Hip replacement surgery is a major procedure with an extensive recovery time. Immediately following your surgery, your orthopaedic specialists and physical therapists may recommend specific exercises to help you regain strength in the affected joint and to increase the blood flow to your hip. These exercises can be done without needing help getting from the bed. 

Knee Bending Exercises

Lay flat on the bed with your legs straight. Lift your knee and keep your heel on the bed so that your foot slides backward toward your body. Keep your toes pointing upward. Do not allow your bending knee to tilt inward as it moves. 

Ankle Rotation Exercises

Extend your legs in front of you and keep your toes pointing upward. Rotate your foot so that your toes make circular movements. Keep your toes going around and around several times. 

Ankle Pump Exercises

Start with your leg extended in front of you and keep your toes pointed toward the ceiling. Move your foot so that your toes are pointed toward the wall in front of you, then point your toes back toward the ceiling. Pump your foot in this way several times, up and down. 

Buttock Squeeze Exercises

Lay flat on the bed. Squeeze the muscles in your buttocks so that your bottom feels hard and tight. Hold the position for several seconds, then release the muscles and relax your legs. Repeat this process several times.

Hip Abduction Exercises

Lay back flat with your hands on your abdomen and point your toes upward. Move your legs outward so that the knees are straight and the legs are extended in a V shape. Push your legs back in so that they form a straight line. Keep your toes pointing upward through this process. Repeat this process several times. 

Safety Tips Regarding Exercises

These exercises will likely feel uncomfortable, especially immediately following the surgery. Your muscles may be stiff and sore, and you may have bruising in the area around the surgical site. This is expected. However, these exercises should not involve excessive pain, swelling or bruising. If you display any of these symptoms, stop performing the exercises and contact your orthopaedic specialist immediately.

Your doctors and specialists, like those at Martin Medical Center, may make specific recommendations about which exercises to complete, how often and how many times. This combination of exercises may change as you begin to strengthen your muscles. Work carefully with your orthopaedic specialists and physical therapists to help ensure a successful recovery.