Total Hip Replacement Recovery Instructions

Total hip replacement recovery instructions run the gamut from strengthening your leg muscles in order to advance to weight-bearing exercises, to knowing how to do something as basic as sit in a chair. Your recovery process is time-consuming and will take months. It is important that you perform your rehabilitation exercises diligently and daily in order to speed your recovery.

Recovery Exercises

• Do isometrics for muscle strengthening. Isometrics increase circulation to your muscles as well as prepare your muscles for other exercises. Lay on your back on a comfortable surface. Extend your legs. Tighten your buttock muscles. Hold for 5 seconds. Release. Repeat. Do this throughout the day.

  Tighten your quadriceps (thigh muscles). Hold for 5 seconds. Release. Repeat. A variation of this involves tightening your thigh muscles and lifting your leg several inches off the bed. In what is known as a straight-leg raise, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons says to hold your lifted leg 5 to 10 seconds. Gradually and slowly lower. Repeat. Repeat until your thigh feels fatigued.

  Do a hip abduction. While lying down, move your affected leg outward as far as you can. Move it back to the original position. Repeat 10 days at least three to four times daily.

  Do ankle pumps. Ankle pumps increase your muscle flexibility along with decreasing your chances of developing blood clots. The University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine suggests: Lie flat on your back. Slowly push your foot up and down. Do this exercise several times daily.

Exercycling

• Use a stationary bike. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, exercycling provides a way for total hip replacement patients to regain muscle strength and hip mobility. Adjust the seat height. This is the point where, when sitting, your affected leg is as straight as it can be and the bottom of your foot is just touching the pedal. Start by pedaling backward with no tension. Do this for only a couple minutes at a time. When you feel comfortable pedaling backward (in about four to six weeks), start pedaling forward. Begin with 10 minutes twice daily. Gradually build up to 20 to 30 minutes three to four times a week.

Walking

• Start walking. Walking as soon as possible after your total hip replacement helps speed your recovery, says the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Start by using a walker to evenly balance your weight. Move your walker forward a short distance. Move your body forward, lift your surgical leg and place your heel onto the floor first. Gradually, your knee and ankle will bend allowing your entire foot to rest on the floor. Repeat the process. Depending upon your condition and stability, you may use crutches. As you progress walking and become stronger, you may start using a cane. Eventually, you will not need a walking aide.

Learning how to sit

• Learn to sit properly. Sit only in chairs with arms for at least two months after your total hip replacement, says University of Washington Orthopedics and Sports Medicine. Do not sit in recliners, on low stools or in low chairs. Do not attempt to cross your legs at your knees.