Physical therapy after a total hip replacement is important for regaining strength, mobility, coordination and circulation. Although hip replacement rehabilitation is relatively quick, the most difficult part is getting out of bed initially and beginning to move. There are some exercises you can perform while lying down that can make standing and walking easier. Once you have regained mobility you can continue to increase your exercises with doctor approval.
Ankle Exercises
Rotating your ankles can help to increase circulation in your legs and feet and prevent blood clots. Alternating pointing and flexing your feet is an exercise that can be performed as often as every five or 10 minutes throughout the day, beginning immediately after surgery. You can also rotate your ankles in a circular motion, five times in each direction, three or four times per day.
Knee Exerciese
Focusing on the muscles that connect to your knees, like your quadriceps and hamstrings, will actually help your hips' recovery. Lie on your back on a bed or mat with your legs straight in front of you. Tighten your quadricep, or front thigh, muscles so that you feel as if you are pushing your knee into the bed or mat. Hold this contraction for five seconds and release. Repeat five times before moving to the other leg. Knee bends are another helpful exercise. While lying on your bed, bend your knee so that your foot is flat on the bed, and slowly pull your heel toward your hip, keeping your heel on the bed. Switch legs and repeat the exercise 10 times, four times per day.
Leg Exercises
To strengthen your legs and improve your hips' mobility, performing leg exercises is important. You can perform leg lifts while lying on your bed. Straighten your leg and tighten your thigh muscle. As your thigh muscle tightens, lift your leg several inches off the bed. Hold this position for five to 10 seconds before slowly lowering your leg. Repeat until your thigh feels fatigued, and then switch sides.
Standing Exercises
As your recovery progresses, you can perform leg exercises while standing, using a chair or bar for support. Leg abduction movements are beneficial; stand behind a chair and place your weight on one leg. Straighten your other leg and bring it out to the side of your body. Repeat 10 times and switch sides. You can stand behind the same chair and perform knee raises as well. Again, place your weight on one leg and slowly bend the other leg, raising your knee up toward your chest. Do not raise your knee above your waist. Hold for two or three counts and bring the leg down. Repeat on the other side.
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