Total Hip Replacement Post-Op Exercises
Why is physical therapy after a total hip replacement surgery important?
Regaining your range of motion and strength after total hip replacement surgery is critical to regaining your ability to do the things that are important to you. You will start the following exercise program very soon after your surgery. Your physical therapist will help you with the exercises initially and you will be expected to continue the exercises as instructed. As you recover, some exercises will be discontinued and others may be added. Please let your therapist or surgeon know if you are having difficulty with your exercises.
Circulation Exercise: Ankle Pumps
Lie on your back. Gently point and pull ankle of your surgical leg by pumping foot up and down.
- Repeat 10 times (1 set).
- Do 1 set every hour that you are awake and continue until you have returned to your normal level of activity.
Ankle Pumps
Circulation Exercise: Quadriceps Sets
Lie on your back with your legs straight. Tighten your thigh muscle by pushing your knee down into the bed. Do NOT hold your breath.
- Repeat 10 times (1 set).
- Do 2 sets a day.
Quadriceps Sets
Circulation Exercise: Gluteal Sets (buttock)
Lie on your back with your legs straight. Squeeze buttock together and tighten buttocks muscles. Do NOT hold your breath.
- Repeat 10 times (1 set).
- Do 2 sets a day.
Gluteal Sets
Heel Slides
Lie on your back. Bend your surgical knee by sliding your heel toward your buttocks.
- Repeat 10 times (1 set).
- Do 2 sets a day.
You may be instructed to pull on a bed sheet hooked around your foot to help you slide your heel.
Heel Slides
Short Arc Quads
Lie on your back with a towel rolled under your knee. Slowly straighten your surgical knee by lifting your foot up while keeping your thigh on the roll.
- Repeat 10 times (1 set).
- Do 2 sets a day.
Short Arc Quads
Sitting Knee Flexion
Sit with a towel under your surgical leg(s). Your feet should be flat on the floor. Slide one foot back, bending your surgical knee. Hold for 5 seconds, then slide your foot forward.
- Repeat 10 times (1 set).
- Do 2 sets a day.
Sitting Knee Flexion
Seated Knee Extension
Straighten your surgical leg.
- Repeat 10 times (1 set).
- Do 2 sets a day.
Seated Knee Extension
