A hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant. Hip replacement surgery can be done on one hip or both. Arthritis or physical joint trauma are two conditions that would make replacement surgery a viable treatment. A hip replacement is one of the more reliable orthopedic operations. Physio therapy exercise is a therapeutic tool necessary following all hip replacement procedures. The goal of your hip replacement exercise program is to regain mobility and improve strength around the operated hip.
Bridges
Bridges recruit the gluteals, hamstrings and inner abdominals. This exercise stabilizes the posterior chain by forcing the hips to extend. Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Keep your feet, knees and hips aligned. Elevate your hips off the floor while concurrently contracting your gluteals or butt muscles. Hold a five second glute and abdominal contraction once a full hip extension is attained. Slowly and with control move your hips downward until they just about touch the floor. Maintain a glute and abdominal contraction throughout the exercise. Prevent over arching of your lower spine on the upward phase.
Supine Hip Hinge
Supine hip hinges strengthen the hip flexors and inner abdominals. Lie supine with your hips and knees flexed to create a right angle in both of your legs. Engage your abdominal wall, which stabilizes your lower spine. Slowly allow your left leg to fall down and forward. Lightly tap your left heel to the floor. Bring your left leg up and back toward your body. Hold your left leg once your left thigh is vertical to the floor. Perform the above steps with the right leg. Alternate moving the right and left leg until you can no longer maintain your trunk stabilization. The upward and downward leg motion is dictated by the hip not the knee. Each leg motion should be constant but also deliberate.
Chair Stands
Chair stands are a functional exercise that works on body weight transfer. It is a squat - like maneuver that builds primarily the quadriceps and gluteals. Sit in a chair with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Your feet and knees are both shoulder-width apart. Contract your abdominals and straighten your spinal column. Cross your arms over your chest. Stand up by lifting your hips and straightening your legs. Your torso and legs are straight upon completion of the upward phase. Sit back down gradually by dropping your hips and bending your knees. A constant abdominal contraction will keep your lower back from arching.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise generates mobility through the hip joints. An recumbent bicycle is an aerobic machine that supports the hips while providing an reintroduction to locomotion. It has a seat and back pad, which gives a solid foundation to work from. Complete 20 minutes at a light to moderate intensity, three days a week. Duration of continuous activity is more important than intensity. A moderate level of intensity allows you to see how your hip tolerates habitual movement.
References
- "Neuromuscular Rehabilitation in Manual and Physical Therapies: Principles to Practice" ; Eyal Lederman ; 2010
- "A Patient's Guide to Knee and Hip Replacement: Everything You Need to Know" ; Irwin Silber, Eugene M. Wolf ; 1999
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