Exercises Prior To Hip Replacement

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis and is commonly associated with increased pain and disability. Pain and disability from OA may result in the need for joint replacement surgery, such as hip replacement. Preoperative exercise and rehabilitation is being considered to improve outcomes for orthopaedic surgeries. In the June 2009 issue of "Orthopaedic Nursing," Kathryn Barbary states that there is a lack of evidence to support the effectiveness of pre-op exercise for hip replacement, although some studies indicate some post-op benefits.

Side-lying Abduction

Side-lying hip abduction is an exercise designed to strengthen the abductors, or muscles that pull your leg away from your body. In some surgical approaches, this muscle will be cut, so strength is important before surgery. Lie on your non-operative side, with your legs straight and your feet together. Slowly raise the top leg against gravity. Slowly lower the leg back to the starting position. Keep your hips and knees straight; the motion should be straight up in the air, not in front of the body. If this is too easy, add a cuff weight below the knee.

Step-ups

Step-ups are an excellent strengthening exercise that are also functional. This exercise can be completed using an adjustable aerobics step, or the steps in your home. Step up with the surgical leg first, then follow with the other leg. When coming down stairs, lead with the non-surgical leg first. This pattern ensures strengthening of the surgical leg. As with all exercises before surgery, if this exercise causes or increases pain in your hip, omit it.

Flexor Stretching

Stretching the flexor muscles of the hip may help prevent contracture, or excessive tightening after surgery. This is best performed by lying on your back with your legs off the side of a bed or treatment table. To stretch the right flexors, bring your left leg to your chest and hold for 30 seconds.

Walking

Typically after hip replacement, you will go home with a walker or a cane. If you have never used a walker before, it may be easier to learn before you actually have surgery. In addition, walking is a good way to increase endurance, which will make recovery from the surgery easier. Try to incorporate walking into your everyday exercise routine before surgery.

Precautions

After hip replacement surgery, there is a certain set of motions that are not allowed, called hip precautions. Although not a physical exercise, taking the time to learn about hip precautions before surgery has the potential to decrease recovery time by eliminating secondary complications. The typical hip precautions are to not cross the legs, sit on low seats or soft cushions, or to bend forward at the hip. Your doctor will give you specific precautions for your surgery.