Patient/caregiver was instructed upon exercises to help prepare for hip joint replacement surgery as follows:

  1. Pain in the joint can be a deterrent for participation in the exercise schedule. Taking a pain medication 30 minutes before the exercise schedule can help with better pain control and improved compliance with therapy.
  2. Placing an ice pack on the hip joint for 30 minutes before and after the therapy session can add to control of pain and swelling in the joint.
  3. These sets of exercises to strengthen the hip are to be performed 3 – 4 times every day. Fix scheduled time slots during your day to perform your hip exercises.
  4. Individuals strengthening their muscles around the hip joint before surgery can have an easier and faster recovery from the hip replacement surgery.
  5. Based on the condition of the hip and other coexisting factors, limitations could be recommended on performance of some exercises in some individuals. Check with your physician and therapist for any limitations recommended before performing these exercises.

Side lying leg lift:

  1. This exercise strengthens the bottom or hip muscles.
  2. To perform this exercise, you can lay in the bed on to the side of good hip.
  3. Rest your upper arm to your side.
  4. Then, tighten the thigh muscles and move your bad hip away from the other leg.
  5. After moving the bad hip to the farthest you possibly can, hold the position for 5 seconds, and bring the hip back close to the other leg.
  6. Repeat this pattern for 10 – 15 sets of side lying leg lift.

Seated knee flexion:

  1. This exercise strengthens quadriceps muscle, the big muscle on the front of the thigh.
  2. This muscle helps with flexing or bending the hip during walking, running, standing to sitting posture, climbing stairs, jumping, and squatting.
  3. You can sit in the chair with legs relaxed and stretched out in front of you and toes pointing straight forward.
  4. To perform this exercise, draw the leg to be exercised back against the floor closer to the chair to the extent possible.
  5. Once the leg is closest to the edge of the chair, hold it for a count of 5, stretch the leg out and relax.
  6. Then you can repeat the task by bringing the leg closer to edge of chair, holding it for a count of 5, and then stretching the leg out again.
  7. Repeat this pattern for 10 – 15 sets of seated knee flexion exercises.