Exercises for hip therapy are meant to improve your endurance, strengthen your leg muscles and increase your hip's mobility. The exercises can be done in the convenience of your home, or started immediately after surgery. Having a regular exercise program needs to be your goal, states the Arthritis Foundation. Check with your doctor prior to starting any exercise routine.
Exercycling
Start exercycling as part of your hip therapy. Exercycling is also known as riding a stationary bike, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Riding an exercise bike will help you increase your hip mobility and regain your muscle strength. Exercycling does not put much stress on your hip joints. Make certain that your bike seat is at the proper height. Place one pedal at its lowest point. Your proper seat height is the level where your knee is as straight as possible while the bottom of your foot is just touching this pedal. Pedal backward for one minute. Rest for one minute. Repeat pedaling backward until you reach a comfortable pace. This may take a few days or even weeks. Once you become stronger--the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons states that it can take between four to six weeks--start pedaling forward. Once you start pedaling forward, gradually increase your tension level. Pedal forward 10 to 15 minutes twice daily. Your goal is to build up to 20-30 minutes, three to four times weekly.
Isometrics
Doing isometrics will strengthen your muscles without putting any stress on your joints. Isometrics involve contracting your muscles for short periods of time. Do a quadriceps tensing. Start by lying on a flat surface such as your bed. Tighten your thigh muscles, states the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Try to straighten your knee. Hold this contraction for 5 to 10 seconds. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Strengthen your buttocks, or glutes, as part of your hip therapy. Lie on a flat surface. Tighten your butt muscles, states thephysiotherapysite.co.uk. Hold this contraction for five seconds. Rest for one minute. Repeat this exercise 10 times for three to four times daily.
Hip Abduction
Increase your hip's flexibility by doing a hip abduction exercise. Lie on a flat surface, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Extend your legs so they are flat on the surface. Move your injured leg out to the side as far as possible. Slowly return your leg to the original position. Rest for one minute. Repeat this exercise 10 times at least three times a day.
Side Leg Raise
Strengthen your hips, thighs and buttocks while doing a side leg raise. Stand behind a sturdy chair, according to the National Institute on Aging. Place your feet slightly apart. Hold onto the chair for balance. Inhale slowly to start this exercise. Exhale as you slowly lift your leg out to the side. Hold this position for one second. Breathe in as you slowly lower your leg to the standing position. Rest for five seconds. Repeat this exercise 10-15 times. Make certain you keep your back straight while doing this maneuver. Slightly bend your knee on the leg supporting your weight.
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