01/08/2026
Coming back to teaching Tai Chi after a total hip replacement…
I’m 5 weeks post-operation, and in many respects am having a good recovery. The pain was under control from the start, and I’ve progressed from two crutches, to one and now a walking stick. Around the house I am fully ambulant, and outside the walking support feels more like a comfort blanket. But I’ve been certain to progress and at a pace I am comfortable with. Lots of rest and physio exercise.
The downsides are all about expectations. What will weeks five, six and seven look like. What can I expect, what should I avoid. On this the health practitioners have been largely silent. “Everyone progresses at their own pace.” Not exactly insightful. In this “You Tube” has been a good friend.
So now I’m looking to go back to practicing and teaching Tai Chi. Probably from week seven. I will have had the opportunity of a further physio appointment. Though the first since leaving hospital.
Given I’m walking, climbing stairs and happily sitting, standing and getting in / out of bed, I’m not overly worried about Tai Chi. That’s said, it’s not the hip replacement that worries me but the incision into the glute muscle (posterior approach) and any movement in the wound that may disturb the healing.
So, what’s my plan? Many of my students have been practicing for a number of years. They may not know the sequence of the form if they were to do this on their own, but they are familiar with the postures, transitions and terminology. They rely heavily on following my lead. Here the opportunity is to encourage students to take more responsibility for their own learning.
Aside from Tai Chi itself, I love teaching and am always open to different approaches. This has to be an opportunity to improve my teaching skills.
