Cop a squat?

September 13, 2012 11:27 AM

Can a person who has had hip or knee replacement use the SquattyPotty?
posted by mcbeth to Health & Fitness (8 answers total)

I'd reckon it depends on how recently the replacement was performed and the person's overall level of physical conditioning. Hip/knee replacements aren't meant to turn the recipient into Joe Freaking Namath, but they ARE meant to allow for the typical range of human motion. Squatting - while well within the range of human motion - isn't something most people do all the time (hence entire books devoted to the art of the barbell squat). Prior to investing in this potty, I'd probably buy a $5 stepstool at Target, enlist a volunteer to help "spot" me, then practice using it (fully clothed, of course!) to see if the movement was natural/painless.
posted by julthumbscrew at 11:38 AM on September 13, 2012 [1 favorite]

I'd ask your physiotherapist.

From what I understand around the cheapo squatty set, however, is that $5 yoga blocks work as well. Given the dimensions of them, however, I'd buy four, strap two together, and have one for each foot, adjusting until you're comfortable.

The blocks I linked are obviously not five dollars, but I've seen them at TJ Maxx and Marshall's for that price. My advice is to leave them in their original wrapping, wrap with masking or duct tape, then wrap the full units in two layers of Contact paper for ease of washing. My mom did something like this decades ago to build a "monitor stand" and "printer stand" back in the day when those things were HEAVY. Of course there were no Yoga Blocks back then, so she used floral foam.
posted by tilde at 11:43 AM on September 13, 2012

I have a dodgy knee and use a cheap plastic stool (no pun intended) with no problem or knee strain.
posted by essexjan at 3:18 PM on September 13, 2012 [1 favorite]

Yeah absolutely, no issue. You are not actually squatting and thus not putting a ton of strain on your hips and knees; you're fully seated, supporting all of your weight on the seat, and simply elevating your knees. The degree of rotation required in the joints is not going to be any kind of issue for anyone who's had a good rehab resulting in even decent mobility.
posted by DarlingBri at 3:59 PM on September 13, 2012

Warning: some total hip replacements do not permit for greater than 90degrees bend. I can push past that, but the more the angle the more chance there is for dislocation. Artificial hips dislocate easier than natural ones. My surgeon actually snipped one of the ligaments so I cannot bend really really far. I'm looking at the picture, and I would *maybe* be able to sit like that but would be incredibly uncomfortable. Now, mind you these are hips that are 15 years old. So if this is a newer artificial hip, there may be different restrictions! If there is anyway to emulate the degree bend prior to getting the potty -- do so!
posted by Librarygeek at 5:53 PM on September 13, 2012

Response by poster: This is the first time I've been delighted to have a microbathroom: the bathtub is so close to the toilet that I can brace my feet up against the tub, and it works perfectly w/out purchasing any assistive devices.

The question arose after a discussion w/a relative in her 70s+ who is convinced this tool would be impossible to use for someone who has a hard time rising from a seated position (à la saggy lawn chairs). I couldn't understand the connection she was making - I don't think she's had either knee or hip replacement and it really wasn't worth an argument. I let the subject drop so she could get back to her cranky poop-straining, but it did make me curious about positioning.

Thanks.
posted by mcbeth at 11:53 AM on September 14, 2012

Haha, the cheaper ones use a handy bathtub, too.

I don't think the relative is clear on the concept. The stool's placement hasn't got to do with putting weight on it (AFAIK) to push oneself out of the squat to a rising position ON the stool. I'd assume anyone using it had the dexterity to (as I think it's used, I don't have one)

1. Sit down at the proper level of undress for the task at hand.
2. Pull the stool out from under the bowl recess with hand or foot.
3. Position stool, then feet.
4. Complete biological tasks as needed.
5. Push the stool back under the bowl recess with hand or foot.
6. Complete any other necessary biological tasks, if needed.
7. Rise and arrange dress as needed.
8. Close seat lid and flush, exiting the room and completing further biological tasks associated with toileting as needed.

If you can get up from a toilet, the stool (or tub, or yoga blocks) has nothing to do with it.

Heck, get/make a taller one if you have an extra tall toilet for mobility issues. Get handrails (permanent or temporary) ... the stool's got nothing to do with it.

I expect the procedure is the same for the yoga blocks; I think one of the reasons stated for a washable yoga block solution was to keep them out of the toilet space completely when not in use.
posted by tilde at 1:04 PM on September 14, 2012

What I think the industry needs, really, is a portable solution. All the talk I hear is about comfort at home, never out and about. Do they hold it till they get home? Wear 7" heels? Fold up and hug their knees to their chest? Use those adorable mini potties designed for kids you see in family bathrooms?
posted by tilde at 1:08 PM on September 14, 2012