If you have experienced hip damage due to arthritis, fractures or other conditions, day-to-day activities can be difficult and painful. When conventional treatment fails, a total hip replacement may be an option, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Hip replacement surgery can help to relieve pain, increase range of motion and make day to day living easier. Exercising before a total hip replacement can help increase strength in the muscles surrounding the hip joint, which will better support your new hip. You should always consult your doctor before beginning exercise.
Leg Kicks
Strengthening the muscles in your upper leg and hip before surgery can make life with a new hip after surgery easier. Leg kicks work the quadriceps or thigh muscles. You should sit in a chair with your back straight. The foot of the good leg should be firmly planted on the floor. Extend the leg requiring the hip replacement surgery out as far as possible. Make sure to straighten your knee as far as you can without pain, according to Allina Hospitals and Clinics. Try to hold this position for five seconds. Slowly lower your leg back down so that your knee is bent. Repeat this exercise for one set of 20 repetitions.
Leg Raises
Leg raises can be completed while lying in bed or on the ground. You should lie with your back flat on the bed. Your good leg should be bent at a 90 degree angle with your foot flat on the floor. The pre-surgery hip leg should remain straight. Slowly raise this leg up so that it is inline with your bent knee, according to Allina Hospitals and Clinics. Remember to keep your leg straight. Hold this position for five count and relax. Repeat 20 times with the pre-surgery leg.
Ankle Circles
Ankle circles can help strengthen your lower leg making learning to walk after surgery easier. According to Allina Hospitals and Clinics, this exercise can be completed sitting down. Rotate your foot clockwise and then counter-clockwise. Your toes should be pointing the ceiling and your ankle should be making the circling motion. Complete this exercise for a couple minutes, a few times a day.
Gluteal Sets
Help to strengthened your buttocks and thigh muscles by completing gluteal sets or buttocks squeezes, according to Allina Hospitals and Clinics. Lie flat on your back on your bed or on the floor. Your legs should be flat, heels on the ground and toes pointing toward the ceiling. Your legs should be shoulder-width apart. Tighten your buttocks muscles by squeezing and hold this position for a count of five. You should repeat two sets of 20 repetitions of this exercise.
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