Exercise is important in any healing process, but especially in the case of hip replacement. Before leaving the hospital, a hip replacement patient will be walking with assistance. During rehabilitation, physical therapy begins with range of motion work and increases to exercises focusing on increasing muscle mass. Eventually, a person with a hip replacement can participate in walking, swimming, dancing, golf with spikeless shoes and bicycling on level surfaces.
Walking
Walking is one way to increase exercise after hip replacement. Use a cane or walker until balance is regained. Some find it helpful to use hiking poles for support. Begin by walking five to 10 minutes three to four days a week. Once comfortable with this level of exercise, increase to 20 to 30 minutes two to three days a week.
Exercycling
Using a stationary bike is another way to build strength and restore mobility after hip replacement. When positioning the seat of the bike, the knee should be almost straight and the bottom of the foot should just touch the pedal. Begin exercising by pedaling backward at first. Once there is comfortable motion, reverse the pedaling. After about four to six weeks of cycling and with the return of strength in the hip, slowly increase the bicycle's tension.
Resistance Tubing
Resistance exercises will help build muscle slowly and effectively. These may be recommended by a physical therapist or physician. Resistive hip flexion is done by wrapping tubing around the ankle on the replaced hip side and anchoring the other end of the tubing. Face away from the anchor in a wide-stride stance and flex the hip and knee forward. Repeat five to 10 times. Resistive hip abduction is done by keeping the tubing wrapped around the ankle and anchored. Stand parallel to the tubing and move the ankle with the tubing away from the other ankle by making a sweeping motion. The most resistance should be felt when the feet are farthest apart. Repeat five to 10 times. Resistive hip extension is done by keeping the ankle wrapped with tubing and the tubing anchored. This time, face the anchor and slowly move the ankle behind the body. Repeat five to 10 times.
Exercises to Avoid
After a hip replacement, it is recommended that most people avoid impact stress on the joint, such as in tennis or basketball. Contact sports, squash, racquetball, jumping and jogging are not recommended for hip replacement patients. Avoid activities that involve crossing the legs, bringing the knee higher than the hips, leaning forward when sitting, turning the foot in or out when bending, bending beyond 90 degrees and kneeling on the good leg. Do not use pain as a measurement of whether or not to perform an activity. Your doctor or physical therapist should provide a list of restricted activities.
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