Performing exercises to increase flexibility and strength following hip-replacement surgery is an essential element of your rehabilitation process. Appropriate exercises require you to move your hip joint through typical ranges of motion -- abduction, adduction, extension, flexion and rotation -- and strengthen the surrounding muscles, preparing you to return to your normal activities as quickly as possible. Consult with a physical therapist about which exercises are best for you.
Gluteal Squeeze
The three glueal muscles, also called the buttocks, help facilitate hip movement. The gluteal squeeze is a safe exercise to strengthen these muscles at the beginning of your rehabilitation program. Lie on your back with your legs extended and heels close together on the floor. Squeeze your buttocks together for five to 10 seconds, then relax. Perform 15 to 20 repetitions. Breathe normally as you perform the exercise; don't hold your breath.
Hip and Knee Flexion
This exercise requires you to move your hip joints through flexion and extension ranges of motion, increasing flexibility and strengthening the hip flexors on the front of your thighs. Start in the same position as the previous exercise, and place your hands on your abdomen. Slide either heel along the floor toward your buttocks, flexing your hip and knee simultaneously. Hold for 10 to 15 seconds, then reverse the movement back to the starting position. Complete 10 to 20 repetitions with each leg.
Stairs
Navigating stairs may prove difficult immediately following your surgery, but you should practice the skill often because you will have to ascend and descend stairs at some point. Develop a foundation of flexibility and strength with safer exercises, however, before attempting stairs. Move one step at a time at first, placing both feet on each step. Lead with your non-injured leg when going up and your injured leg when going down, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Hold onto a handrail and have someone stand nearby in case you lose your balance. Go up and down just a few stairs at once during the beginning of your rehabilitation program and gradually increase the number.
Swimming
Swimming is an appropriate exercise following hip-replacement surgery because the water provides low-impact resistance as you move through it. Walk forward and backward through shallow water to strengthen your hip extensors and flexors, and sideways to train your abductors and adductors. Walk in deeper water to increase the resistance. Performing traditional swimming strokes, such as the backstroke, breast stroke, crawl stroke and side stroke, is also effective because it requires you to kick your legs through the water repeatedly. Joining a water aerobics class is another option to consider.
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