According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, it is important to start gentle exercises as soon as possible after a hip operation to prevent stiffness and fluid buildup in the joint and reduce pain. However, the Hips For You website advises that you should not begin any rehabilitation program without first speaking to your doctor about the right exercises for your condition and recovery needs.
Ankle Pumps
This exercise is gentle enough to do soon after surgery, says the Hips For You website. Lie on your back with your legs straight out and your feet about hip-width apart. Slowly push your toes down toward the floor, stretching the top of the foot, then raise them back up toward the ceiling. Repeat about 10 times on each foot. The Hips For You website recommends doing this exercise as often as you can throughout the day.
Gentle Knee Bends
This exercise is also done lying on your back, but will need a little more hip mobility than the ankle pumps. Start with both legs straight out along the bed then bend one knee and slowly draw the heel in toward your buttocks, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. The foot you are moving should stay in contact with the bed, sliding up as far as possible without causing pain then slowly sliding back down to the start position. Keep your knee pointing directly up toward the ceiling, as rolling in or out can place pressure on the joint. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests doing 10 knee bends on each leg, up to four times a day.
Buttock and Leg Squeezes
Lying on your back with your legs straight out along the bed, squeeze your thigh muscles, focusing on the area around your knees, says The Physiotherapy Site . Hold the contraction as firmly as you can for about five seconds then release. Aim for 10 repetitions, 10 times an hour. Next, squeeze your buttock muscles as tightly as you can for a count of five, release and repeat 10 times. The Physiotherapy Site recommends doing this exercise five times an hour.
Standing Knee Raises
You can start this exercise once your strength has improved and you are able to stand without pain. Holding on to a sturdy chair or wall for support, slowly bend and raise your injured leg in front of you, as high as your waist but no further, says the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. Hold in the elevated position for about three seconds then slowly lower and do 10 repetitions, up to four times a day--on both legs, if necessary.
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