Regular exercise helps to heal your hip joint following surgery. Even small movements can restore mobility. As your new hip heals, you can increase your range of motion, strengthening the muscles around your hip joint to provide added stability. Ask your physician for advice before beginning an exercise program to ensure you do not damage the hip joint or muscles.
Bed Exercises
Your exercise program should begin almost immediately following surgery. Movement is important because it prevents blood clots that result from inactivity. Pointing and flexing your feet 10 to 30 times each hour can prevent blood clots. Flex the kneecap back toward your torso to strengthen the quadriceps muscles at the front of your leg. Hold this movement for five seconds, then release. Repeat 10 times. Squeeze your gluteal muscles together to strengthen these muscles. Hold for five seconds, then release the muscles. Repeat 10 times.
Range-of-Motion Exercises
Once your hip joint has healed, you may perform range-of-motion exercises that increase your movement. Balance yourself by touching a sturdy chair or wall. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and lift your affected leg toward your chest, refraining from lifting higher than your waist. Hold for two to three seconds, then lower the leg. Repeat 10 times, rest and then repeat for three to four additional sets. Now lift your leg to the side, lifting until you meet resistance. Lower the leg to return to your starting position and repeat 10 times. Rest, then repeat three to four times per day.
Resistance Band Exercises
These hip exercises involve the use of a resistance band -- a stretchy, plastic band -- to strengthen the leg. To perform, wrap the band around both legs with your feet shoulder-width apart. Lift your affected leg backward, as high as your can without feeling pain and as the resistance band will allow. Lower your leg to your starting position and repeat 10 times. Rest, then repeat three to four sets. Keeping the resistance band on, lift your leg to the side, pointing your toes as you lift up. Flex the foot to return to your starting position.
Activities to Avoid
Certain exercises may place too much strain on your hip and should be avoided unless your physician gives you permission. These include tennis, badminton, football and baseball, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Squash, racquetball, jumping rope and jogging also may place too much strain on your hip joint and should be avoided.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Hip Replacement Exercise Guide
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Activities After Hip Replacement
- My Joint Replacement: Bed Exercises After Hip Replacement Surgery
- eOrthopod: Rehabilitation Following Hip Fracture Surgery
- Mount Nittany Medical Center: Exercises after Hip Surgery: Ankle Pump, Quad Sets, Gluteal Sets
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