According to MayoClinic.com, hip replacement surgery is successful more than 90 percent of the time. However, regular leg exercises to restore normal hip motion and strength are important to a full recovery. Your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend that you exercise 20 to 30 minutes, two to three times a day, during your early recovery, says the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, or AAOS.
The Basics
If a stiff, painful hip joint has forced you to modify your activities and hobbies, successful surgery may allow you to resume them. Common conditions that damage the hip joint and may warrant surgery include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or a broken hip. Hip replacement surgery, or total hip arthroplasty, involves removing the damaged hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint, or prosthesis, which is specially designed to be compatible with your body and resistant to wear. Post-operative exercise plays an integral role in your recovery. Exercise may reduce pain, speed up recovery, and increase your sense of control and confidence. Throughout your recovery, you should work closely with a physical therapist who will tailor exercises to meet your unique needs.
Early Post-Operative Exercises
According to the AAOS, early post-operative exercises will increase circulation to your legs and feet, preventing blood clots. The AAOS recommends beginning the following exercises in the recovery room, right after surgery. These exercises should be done while lying on your back with your legs spread slightly apart. Do an abduction exercise by sliding your leg out to the side as far as you can, then back. Repeat 10 times, three to four times a day. Perform a quadriceps set by tightening your thigh muscle and trying to straighten your knee. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and repeat 10 times during a 10-minute period. Repeat until your thigh is tired. Do straight leg raises by lifting your leg several inches off of the bed. Again, tighten your thigh muscle and keep your knee straight. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds and lower. Repeat until your thigh is tired.
Standing Exercises
With your doctor's approval, you may stand with assistance shortly after surgery. Initially, don't try standing on your own, as you are likely to be dizzy and could fall. The AAOS recommends that you hold on to something firm when you perform the following exercises. Do standing knee raises by lifting your affected leg toward your chest. Do not lift your knee past your waist. Hold for several counts and put your leg down. Repeat 10 times, three to four times a day. Perform standing hip abductions by keeping your body straight and your hip, knee and foot facing forward. Lift your leg out to the side with your knee straight. Slowly lower your foot back to the floor. Repeat 10 times, three to four times a day. Do standing hip extensions by lifting your affected leg back slowly. Keep your back straight and hold for two to three counts. Return your foot to the floor. Repeat 10 times, three to four times a day.
Walking and Early Activity
Shortly after surgery, you may begin walking short distances with your doctor's approval. Walk in your hospital room and do light everyday activities. Progress to walking in the hallway. Initially, you may walk with the help of a walker. As you gain strength, you may advance to using a cane or crutch. A physical therapist should instruct you on the proper use of these assistive devices, as using them improperly could result in injury.
Restrictions
Although the benefits of post-operative exercise are many, you may do more harm than good if you are not exercising properly. Keep these exercise restrictions in mind. Do not go past 90 degrees of flexion, which means bringing the knee up greater than 90 degrees toward the chest. Do not adduct the affected leg, or cross it over the unaffected leg or cross the midline of the body. Do not kneel or get down on the floor for at least three months. Trying to get up from this position puts pressure on the hip joint and can cause the hip to flex beyond 90 degrees.
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