The recovery process following hip-replacement surgery is long and tedious, usually taking three to six months, according to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Disorders. Performing exercises to restore normal ranges of motion and strength is an essential part of this process. Consult with a physical therapist as soon as possible after your surgery to develop an individualized exercise program to help you fully recover as quickly as possible.
Ankle Exercises
Performing ankle exercises increases circulation to your feet, helping prevent blood clots while you spend most of your time in bed in the days immediately following your hip-replacement surgery. Start by extending and flexing your ankles repeatedly for multiple repetitions. Repeat this every five to10 minutes while you're lying in bed. Next, rotate your feet clockwise five times and counterclockwise five times, and repeat three to four times per day. Have your physical therapist or anyone else manually move your feet, if necessary.
Buttock Contractions
The three gluteal muscles -- the gluteus maximus, gluteus medius and gluteus minimus -- are also called the buttocks. These muscles help move your thighs through abduction and extension ranges of motion at the hip joints. Tighten your buttocks and hold for at least five seconds three to four times per day while you're lying in bed. This strengthens the gluteal muscles and stimulates blood flow to your replaced hip, aiding in the healing process.
Leg Raises
Strengthen all the muscles that act on your replaced hip joint by performing various leg-raising exercises. Start on your back with your legs extended, and repeatedly lift your affected leg 6 inches and lower it back down. Next, lie on the opposite side of the involved hip with your legs stacked on top of each other and repeatedly lift and lower your top leg. Finally, get on your hands and knees and repeatedly extend your injured leg until it is at least parallel to the floor. Gradually increase the range of motion for each exercise. Wear ankle weights to add resistance, if desired, but get permission from your physical therapist first.
Walking
Start walking as soon as possible during the recovery process, because walking is such a vital activity in everyday life. Walk with assistance for several weeks following your surgery, using a walker at first and progressing to a cane or crutch; hold the cane or crutch with the hand opposite your replaced hip. Walk without assistance when your physical therapist permits you to do so, but take a cane or crutch with you in case you need it, especially at first. Practice walking up and down stairs as well, always leading with your good leg on the way up and your injured leg on the way down.
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