Patient/caregiver was instructed upon exercises to help prepare for hip joint replacement surgery as follows:
- 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.
- 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.
- Individuals strengthening their muscles around the hip joint before surgery can have an easier and faster recovery from the hip replacement surgery.
- 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.
Armchair pushup exercises:
- After having a hip replacement surgery, individuals will be recommended crutch or walker use. Use of crutch or walker needs upper body strength to offload weight from the bad hip on to the assistive device.
- Also, the patients need upper body strength to help themselves get in and out of bed and lifting themselves up from the toilet.
- Practicing armchair pushups strengthen your upper body and help prepare yourself for the hip replacement surgery.
- Chairs with too low seats can be hard on the hips and aggravate the pain. Make sure the seat of the chair is a little high up, to help an easy lift.
- The seat of the chair must be at least 2 inches higher than the back of the hip. You can use some firm blankets to elevate the chair seat to the desired level.
- To perform this exercise, sit in the chair, slide to edge of the chair, lean forward, and slowly lift your bottom up from the chair by pushing against the armrests.
- Upon reaching the maximum lift your arms can push for, slowly return to the seated position using your arms against the armrests as control.
- Repeat this pattern for 10 – 15 sets of armchair pushup exercises.
Standing single-leg balance exercise:
- This exercise helps with improving the balance, which is important for fall prevention and establish independence with safe ADL performance after surgery.
- To perform this exercise, you can stand against a solid piece of furniture or a countertop.
- Do not rely upon your assistive device for support during performance of this exercise, as they could be unstable and contribute to a fall. Then, taking the support of the countertop with both hands, try standing only on your bad leg for 30 seconds or until your endurance allows. Then, stand normally on both feet for stabilization for 30 seconds and repeat the exercise for a total of 3 sets.
