A fractured hip is a severe injury that often significantly limits a person's mobility and is typically extremely painful. According to the Mayo Clinic, the majority of hip fractures occur in people over 65, as bones become less dense with age. The clinic also says surgery is almost always the best treatment for a hip fracture. After the surgery is performed, it is important to continue with a rehabilitation exercise program to ensure a full recovery of your strength and mobility.
Gluteal Sets
One of the first exercises that a physician or therapist will likely have a hip fracture patient begin with is performing gluteal sets. The gluteal muscles refer to your buttocks muscles, which provide stability around the hip joint. By beginning to contract these muscles early after surgery, patients will improve the strength and stability around the recently repaired fracture site. The exercise is performed lying in bed by simply squeezing your buttocks muscles tightly together for five seconds and then relaxing. Repeat this exercise 10 times.
Quadriceps Sets
York Hospital describes another common exercise often performed after surgery to repair a fractured hip, which is referred to as a quadriceps set. This exercise is also performed while lying flat in bed and is done by simply tightening the front thigh muscles of your operated leg, while pressing the back of your knee down into the bed. Hold the tightening for five seconds before relaxing, and repeat 10 times.
Straight Leg Raises
When you are able to perform a strong quadriceps set, begin attempting a straight leg raise. A straight leg raise is initiated by performing a quadriceps set with the injured leg but then progressing to lifting the entire straightened leg 12 to 18 inches off the bed. This exercise strengthens the hip flexors muscle group and is important in the rehabilitation process after a hip fracture surgery. Regaining the strength of this muscle group will allow you to begin performing routine daily tasks, such as getting in and out of bed, independently again.
