Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the damaged portion of your hip -- often damaged by arthritis -- with a new ball and socket joint in order to reduce pain and increase the functionality of your hip. There is much planning that is involved in hip replacement surgery including physical activity. Completing presurgical exercises can help to maintain strength in your body which may lead to an easier recovery.
Deep Breathing
Deep breathing exercises can help to prepare your lungs for surgery. A deep breathing exercise can help to remove any buildup of secretion or fluid in your lungs that may pool while you are under anesthesia. To practice deep breathing, you should inhale deeply through your nose and slowly exhale through your mouth. You should then cough twice in order to help clear your lungs. Complete this deep breathing exercise three times every half hour.
Preparing for Crutches
Arm strength is important as you are likely to be spending time using crutches or a walker. Completing an arm-strengthening exercise can help you better walk with crutches and make it easier for you to get up and down while seated. Find a chair with armrests and sit down like you usually would. Place both of your forearms on the arm rests with your elbows bent. Grasp your hands around the armrests and slowly straighten your arms. Try to lift your buttock off of the chair as high as you possibly can. Lower yourself back to the chair and repeat 10 times.
Lying Hip Abduction and Adduction
Hip abduction and adduction can help to strengthen your hips and their surrounding muscles which can make recovering from surgery easier. Lie on your bed with your back flat against the bed and your legs fully extended. Position your toes to the ceiling and your legs spread shoulder-width apart. While keeping your toes pointed and your legs straight, slowly spread your legs apart as far as possible. Bring your legs back to your starting position and repeat. Complete 10 times.
Ankle Pumps
Ankle pumps can help to promote circulation in your legs which can decrease your chances of developing blood clots following your hip replacement. Lie or sit with your legs fully extended. If lying, your feet and ankles should be hanging over the edge of your bed or couch. Slowly pump your ankles up and down as if you were pumping the breaks of the gas pedal of your car. Try to complete 1,000 ankle pumps each day.
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