Heal Your Hips: How to Prevent Hip Surgery -- And What to Do If You Need It

I have on and off hip pain (I am 41). I was really beginning to worry about it, but after reading this book, I now know that there are things I can do about my hip pain. As they say, knowledge is power. I like the fact that this book concentrates on exercises we can do (with good pictures). It also contains a lot of really good advice, like using ice to dampen pain. The author also suggests using hot alternated with cold treatment, which evidently "shocks" the tissue around the joint (through making the blood vessels and veins contract and then expand, thus bringning in needed blood to the joint area). This is the only book I know that just concentrates on hip pain. I like the fact that the author doesn't assume that osteoarthritis is an "old person's disease" necessarily. The books seems focused on anyone with hip pain, including younger athletes. This is an optimistic book that can give us hope for improvement. The discussion of the negative cycles that can result (pain, resulting in less movement, which brings more joint problems, resulting in a downward spiral), and the positive cycles (more exercise of the right kind, which helps the joint, which then reduces pain, and makes us more mobile) was for me extremely helpful.

I'm 38 and very active. After fracturing the posterior lip of my right acetabulum in a mountain bike crash, i thought my hip was healed and 6 months later I was back in the gym working out and getting strong. That is until one day I suffered an anterior post traumatic injury of the same hip, which instantly turned me into a limpin gimp.After going through the motions of x-rays/bone scans/MRIs, and dealing with the prospects of AVN, early hip replacement, and a young conventionally trained orthopedic surgeon, that worked for a large California HMO (the mane starts with a K) I decided to research alternatives to an open procedure, that the K-suregeon was more than ready to perform, which may or may not have helped me, but would've guaranteed me a long recovery and allot of pain. That's when I found Dr. Klapper. He evaluated my condition, felt I had a good case of arthritis setting in, among other things, and that I'd be a candidate for arthroscopic surgery to clean up the hip joint, and relieve the pain further. But before he'd agree to that he insisted that I go to PT, and purchase his very inexpensive book to see how much it would help heal the hip in a non-invasive manner.With no exaggeration, by the 3rd time I'd gone through what I thought were the most benign, SIMPLE land exercises I started to regain stability in my hip which had been killing me with every step, kept me close to home, stopped me from venturing too far from the car, and worrying me for months on end. It's been 5 months of work outs now and I'm getting more, and more back to normal after every workout. Though I will still have the scope surgery performed, I can't praise this book enough on how it helped me regain mobility, strength, and brought back my confidence. If you have a hip problem, BUY THIS BOOK, it gave me back a HUGE chunk of my normal active life style.

I have had 1 hip replaced and discovered the great value of water therapy during my rehab. Since my other hip will eventually have to be done also, I liked the emphasis on using the exercises to also strengthen the "good" hip. The book is well written and the illustrations are excellent.

This is the book that I wanted to write, but just didn't have all of the answers. I recommend it as the FIRST book to read if you are having hip problems. From what to expect when you get to the hospital to a very detailed water and land exercise program with photos. My favorite line in the book is: "Hip surgery is one of the reasons I'm so passionate about orthopedics, because I'm taking one of the most debilitating, life-interrupting problems that can happen to people, and giving them their lives back." Robert Klapper, MDLinda May-Bowser founder, Totally Hip Support Group

An excellent resource from a fitness educator. This is an excellent handbook for any person who is serious about postponing hip implants. It can be read and followed by any person who is serious about maintaining mobility. It can used by any therapist, or motivated individual. Guaranteed results. If you are facing implants, this book will help you through the healing process. It just means you should do your homework! Thank you, healers, for a treasure! Do not give up hope. The pain will go away if you are not afraid of it. Guaranteed to avoid post-surgery depression!