Sitting and Standing

Sitting Down

This section teaches you how to get in and out of a chair by providing step by step instructions and a video clip.

Your chair should have a firm seat and arm rests.

If you have had hip replacement surgery, when sitting, your hips should be higher than your knees. You can make the seat higher by adding a firm cushion. Do not sit in low or soft chairs. If unsure, please ask your nurse or therapist if the chair in your room is suitable for you.

To safely sit down in a chair, follow these steps:

1. Back up until you feel the edge of the chair touching the back of your leg.
2. Slide your operated leg forward.
3. Reach for the arms of the chair behind you, and hold the armrests.
4. Hold the arm rests with your hands.
5. Lower yourself to a sitting position slowly and gently.
6. Reposition yourself to the back of the chair.

Standing up

Remember to follow your own weight bearing instructions when standing up.

To safely stand up from a chair, follow these steps:

1. Move to the edge of the chair.
2. Bend your non-operated leg under you to hold your body weight.
3. Slide your operated leg forward.
4. Push down with your hands on the chair arms, and raise your body to stand up. Put most of your weight on your non-operated leg.
5. Once you have your balance, use your walking aid.
   

To watch a video clip on how to get in and out of a chair, please see below. Please note that you may be prompted to install Microsoft's video software called Silverlight to view the video.