Total hip replacement, or total hip arthroplasty, is used to relieve pain from worn-out joints caused by osteoarthritis, strenuous activities, overuse and age. Due to the success of the surgery, younger patients are turning more and more to total hip arthroplasty to relieve pain, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. One of the drawbacks of the procedure in the past was that artificial joints wore out quickly. Metal-on-metal replacement parts can last much longer. Rehabilitation exercises after the surgery are required before you can return to your previous level of activity.
Step 1
Begin walking as soon as you can. To make the most of your new hip, you should start walking around the hospital the same day of your surgery or by the second day. Use a walker or support from the nursing and physical therapy staff at the facility to prevent falls.
Step 2
Start doing ankle exercises. Do them while you are still in bed and continue when you go home in the early days of your recovery. With legs outstretched, push the foot on your affected leg up and down throughout the day, as often as every five or 10 minutes. Rotate that ankle while your leg is outstretched, moving in one direction and then the other.
Step 3
Lie on the floor on your back and stick your legs out straight. Slide the affected leg out slowly as far as you can and hold for a couple seconds before sliding it back to the starting position. Repeat 10 times about three or four times a day. Do this once you're more mobile.
Step 4
Perform upright exercises. These will help to strengthen your hip and surrounding muscles. Hold the back of a chair and raise your affected knee as high as you can. Hold it and then lower your foot. With legs straight, raise the affected leg to the side as high as you can, hold and release. Then move you leg behind as you continue to hold the chair. Repeat each exercise 10 times at least twice a day.
Step 5
Add a resistance band to the standing exercises. Place one loop of the band around your good ankle and repeat the three sets of exercises, increasing the distance you pull the band each day.
Tips and Warnings
- You'll probably be able to resume your normal sports and exercise activities within the 90-day rehab period if your doctor is satisfied with your strengthening results. The only restrictions that commonly are given to hip replacement recipients are on high-impact weight-loading activities such as running and jogging, according to the University of Washington.
- You should report any new pain that you feel once you've completed physical therapy. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you should be relatively pain-free within three months of the implant procedure. While most adults adjust well to the larger ball that can be placed in the metal-on-metal replacement parts, side effects that include cobalt toxicity can occur and should be examined as soon as you feel any new discomfort.
Things You'll Need
- Sturdy chair
- Resistance bands
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