There are two types of hip replacement surgeries: total hip replacement and open reduction internal fixation. Postoperative exercises are most beneficial when you start them soon after surgery. A total hip replacement surgery involves using a prosthetic ball and socket made of metal or ceramic to replace your diseased or injured hip. An open reduction internal fixation of the hip is a surgical pinning of your hip. Your surgeon will decide which type of surgery is right for you.
Benefits of Post-Op Exercises
Postoperative exercises after hip surgery help the healing process. The exercises help circulate the blood to your hip area with nourishing blood. They can also add flexibility to your hip area, preventing stiffness and helping to prevent complications. A physical therapist will initiate your exercise program and make sure you perform them correctly before allowing you to exercise on your own.
Static Quadriceps
Static quadriceps is an exercise to tone your thigh muscle, which strengthens it to support your affected hip. You can perform this exercise sitting or standing. Contract the thigh of your affected leg and hold the contraction for three seconds and release. Repeat these contractions and squeeze motions 10 times, up to four times a day.
Abduction
Abduction adds flexibility to your affected hip and helps to prevent stiffness. While lying flat in bed, slide your affected leg out to the side as far as you can without causing pain and then back again. Repeat this movement 10 times, up to four times a day.
Standing Hip Extensions
While standing, support your body by holding onto a chair or another stable object. Slowly lift your affected leg back as far as you can and hold for three seconds. Return to starting position and repeat 10 times. Repeat this exercise up to four times a day.
Knee Extension
Knee extensions strengthen your thigh and hip muscles. While sitting in a chair, lift your affected leg, straighten it and hold for three seconds. Slowly lower your leg and repeat. Perform this exercise 10 times, up to four times a day.
Buttock Squeeze
The buttock squeeze strengthens and tones your hips. While lying in bed, with your legs shoulder-width apart, contract your buttock muscles and hold for three seconds and release. Repeat this exercise 10 times, up to four times a day.
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