member hip-replacement considerations

[spinnster10]

A new member to one of my gyms wants to SPIN. She is very active and, among other activites, she cycles outside. She wants to SPIN to become a better cyclist outside. :D
She does, however, have a titanium hip replacement.
Are there any special considerations I need to address with her? Is there anything in particualr I should look for, other than the usual? Should I reasonably be able to ask the "norm" for her form? In time?

I have been teaching Spinning for many years and have handled many different populations. She is my first in this genre. I just want to be able to make things as safe and effective as possible for her.

[megale3]

Hi Spinnster,
I build these hips for a living and have the acquaintance of a person that has had the surgery to talk to. The first thing is that pain is the total tell all and since your person has been riding already it is safe to assume that their doctor has already gave clearance for this activity -which is considered one the best for people with the prosthetic hips. The thing that most hip replacement patients have to stay aware and away from is the adductor movement that crosses the sagittal plain (kind of a scissor like movement) which can lead to a disconnect of the socket and ball and since this doesn't happen on the bike (except may be for a dismount) this exercise is consistent with and effective yet low impact work out. (Another consideration for wear and tear on the components of the artificial hip). Have fun.
Meg

[Cheeze]

I am not a doctor or PT but this is my slice of Cheeze. First you need to determine if she has been discharged from treatment and PT following the surgery. If she is still treating you want to make sure Spinning is in her rehab plan and her taking spinning does not challenge anything she is doing in PT. If she has been discharged she should know what her ROM and weight/recovery restrictions are. If it was me I would also ask what condition caused the replacment surgery to determine if there is an underlying condition or injury we are dealing with. Also - are they considering a replacement on the other side.

I would take extra time with this person to make sure she can try every one of the hand positions and movements to make sure her hip allows them. If after the orientation goes well and she feels comfortable with the program I would turn her loose to ride - and she can determine her own intensity and resistance. I have had two replacement students and the only thing I've noticed is they try to get extra warm-up time. Also one lost a little leg length so we had to spend extra time with the seat height adjustment.

Obviously if she is uncomfortable with the basic movements and you can not adjust her physical limitations to fit the parameters of the program - you'll have to deliver the bad news. But from my experience I think she will do just fine.

Cheeze

[Cheeze]

Thanks for the additional info Meg.

[megale3]

A new member to one of my gyms wants to SPIN. She is very active and, among other activites, she cycles outside. She wants to SPIN to become a better cyclist outside. :D

Hey Spinnster one other thing,
How long has it been since the procedure was done? My friend says (who also rides outside)that she is really happy with the way she feels post surgery. And if you want I can send you a picture of the titianium pieces involved.
Meg
Cheeze not a problemo dude :wink: Have fun in Miami.

[spin-up]

My husband had a cycling accident and got a titanium pen in his hip to support the broken (into many pieces..) bone. A few months after that he was in the Dolomiti Ride, an Italian classic. Also, he's taking spinning classes whenever possible. No problem at all.

spin-up

[spinnster10]

Sorry folks! Time gets away . . .

Megale3, I would love those pictures that you have referred to!

The replacement has been years. She is a sculpting instructor. She knows her boundaries very well.

Thanks for all of the input, everyone!