Over 193,000 hip replacements are performed each year in the United States, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In the surgery, the damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with new metal, plastic or ceramic pieces to decrease pain and dysfunction within the joint. After surgery there are body positions that could compromise your new joint and full situps are not advised.
Positions to Avoid
Your new joint will allow you to move without discomfort and it will be tempting to just do whatever you want physically. However, you can break down the new joint or even dislocate it without care. Avoid high-impact activities such as running and jumping. Excessive hip movements should also be avoided. Do not cross your legs when sitting. Do not turn your feet inward or outward excessively as the rotation occurs at the hip joint. And also avoid moving your hips past 90 degrees of flexion, or bending.
Full Situps
Full situps work the rectus abdominus, obliques and hip flexors. The exercise is performed by lying on your back with your knees bent and hands behind your head. Roll up off of the floor bringing your torso completely off the ground towards your thighs. At the top of the position your body is bent at the hips so your thighs are near your chest. Roll back down to the start position for one complete repetition. At the top of the movement you have bent your hips past 90 degrees, so don't do this exercise after hip replacement.
Basic Crunch
A basic crunch is a safer abdominal exercise after a hip replacement. Lie on the floor with your knees bent and your hands behind your head. Keeping your elbows out wide, exhale and curl your head and shoulders off the floor a few inches or about 30 degrees. Tighten your abs as you lift your body. Slowly release to the start position for one complete repetition. Perform one to three sets of eight to 20 repetitions.
Pelvic Tilt
A pelvic tilt can also work the abdominal muscles while protecting your hip joint. Lie on the floor with your knees bent and arms at your sides. Inhale and exhale a few times to relax your body. On an exhale tighten your abdominal muscles, drawing in your belly button as you push your lower back to the floor. Inhale and relax, arching your back up towards the ceiling for one complete repetition. Perform one to three sets of eight to 20 repetitions.
References
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Total Hip Replacement
- American Council on Exercise: Ab Exercises
- All-About-Abs.com: Sit Ups: A Popular Ab Exercise
- "Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning"; National Strength and Conditioning Association; 2008
