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.

Kicking back:

  1. To perform this exercise, you can lie in the bed on the abdomen with legs relaxed and stretched out behind. Draw the leg to be exercised up towards the ceiling to the extent possible.
  2. This exercise helps strengthen the hamstrings muscles on the back of the thigh, which helps with straightening the hip joint.
  3. Once the leg is drawn closest to the maximum possible, hold it for a count of 5, lower it down and relax.
  4. Repeat this pattern for 10 – 15 sets of kicking back exercises.

Seated knee extension:

  1. This exercise strengthens the hamstring muscles on the back of the thigh, which help with straightening the hip, which is important for establishing the range of motion in the hip.
  2. You can sit in the chair with legs relaxed and stretched out in front of you and toes pointing straight forward.
  3. To perform this exercise, draw a foot stool or an ottoman closer and stretch the lower portion of leg to be exercised onto the foot stool or ottoman with the knee hanging between your chair and foot stool.
  4. Make sure the foot stool or ottoman is about the same height as the seat of your chair.
  5. Try reaching out to your toes to the extent possible and stretch the hamstring muscle on the back of your thigh.
  6. Once the leg is as straight as it can be, hold the leg in position for a count of 5, and relax by bending the knee.
  7. If you start experiencing some tension in the hamstring muscle any time during the exercise and is hurting, you can release the tension by gently bending the knee.
  8. Repeat this pattern for 10 – 15 sets of seated knee extension exercises.