In Germany, around 400,000 artificial hip and knee joints are implanted every year. Causes such as osteoarthritis or accidents often make these operations unavoidable. This fate, which is often associated with severe pain in the later stages, can affect anyone and the likelihood of having to undergo such an operation increases with age.
Paul Underberg, founder of the INJOY chain and entrepreneur of the decade, also had to make this experience. The 68-year-old has kept his muscles in above-average condition through decades of resistance training. Although this did not spare him the operation, he is now more convinced than ever that regular muscle training is essential for long-term good physical condition. His experiences in hospital and rehab have reinforced this.
Muscle loss is not a law of nature
"I was back on my feet much more quickly after the operation than some of my younger fellow patients who were untrained ...", reports Paul Underberg. Intensive discussions with the doctors treating him confirmed that the patient's existing muscles and fitness make all the difference - and not just in the hip area. Muscles that are not directly associated with the hip joint, such as those in the triceps, shoulders, back and chest, also have a significant influence on recovery and mobility after the operation.
Walking aids and muscle strength
Walking aids are often unavoidable after such an operation. However, it makes a big difference whether you are able to actively support yourself and build up body tension thanks to sufficient muscle strength or whether you "hang" between the walking aids due to a lack of strength. If you have sufficient muscle strength, you can move quickly with walking aids, otherwise the rehabilitation period will be longer.
Not a stroke of fate
Many people, especially senior citizens, do not take advantage of the opportunities offered by targeted muscle training in the fight against muscle loss (sarcopenia). Paul Underberg emphasizes that there is no such thing as "natural muscle loss", but rather an unnatural treatment of the muscles through inactivity. Muscles that are not regularly trained against resistance atrophy. Exercise alone is not enough. It has to be intensive training, ideally on modern equipment in a qualified fitness studio. The good news is that the "muscle memory effect" makes it possible to rebuild muscles and make rapid progress at any age.
Working on new concepts
Dr Bücheler, Head Physician at the Rehabilitation Clinic am Berger See in Gelsenkirchen, emphasizes the benefits of physical fitness: "Patients, regardless of age, who have already trained and are able to work out before surgery, also make active progress more quickly here in rehab across all clinical pictures and find their way back to normality even faster if they continue to do muscle training afterwards." To raise public awareness of these findings, Paul Underberg is already working on new concepts that will be implemented in the near future.
Editorial team fitnessmarkt.de
Source: FNG® Fitness News Germany
Image source: #610474398 wetzkaz / stock.adobe.com
Published on: 4 June 2024