Hip resurfacing is a surgical procedure to repair a hip joint that has been injured as a result of osteoporosis, osteoarthritis or another condition, according to Dr. Mark Spangehl at MayoClinic.com. Under the procedure the ball located at the top of your thigh bone is covered with a metallic surface to allow the joint to work more smoothly. After the operation, your doctor is likely to prescribe rehabilitative exercises designed to help restore range of motion to your hip and leg.
Glute Sets
This exercise is performed by simply tightening and releasing the muscles of your buttocks, and is often prescribed immediately after surgery, according to doctors at the St. Joseph Medical Center in Illinois. Tightening and releasing these muscles will force blood to enter the area, helping speed your recovery after surgery.
Isometric Quadricep Extension
Isometric quadriceps extension exercises are often prescribed shortly after surgery as one of the first activities undertaken with your leg. They are performed by lying down in bed with your leg straight and tightening the muscles on the front of your thigh as if you were trying to push the back of your knee into your bed. Hold this contraction for five seconds and repeat as directed by your doctor.
Knee Flexion/Extension
Unlike the isometric exercise listed above, this exercise requires you to move the knee of your resurfaced leg. Place a pillow, rolled-up towel or other cushion under your knee and bend and straighten your leg far enough that your knee straightens as far as possible and your heel touches the bed on the bend cycle of this exercise. Hold your straightened leg up for five seconds and then gently lower it to the bed. Repeat according to your doctor's orders.
Ankle Circles
Keep the knee of your leg as straight as possible while moving your foot in as large a circle as possible in a clockwise direction. Repeat 10 times and then move your foot in a counter-clockwise circle. Be sure that you are only moving your ankle joint rather than your hip, since this exercise is commonly prescribed before any surgical incision has had a chance to heal. You should also be sure that your knee remains stationary and does not rotate when moving your foot.
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