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Dr. Amy Cannatta DC describes the first four weeks after minimally invasive hip replacement surgery.

You will be given a walker at the ambulatory surgery center. Use it as long as you like. Most patients ditch the walker at 23 days.

For the first four weeks after minimally invasive hip replacement surgery you should pretty much be a couch potato, but not a vegetable. That means getting up and walking around 8 minutes out of every 60 in an hour. Set an alarm to remind yourself t get up and move.

No specific exercises or therapy is needed in the first 4 weeks after minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. Light walking should suffice to reduce the risk of blood clots. Its also a good idea to pump your ankles while watching TV or resting.

There is no specific diet after hip replacement surgery, but a high protein, low carb diet high in natural whole foods is always best. Arginine is required for wound healing, and it can be found in most multivitamins. Taking a multivitamin every day before and after surgery is a reasonable practice to ensure your body has the necessary blocks to heal. Low proein levels are associated with poor wound healing. So, eating a high protein diet makes sense.

Out next edition of ask Dr. Amy will cover weeks 48 after hip replacement surgery. We will review specific exercises that will help you get the most out of your new hip.