Patient Education: Hip Replacement

Hospital Recovery and Rehabilitation After Hip Replacement

Exercises will begin as soon as possible to help strengthen your leg muscles and increase your ability to bend your knee. Your balance may seem unsteady at first, but will improve as you progress with walking. 

During your recovery period in the hospital, your recovery team’s goals are to minimize any swelling or pain caused by the surgery, and to start your gentle physical therapy exercises. Your physical therapist will initially teach you exercises that will increase your circulation and will then continue to teach you exercises that will improve your strength and increase your endurance so you can recover more quickly. Your therapist will finally teach you how to properly get out of bed, stand, sit, and walk, so you will be able to do these activities safely on your own. 

Below is a list of common exercises, but it is important that you follow what your physical therapist and doctor feels is right for you. 

EXERCISES FOR INCREASING CIRCULATION AND STRENGTHENING MUSCLES

Exercise both legs everyday or as advised by your physical therapist. To reduce pain and to keep your muscles relaxed, breathe in as you tighten the muscles, and out as you relax them. Breathe normally while you hold a position. 

Calf muscles: Using your ankles to flex, bend your feet toward you and then point them away from you.

Thigh muscles: Press the backs of your knees into the bed by tightening the front of your thighs. Hold for 5 seconds and relax.

Buttocks: Squeeze your buttocks together causing your hips to be lifted slightly off the bed. Hold for 5 seconds, then release.

Hip: use a towel or sling to pull your leg toward you a few inches, sliding your foot along the bed. Slide your foot back down to the starting point. 

EXERCISES FOR BUILDING STRENGTH

Simple exercises can speed your recovery and help you walk unaided sooner. When exercising be sure to hold on to a firm surface. 

Knee Raises: Bend your operated led toward your chest creating an angle no greater than 90 degrees. Out your leg down and repeat motion.

Leg to the Side: Slowly bring your leg out to the side. Be sure your hip, knee, and foot are pointing forward. Keeping the same posture, slowly return your leg to its original position.

Leg to the back: Move your leg backward placing one hand on your lower back to make sure your back is not arching. Return to your original position.

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