A hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged joint is replaced with a metal ball and socket joint to try to stabilize your hip joint. If you receive a bilateral hip replacement, both of your joints will be replaced. Shortly after surgery, your doctor or therapist is likely to teach you some exercises that are designed to help restore strength and range of motion to your joint. Consult your doctor before performing exercises following bilateral hip replacement.
Ankle Pumps
Ankle pumps are likely to be one of the first exercises prescribed after your surgery. Begin by lying on your back with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your toes pointing toward the ceiling. Begin pointing your toes away from your body and then pull them toward your leg as if you were trying to touch your shin with the top of your foot. Repeat with both legs; perform this exercise several times daily.
Quadriceps Set
Quadriceps set is another initial exercise your doctor is likely to prescribe. It is performed by lying down on your back and tightening your large thigh muscles to press your knee into the bed. Hold this contraction for about 10 seconds and release. Continue performing this exercise until your thigh muscles are too tired to perform another repetition. Repeat with both legs.
Standing Leg Swings
Stand on the opposite leg from the one you want to exercise, and shift your weight to that leg to do standing leg swings. Lift your foot off the ground while keeping your knee straight. Try to lift your leg high enough that your foot is about level with your opposite knee. Hold this contraction for a second and then reverse the motion and swing your leg behind your body until your foot reaches knee level Try to perform this exercise for about 15 minutes, and repeat with both legs as directed by your doctor or therapist.
Standing Knee Raises
To perform standing knee raises, stand next to a counter or sturdy chair that you can use for support. Hold onto the chair or counter with both hands and shift your weight to the opposite leg from the one you want to exercise. Bend your knee and lift your leg as if you were trying to touch your knee to your chest. Be sure that your upper body doesn't lean forward and remains directly over your hips. Hold this position for a few seconds and then return to the starting position using a slow and controlled motion. Repeat 10 times and perform this exercise three to four times daily, as directed by your doctor. Repeat using your other leg.
