Having a hip replaced is a major surgical procedure. Some patients experience severe discomfort for months after the actual surgery. It is important that the muscles surrounding the hip are as strong as possible before the replacement is performed. Exercising the hip and it's surrounding muscles will help ensure that both the procedure and the recovery process go smoothly.
Chair Push-Ups
Find a sturdy armchair and take a seat. Grasp both arms of the chair. Using your arms and legs, lift your buttocks up off of the chair. Hold this position for approximately five seconds. This exercise will not only strengthen your hips but it will also strengthen your arms and shoulders. This upper body strength is necessary when using crutches. Do five repetitions of chair push-ups twice a day every day.
Sitting Kicks
A sturdy armchair is necessary for this exercise as well. Sit down with both feet on the floor and your back straight. Take your right leg, straighten it at the knee and extend it as far out in front of you as you can. Hold this position for approximately five seconds and return the leg to its starting position. Next, repeat this exercise with the left leg. Do five repetitions for each leg twice a day.
Gluteal Squeeze
Perform the gluteal squeeze on a couch or a bed. Start this exercise laying down on your back. Clench your buttocks muscles together. Hold this position for approximately five seconds then relax. Be sure to continue normal breathing throughout the exercise. Repeat 10 times twice a day.
Single-Leg Stand
This exercise can be performed anywhere there is something sturdy to hold on to. Stand up straight and place your hands against a wall, counter or any other fixed object to help you keep your balance. Raise your stronger leg and bend it at the knee. This will put all of your body weight on the leg that will be having the hip replacement. Hold this position for five seconds, then relax. Perform the single-leg stand twice a day.
Heel Slide
This exercise can be performed on a couch or a bed. Lie down face with your legs straight out in front of you. Raise your knee and slide your heel in towards your buttocks. Make sure to keep your strong leg straight and the heel of the leg that is being operated on flat against the bed. Hold this position for approximately five seconds and relax. This exercise is designed to improve the range of motion in your hip. Do the heel slide 10 times twice a day.
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