Abduction refers to moving a leg away from the middle of the body. When we say to move a leg “away,” this doesn’t mean we want you to bend at the waist. Instead, we want you to keep your upper body still.
An Example of How Movement Can Be Controlled
A common example of how to practice controlled movement is to lie on your back with your legs extended and move your foot outward by only an inch. Pause. Move your foot back to the starting point. Repeat. Repeating small motions helps to develop muscle memory.
How to Practice Using Pillows for Support
Placing a pillow between your knees or along the outside of your leg can provide supportive separation of your legs. This is helpful for reducing strain on the muscles around the hip joint.
However, the key is not just that there is a pillow but that it is positioned correctly. Therefore, when choosing a pillow to place between your knees, take note of its size and thickness. A large pillow will cause unnecessary tension and discomfort. Choose a pillow that allows you to have enough room but not so much that you feel forced to bend.
Also consider the material of the pillow. Some materials may cause slipping or irritation, especially if the pillow is left in contact with the skin for a period of time. Place a thin sheet underneath a pillow with an open weave to prevent friction and irritation. Alternatively, use a foam pillow designed specifically for supporting abduction and use it according to instructions.
Choosing Correct Positioning and Supports for Your Legs While Sleeping
Your sleep environment plays a significant role in your ability to rest comfortably and safely. There are many factors to consider when creating a sleep friendly environment for individuals recovering from hip surgery. Consider investing in an adjustable bed frame. Adjustable beds allow you to raise the surface of the bed. You can also adjust the angle of the head of the bed. These adjustments will enable you to sit up or recline with less pressure on your hips and pelvis.
Using a Pillow Between Knees
While a pillow can be placed anywhere on your body, it’s most effective when placed directly above the knee joint. The purpose of a pillow between your knees is to keep your knees from crossing each other. Crossing causes your body to go out of alignment, putting additional stress on the hip joint.
Therefore, select a pillow that sits flat against your skin and allows you to spread them apart as far as comfortably possible. The distance between your knees will vary depending on your individual needs. Use a variety of pillows to test different distances until you find a suitable option. For instance, you might use three smaller pillows instead of one large one. You can also use two small pillows stacked together to achieve the desired distance.
Tips for Reducing Friction With Sheets
Sheet selection may seem unimportant at first glance, but it can play a significant role in providing you with a comfortable resting place while you recover from surgery. Look for sheets made with fabrics such as cotton or linen that are designed to minimize friction. These fabrics are breathable and can absorb moisture, making them ideal for individuals who may experience sweating while lying in bed. Avoid sheets made from synthetic fibers that may cling to your skin.
Other Ideas for Minimizing Friction:
In addition to selecting friction reducing sheets, consider adding layers to the bottom of the sheet to prevent friction. One layer is typically sufficient. Placing a thin towel under the sheet will provide extra cushioning. An alternative is to put a piece of fabric such as fleece underneath the sheet.
Redesigning Your Home Environment for Post Surgery Recovery
Creating an environment conducive to post surgery recovery requires careful consideration and planning. Many families purchase a hospital bed for home use to facilitate easy transitions between sitting and lying positions. Families who prefer manual adjustments to electrically operated mechanisms often choose hospital beds with crank operated lift systems.
Alternatively, families can rent an electric hospital bed price for short term use. Electric beds offer easy adjustments and are beneficial for patients who are unable to perform manual tasks. Families with limited mobility may search online for medical rental beds in Etobicoke and surrounding areas so they can obtain local support and quick installation.
Home Environment Setup Checklist
Setting up your home environment prior to surgery is essential to ensure that you are able to safely transition between positions as needed. A basic checklist of items you should set up in advance includes:
A raised bed or a platform with wheels (if you plan on being mobile)
Pillows to support abduction and elevate the knees
Sheets or towels to prevent friction
Blankets or throw blankets to provide warmth and comfort
Sturdy bedside tables to hold necessary items within reach
Once these items are set up, it is best to schedule a pre surgical meeting with your doctor and/or physical therapist to demonstrate how you will be using your equipment and transitioning between positions. This meeting will allow you to identify potential issues with your setup before surgery occurs. If you are unsure regarding what equipment will work best for you, consult with your healthcare provider. They will assist you in identifying the correct equipment based upon your specific needs. In addition, they will instruct you on proper use and safety procedures. The sooner you start preparing your home environment, the sooner you will begin feeling more confident in your ability to recover safely at home.
Home Environment Preparation Checklist
Preparation is the key to successful post surgery recovery at home. Begin by setting up your home environment several days prior to surgery. Create a list of items that will be necessary for safe recovery, including:
Fully Electric Hospital bed for rent (electric or manual)
Pillows (specifically designed for supporting abduction)
Sheets with minimal friction
Blankets or throw blankets
Sturdy bedside table(s) to hold important items
Weighted down blankets or pillows (to prevent slipping)
Next, schedule a meeting with your healthcare provider or physical therapist to demonstrate how you plan to use the equipment provided and transition between positions. During this meeting, discuss any concerns or questions you may have regarding your setup. Once you have received approval from your healthcare provider, finalize your home environment preparation and establish routine safety checks throughout your recovery process.
Establishing Routine Safety Checks
Routine safety checks are essential for ensuring continued safety while recovering at home. To establish these checks, follow these steps:
- Identify critical elements in your environment related to safety during recovery.
- Develop routines that include checking these critical elements regularly.
- Schedule regular meetings with family members or caregivers who can monitor these checklists.
- Document all findings and suggestions.
- Revise safety checklists periodically based on lessons learned.
Safety Checklists
Safety checklists help ensure that you continue to meet the criteria required for safe post surgical recovery at home. Examples of safety related elements that may be included in checklists include:
Bed height
Pillows (properly positioned)
Sheets (low friction)
Blankets (weighted down)
Furniture (stable)
Handrails (stable)
Create separate lists for each category and evaluate each element based on established standards. Once evaluated, document all findings and make recommendations as needed. Review all documents regularly and revise as necessary to maintain compliance with established safety standards.
Establishing Routine Safety Meetings
Regular meetings with family members or caregivers can significantly contribute toward maintaining compliance with established safety standards while recovering at home. By scheduling regular safety meetings, you can:
Monitor progress.
Identify problems early.
Discuss solutions.
Evaluate successes.
Revise plans as necessary.
Schedule weekly meetings (at least). Invite family members or caregivers involved in assisting you during recovery. Hold meetings in person whenever possible. Establish clear agendas for meetings in order to ensure timely completion. Document all decisions made during meetings and distribute copies of minutes to all attendees. Follow up discussions should occur no later than one week after initial discussions in order to monitor progress.
Documentation Requirements
Documenting all information discussed during safety meetings is crucial for tracking compliance with established safety standards while recovering at home. Documentation requirements may include:
Meeting notes (minutes).
Photographs or videos documenting furniture layout, bed height, etc.
Copies of reports generated during previous meetings.
Recommendations for future improvements.
Review documentation regularly. Update records as changes occur. Maintain copies of original files in case revisions need to be reviewed.
Post Surgical Recovery Planning
Planning ahead ensures that you are prepared for any situation that arises during recovery from surgery at home. Post surgical recovery planning involves developing strategies for addressing potential complications or challenges. Start planning well in advance of surgery by taking the following steps:
- Identify Possible Complications
Identify all possible complications associated with post surgical recovery at home. Consider those listed below:
Pain management
Wound healing
Dehydration
Pressure ulcers
Falls
Breathing difficulties
Nausea/vomiting
- Develop Strategies
Develop strategies for managing identified complications by researching available treatments and products designed specifically for addressing potential complications related to post surgical recovery at home.
- Purchase Products Needed
Purchase products recommended by your healthcare provider as part of your post surgical recovery strategy. Products may include:
Pillows (designed for supporting abduction)
Sheets (low friction)
Weighted down blankets
Sturdy bedside tables
Medical alert system
- Prepare Home Environment
Prepare your home environment in advance of surgery by implementing changes recommended by your healthcare provider or physical therapist.
- Plan Regular Safety Meetings
Plan regular safety meetings with family members or caregivers who will be assisting you during recovery.
- Complete Safety Checklists
Complete regular safety checklists that address critical elements related to post surgical recovery at home.
- Review Progress
Regularly review your progress and make adjustments as needed.
Benefits of Preparing Ahead of Time
Preparing ahead of time benefits both you and those assisting you during recovery from surgery at home. Benefits include:
Reduced risk of complications.
Improved communication among family members/caregivers.
Increased efficiency during recovery.
Less reliance on others.
Improved overall quality of life during recovery.