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Many seniors and older folks are taking to pickleball courts as a new form of community bonding, exercise, and fun. But as seniors retire and look to become more physically active, sometimes it is necessary to reconcile health and medical conditions.
The hip is just one of many joints that seniors regularly replace. But for seniors who are pickleball enthusiasts who also have just gone through a hip replacement, you may be asking “Can I even play pickleball after a hip replacement?” The answer, in short, is yes. However one must be careful when returning to the pickleball court after surgery like this.
Can I play pickleball after a hip replacement?
The good news is that most people who have had their hips replaced can eventually return to an active lifestyle. Some even do it for the purpose of playing sports like pickleball again.
The not-so-good news is that you may have to wait 6 to 12 months to get back to 100% of your activity levels before hip replacement. This all depends on your age, how healthy you are, and the quality of healthcare you receive.
How does Pickleball Affect the Hips?
Pickleball is a sport that requires players to move laterally on a hard surface. Any sport such as this is tougher on the hips than sports that are played on soft grass surfaces. In addition to the rough surface, Pickleball also requires quick, intense, and repeated start-stop movements, as players run and strike the ball. This, along with the harder surface, causes joint loading on the hips throughout a game and puts tons of pressure on the hips. That’s why you have to take extra care when coming back from hip surgery
Steps to take to make sure you make a safe return to pickleball
Generally, it’s wise to err on the side of caution after you’ve had hip surgery. Make sure you follow these key steps after a hip replacement.
1) Make sure you discuss your desired activities with your doctor. Whatever plan they give you, don’t deviate from your doctor’s or physical therapist’s rehabilitation plan.
2) Wait at the very least 6 months before returning to the court
3) Check in with your doctor regularly once you start playing again.
Wrapping Up
In short, the answer is yes, you can eventually play pickleball after a knee replacement. However, it will take a lot of patience. Recovery won’t happen overnight, and everyone’s procedure is different. Consult your doctor when you are coming back from a hip surgery. When you get clearance that you are okay for activity such as Pickleball, pay extra attention to how your hip feels and consult regularly with your doctor until you’ve reached a full recovery.