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. Standing hip abduction and adduction: This exercise strengthens the bottom or hip muscles. 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, move your exercising hip away from the other leg. This movement is called abduction. After abducting the exercising hip to the farthest you possibly can, hold the position for 5 seconds, and bring the hip back to the center and close to the other leg. This movement bringing the leg back to the center is called adduction. Repeat this pattern for 10 – 15 sets of abduction and adduction.
  2. Side lying leg lift: This exercise strengthens the bottom or hip muscles. To perform this exercise, you can lay in the bed on to your non-surgical side. Rest your upper arm (arm on the surgical side) to your side. Then, tighten the thigh muscles and move your surgical hip away from the other leg. After moving the surgical hip to the farthest you possibly can, hold the position for 5 seconds, and bring the hip back close to the other leg. Repeat this pattern for 10 – 15 sets of side lying leg lift.