Pre-hip replacement exercises can help speed up your recuperation process and make an easier transition into your recovery stage, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Strengthening exercises for both your leg and upper body muscles play a major role. Your upper body will benefit by being better able to cope with using walking aids. Your lower body will benefit by maintaining its strength. Check with your doctor prior to starting any exercise.
Leg Isometrics
Isometrics to strengthen your leg muscles need to be included in your pre-hip replacement exercise program. Isometrics involve contracting your muscles. Strengthen your thigh muscles by doing thigh contractions known as quads set. Lie down on your back on a firm surface. Extend your legs, according to the National Institutes of Health. Tighten your thigh muscles. Try to push your knee against the surface. Hold this tension for six seconds. Release the tension. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times. Do this exercise throughout the day, while watching television or sitting at your desk.
Do another isometric exercise involving your buttocks called a buttock contraction. Tighten your butt muscles, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Hold the tension for five seconds. Release the tension. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat the exercise 10 times.
Hip Strengthening
Strengthen your hip muscles by doing hip abductions and adductions, according to the National Institutes of Health. Lie on your side on a flat surface. Your uninjured side will be against the surface. Place your legs together, knee straight. Slowly lift your injured leg up and back away from your body. Keep your toes pointed. Hold this position for three seconds. Bring your leg back to the original position. Relax for five seconds. Lift your injured leg and bring it toward the front of your body. Hold this position for three seconds. Return your leg to the original position. Relax for five seconds. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Ankle Pumps
Stretch and strengthen your ankle muscles by doing ankle pumps. Ankle pumps also help to increase your blood circulation and hip mobility, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Lie on your back on a flat surface. Place a rolled up towel under your calf. Your heel will be off the surface, according to the National Institutes of Health. Slowly point your toes and foot away from you. Hold this position for five seconds. Return your foot to the original position. Relax for five seconds. Slowly move your ankle so your toes are pointing toward your body. Hold this position for five seconds. Return your foot to the original position. Relax for five seconds. Repeat this exercise 15 times.
Lying Knee Extensions
Strengthen your quadriceps by doing terminal knee extensions, according to the National Institutes of Health. Lie on your back on a firm surface. Place a rolled-up towel underneath your affected knee. Or, place a pillow underneath both of your knees. Use a pillow or towel that has your knees at a 30 to 40-degree angle. Slowly straighten your affected leg until your knee is straight. Hold this position for five seconds. Slowly return your knee to the original position. Relax for 10 seconds. Repeat this exercise 10-20 times.
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