Patient/caregiver was instructed upon exercises to help after hip replacement surgery as follows:

Pain in the surgical joint can be a deterrent for participation in the therapy session. Taking a pain medication 30 minutes before the exercise schedule can help with better pain control and improved compliance with therapy.

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.

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.

Based on the condition of the surgical 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.

1. Long arc quad exercises: This exercise strengthens quadriceps muscle, the big muscle on the front of the thigh. This muscle helps with flexing or bending the hip during walking, running, standing to sitting posture, climbing stairs, jumping, and squatting. You can sit on the edge of a bed or on any firm surface, with legs dangling down and the knees bent. In this position, lift the lower leg up and straighten the knee. Once the knee is straight, hold the limb in the same position for a count of 5 seconds. After 5 seconds, you can bend the knee and relax for 5 seconds. Then you can repeat the task by lifting the lower leg up, straightening the knee, holding the limb in position for a count of 5 seconds, and then relaxing by bending the knee for 5 seconds. Repeat this pattern for 10 – 15 sets of long arc quad exercises.
2. Standing hip extension: This exercise helps with straightening the hip, which is important for establishing the range of motion in the hip. These exercises are better performed taking the support of some stable surfaces, such as, kitchen countertop or study table. To perform this exercise, you will stand up on your good leg and draw the surgical leg upward and backward. Once the leg is drawn upward and backward close to the maximum you possibly can, hold it for a count of 5, and relax by bringing the leg back to rest on the ground with some weightbearing. Then you can repeat the task by drawing the surgical leg upward and backward, holding it for a count of 5 at the maximum draw, and then relaxing by bringing the leg to rest on the ground. Repeat this pattern for 10 – 15 sets of standing hip extension exercises.