Hip joint prostheses are more durable than ever and are able to withstand greater stress and strain. Hip replacement surgery may be performed after a severe break, or when the joint has significant deterioration or disease and pain impedes an person's mobility and ability to perform daily tasks. Full recovery from the surgery can take 3 to 6 months, and during that time, your doctor may recommend that you perform exercises that gently stretch and strengthen the muscles of the hip.
Bed- or Floor-Supported Exercises
For abduction, lay flat on the floor or bed, slowly slide your affected leg out to the side, as far as is comfortable, and back. Repeat for a total of 10 repetitions, three to four times a day. This exercise strengthens the muscles on the outside of the hip, which provide stability during lateral movements, such as when moving your leg out to the side. Once you have acquired greater strength and balance, this exercise may also be performed from a standing position.
Perform a knee bend by laying flat on the bed, and slowly sliding the heel of your affected leg towards your buttocks, without letting your knee roll inward. Perform 10 repetitions, three to four times a day. This exercise strengthens the quadriceps muscles, or the muscles on the front of your leg, which flex your leg at the hip and propel you forward.
Standing Exercises
Using the back of a chair for balance assistance, perform a knee-raise by lifting your affected leg toward your chest, without lifting your knee above your waist. Hold the raised position for 2 to 3 seconds, and then slowly return to the starting position. Perform 10 repetitions, three to four times a day. This exercise strengthens the quadriceps muscles as well, with the added benefit of working on balance and stability of the hip joint as you stand and support your body weight.
Using the back of a chair for support, perform a hip extension by standing tall, without allowing yourself to lean forward. Extend your affected leg back behind you, keeping it straight. This will be a very small movement. Hold the extended position for 3 seconds, returning to the starting position afterwards. Complete 10 repetitions, three to four times a day. This exercise will stretch the front of the hip, or your hip flexor muscles, as well as strengthen the buttocks muscles, which move your leg behind you, and works as the antagonist muscle to the quadriceps.
Walking
When your hip has become strong enough, begin walking, with a cane or walker for support, until you are able to walk unassisted. This will allow your hip to move in a functional manner to best allow you to regain full range of motion and strength.
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