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Are your hips worn out, bone on bone, and facing the inevitability of hip replacement surgery? An important question many people ask is whether they should consult a chiropractor before undergoing hip surgery. The short answer is probably yes, and here’s why.

Understanding the Waiting Game

In places like Alberta, if you need hip surgery, you’re likely on a waitlist that spans 18 to 36 months. This can be expedited if you’re prepared to pay $30,000 for a private procedure elsewhere. Many seek alternatives, such as flying to Mexico for surgery, but not everyone can afford such expenses. Therefore, it’s vital to prepare while you wait, to ensure optimal recovery post-surgery.

Preparation is Key

Most know the importance of post-surgery rehab for joint replacement. However, preparing your body beforehand is equally crucial. The better your condition going into surgery, the better your chances of achieving optimal function post-surgery. Seeing a chiropractor may significantly aid in this preparatory stage.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care Before Hip Replacement

1. Optimizing Hip Mobility Hip arthritis is notoriously painful, often making the waiting period for surgery agonizing. As you wait, reduced mobility can cause your hip joint and surrounding soft tissues to stiffen. This stiffness requires lengthy rehabilitation after surgery. Chiropractic care can enhance hip mobility, making soft tissues more elastic, and supporting a better recovery.

2. Pain Management Pain is a constant companion for those needing hip replacement surgery. Chiropractors can often alleviate this pain to some degree, even providing periods of pain relief entirely. While it isn’t a replacement for surgery, it can make life more comfortable and help preserve muscle mass.

3. Maintaining Muscle Mass and Function Prolonged immobility due to pain impairs muscle mass around the hip. Noticeably smaller and weaker muscles indicate the need to optimize hip mobility. Chiropractic interventions can help get those muscles back to function before you undergo surgery, aiding recovery and long-term outcomes.

4. Improving Overall Body Balance Chronic hip pain often leads to compensatory movement patterns, like limping or favouring one side. As a result, you may later require procedures on other joints. Enhancing mobility and achieving body symmetry through chiropractic care can prevent additional joint stress.

Post-Surgery Preparation

Recovery success hinges on dedication to post-op rehab. Failure to do this can lead to poor surgical outcomes. Using chiropractic services to prepare your body can significantly ease this transition, making the rehab process more manageable.

Non-Invasive Pain Management

Chronic pain impacts mood, sleep, diet, exercise, and relationships. Chiropractic practices offer non-surgical pain management strategies, supporting a more positive experience leading up to your operation. By improving mobility and alignment, chiropractic care can help manage pain throughout your surgery wait.

Now what

In places like Edmonton and throughout Alberta, chiropractors play a pivotal role in supporting patients before and after joint replacement surgeries. They guide patients to optimize body function and joint health for the best post-surgical outcomes. Don’t wait passively. Take proactive steps toward your health.

Seeking chiropractic support can lead to better surgical outcomes and enhance life quality while waiting for surgery. You have the power to make a difference in your recovery journey. Initiate this transformation today by visiting one of our chiropractors. You’ll be grateful you did.

We’ll see you soon!