Hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or diseased hip joint with an artificial prosthesis. The purpose of the procedure is to restore mobility, reduce pain and increase your overall quality of life. Prior to having a hip replacement, your physician may recommend several exercises to improve recovery time and limit post-operative complications. If you are considering a hip replacement, consult your orthopedic surgeon to determine what exercises are safe and appropriate for you, notes the Mayo Clinic.
Ankle Pumps
Ankle pumps are taught prior to hip replacement in order to prevent blood from pooling in the lower extremities. After surgery, it is imperative to maintain adequate circulation throughout the lower extremities and ankle pumps are great exercises to help facilitate a muscle pumping action in the legs.
According to Allina Health System, this prevents blood from pooling and decreases the chance of developing a blood clot.
Perform this exercise by using your ankles to bring your toes up toward you and then pointing them down and away.
Quadriceps Sets
Maintaining adequate function in the quadriceps muscle group is essential to recovery after hip replacement surgery. Quadriceps sets are effective at getting these muscles activated prior to surgery.
Lay on your back with your legs out straight. From this position, contract the thigh muscle for approximately 5 seconds and then relax.
Gluteal Sets
The gluteals are another group of muscles essential for recovery and return to functional activities after hip replacement. Gluteal sets are effective at getting these muscles activated prior to receiving your hip replacement.
Lay on your back with your legs out straight. Contract your buttocks for approximately 5 seconds and then relax.
Straight Leg Raises
Straight leg raises are used to activate and strengthen the quadriceps muscle group prior to hip replacement. This can help improve recovery time and your return to functional activities after hip replacement.
Lay on your back with one leg bent and one out straight for support. Lift the straight leg up about 12 inches while keeping the knee locked and then slowly lower.
Heel Slides
It is imperative to have adequate motion and flexibility at the hip and knee prior to hip replacement. Poor range of motion and tight muscles can delay recovery and return to functional activity. Heel slides are effective exercises to help promote motion at the hip and knee before surgery.
On your back with the legs out straight, bend one leg and try to pull your heel toward the buttocks while keeping it in contact with the bed. Once you have pulled the heel close to the buttocks, straighten the leg and return to the starting position.
Chair Push-Ups
Chair Push-Ups
After your hip replacement, an assistive device such as crutches or a walker will be needed to get around until you recover. Chair push-ups are good exercises to help develop your upper body strength before surgery and prepare you to use an assistive device.
While sitting in a chair with armrests, hold onto the armrests firmly, press down and straighten your elbows until your buttocks are off the chair. Hold this position for approximately 5 seconds and then return to your starting position.
