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. Walking: Walking helps improve weightbearing and promote strength & balance in the surgical joint. Try walking around your house for at least 5 times a day to start off. Do not over do on the exercise and perform the task only as your endurance allows. Having a companion/caregiver during the walk can help extra assistance and fall prevention. In the initial post-surgical phase it could be difficult to walk longer. As the strength and balance in the surgical lower limb progressively improve, you can slowly improve on the duration of walk and the number of repetitions to 10 times around the house. Observe compliance with use of your recommended assistive device during the walk.
2. Standing heel and toe raises: This exercise mainly strengthens the calf muscles and helps improving balance and weight bearing tolerance after joint replacement surgeries on lower extremities. These exercises also help with decreasing edema in the lower extremities, improving circulation, and reducing risk for clot formation after joint replacement surgeries on lower extremities. These exercises are better performed taking the support of some stable surfaces, such as, kitchen countertop or study table. To perform heel raises, hold on to the kitchen countertop for support and lift your heels off the ground to the extent possible. Upon reaching your maximum height on heel raise, bring your heel back to rest on the ground. To perform toe raises, hold on to the kitchen countertop for support and lift your toes off the ground to the extent possible. Upon reaching your maximum height on toe raise, bring your toes back to rest on the ground. Do not try to lean back or rock back while performing toe raises, as this can lead to loss of balance and result in a fall. Repeat this pattern for 10 – 15 sets of standing heel and toe raise exercises.