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Total Hip Replacement Exercise Guide: Postoperative Information
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Postoperative exercises

Your exercises are a very important part of your recovery.

Range of Motion

  • Hold each exercise for 5 seconds, repeat 10-15 times
  • Repeat 2-3 times per day

1. Hip bending

Hip bending

  • With the help of a towel/sheet bend your knee and bring your operated leg toward your chest, keeping your other leg flat to the bed
  • When you cannot go any further on your own, use your hands/towel to pull your thigh towards your chest until you feel a gentle stretch
  • Repeat on both legs

2. Hip abduction

Hip abduction

  • Tighten thigh muscle and slide the operated leg sideways in bed with the help of a sheet if needed
  • Keep your kneecap and toes pointing up towards the ceiling
  • Do not lift your leg off the bed

Strengthening Exercises

  • Perform slow and controlled movements, no need to hold the position
  • Repeat each exercise 10-15 times, 2-3 times per day

3. Bridge

  • Lie on your back with your knees bent (about 90 degrees)
  • Squeeze your buttocks and lift your buttocks off the bed

4. Squat

Squat exercise example

  • Stand in front of a chair/sink and keep equal weight through both feet
  • Keep your toes pointing forwards
  • Bend your knees and stick your buttocks out
  • Lower your buttocks down slowly and with control, using hand support if needed
  • If using a chair, lower all the way down into sitting
  • Do not allow your knees to go ahead of your toes

5. Standing hip abduction

Standing Hip Abduction

  • Hold onto a counter for balance
  • Move your operated leg out to the side while standing tall
  • Keep your hips level and upper body straight
  • Do not hike your hip. Try to keep your foot slightly off the floor
  • Keep your toes pointing forward
  • Alternate legs

6. Marching in standing

Marching in standing demonstration

  • Hold onto a counter for support
  • Bend your operated hip and lift your knee up towards your chest
  • Keep your back straight and ensure that you are not rocking from side to side
  • Alternate legs
  • Helpful Tip: perform this exercise in front of a mirror