My last post on hip replacements generated more than a few comments and e-mails. One e-mail commenter argued that it’s not the kicks that damage a hip, rather, it’s the wear and tear on the joint from repeated activity. This, he said, could happen in any sports activity.
This is true to a point. Concerning my neck and my dodgy hip I have had a sports medicine physician rattle off a list of activities that cause joints to wear out: running, hiking, biking, soccer, football, basketball, tennis, and martial arts. Included on the list of parts at risk is neck, back, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees.
I also know two guys who have had hip replacements. Both are martial artists and both had doctors tell them that the male body in particular is not made to kick high.
Constant kicking on a heavy bag puts enormous strain on this joint – especially if you suffer from any of the above – and it can often be moved out of place.
Interestingly, post joint replacement exercise advice varies among surgeons.
A range of energetic and contact sports were not recommended by more than 75% of responders – including karate, soccer and water-skiing.
Am I trashing those that kick or kick high? Hardly. First, if you come to this blog for medical advice you have far greater problems than your joints!
Bob’s Medicine
Second, joints wear out from repeated use and that is a medical fact.
The decision to return to sport is one you must make along with the guidance of your surgeon and physical therapist.
-BCP
I’m not sure that mobility work would necessarily prevent this – but you might be interested in Kelly Starrett’s Mobility WOD videos. I noticed a lot of improvement from them. They’re all on YouTube or Mobilitywod.com.
Thanks for the tip – I’ll check it out!