Hi I'm Jet,
I am 39 year old male who was in a motorcyle
accident about 3 years ago. I had hip replacement
because my hip was crushed. I Simply coped with
the pain the best I could and exerised with weights
and did what I was shown in physical therpy. I was
pretty atheletic before my accident. I returned to my
retail job which involues standing on my feet for
about 8 hours a day in hopes that the exercise would
help my hip get stronger. I took lots of vitiams, even
shark cartilage. I got back up to full time after 2 and
half years but I hit place my recover where I just
wasn't improving that much. I never recover my &nbs p;
energy levels and then my blood pressure started
going up. 142 over 98. Stage One Hypertension. So
I bought a bicycle. Schwinn Suburban 0. Since
then I have lost 50 lbs and my blood pressure is
down to 121 over 82. Prehypertension. I ride about
20 ot 40 mintues a day. My energy levels are up. It
has given a sense of moblity. And guess what, my
pain level has dropped. I still have bad days about
once or twice a month but normally it is only pretty
noticable at the last two hours of my 9 hour shift .
That is standing on concrete. The bicycle is the best
thing I may have ever done and particularly in this
situation. I beleive the lessing in pain is due the fact
that pedaling builds muscle on the front and
backside on the area around the artificle hip. Most of
the damaged muscle and tendon are on the sides of
the hip. So from what I figure the new muscle allows
the muscles on the side of the hip to rest because
they are braced by the front and back. Also I can ride
for long streches of time and continue to build
muscle because the front and back areas around
the hip replacement don't get as fatigued. Hence it
becomes a cycle. Bicycling creates muscle, new
muscle braces weaker areas. weaker area
improves, pain lessen, which allows more biking.
Also less weight equal less strain on the hip. You
get the idea. I would recommend bicycle if you can. I
just wanted to share this information because it has
done me world of good and I share this information
so it might help others too.
Hi Jet.
I totally agree! I have used my stationary bike right through this current flare and have managed to maintain my muscle strength and aerobic fitness. There are days I don't feel like it, but once I get started I love it.
It was actually my doctor who suggested it (years ago now), as my knee arthritis was causing me to fall a lot, due to weak muscles. I also enjoying kayaking (as it doesn't use the lower body.) I've had to put the elliptical/cross-trainer and rowing machine on hold for now, as they aggravate my knee and hip.
All the best to you and keep on pedalling!
P.S: I had been overweight my whole life, until I started biking. Over 2 years of cycling my weight gradually came down and I have kept if off ever since (8 years now).