance based activity or hydrotherapy may be good exercise alternative to allow you to maintain/build muscle without the joint loading stress that activities such as running can have. Cycling could be a good alternate for cardio. 

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    Mr Ilan Freedman

    Orthopaedic Surgeon

    Mr Ilan Freedman is a Dual-Fellowship trained Melbourne Orthopaedic Surgeon with specialist experience in Direct Anterior Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement, Bikini Anterior Hip Replacement, Conformis … View Profile

    I find that most useful exercises after joint replacement are (1) Hydrotherapy and walking against the resistance of the water and (2) Use a stationery bicycyle. These exercises allow you to obtain cardiovascular exercise while minimising weightbearing through the joint ...

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