Exercises After Hip Replacement Surgery

Exercises following hip replacement surgery vary depending upon the amount of deterioration prior to your operation. A badly damaged hip may require a more extensive surgical procedure, a longer recovery time and additional precautions. Your surgeon will determine the start of your exercise program and the type of permitted exercises. Some of the standard postoperative exercises performed following hip replacement surgery are described on University Hospital's website. Instructions are also given for more advanced exercises to be performed at home for strengthening muscles and increasing mobility.

Postoperative Exercises

• Following your surgery, you will be given a series of simple exercises for the leg that was operated upon. You may find them a little difficult at first, but with repetition, they get easier. Your doctor or physical therapist will determine which of the following exercises you are to perform and number of repetitions.

  This simple exercise is designed to enhance circulation and to assist in preventing blood clots while you are in bed; because of its importance, it is repeated often throughout the day. Without lifting your leg, point your foot toward the knee, and then away from the knee. You will also be instructed to do some muscle-strengthening exercises. Several times each day, rotate your ankle by turning your foot toward the opposite leg and then away from it. Keeping your leg straight to prevent rolling, bend your knee by sliding your foot slowly along the bed toward your buttocks and then return it to the starting position.

  An additional muscle-strengthening exercise is performed by sliding your leg out to the side and then back again. You may be given instructions for isometric exercises to assist in tightening your thigh muscle by contracting the muscle and then relaxing it. The next exercise, performed while holding your thigh muscle tight and keeping your leg straight, involves lifting your leg a few inches off the bed, holding the position briefly and then lowering your leg.

Standing Exercises

• Most patients are up and out of bed the day after hip replacement surgery. Once you are steady on your feet, you will begin standing exercises designed to further increase your muscle strength and mobility. As described in the above image, you will be doing front, side and back leg extensions. Your doctor or physical therapist will determine the number of repetitions for each exercise, and the number of times they are to be performed each day. These exercises are done while holding onto something stable like a chair or piece of furniture. Perform the forward extension by slowly raising your leg to the front, hold that position for a few seconds and then return it to the starting position. Next, extend your leg to the side, hold briefly and lower it. When you have finished the forward and side extensions, move your leg backward, hold that position for a few seconds and then return to the starting position.

At-Home Exercises

• Your exercise regimen at home may include the addition of ankle weights or elastic bands with the standing exercises described above. A stationary bicycle may be recommended by your doctor to assist with obtaining additional muscle strength and mobility. Ligaments and muscles keep your hip stable. The stronger your muscles are, the more protection they offer against accidental dislocation of your new hip. However, under no circumstances are you to perform any exercises, or undertake the addition of any new exercises, at home or in the hospital, without first discussing them with your doctor and physical therapist and getting their approval. With proper care, your new hip can last a lifetime.