The first 2 weeks...
A rehabilitation program is an important part of the recovery after hip replacement. As you gain strength and confidence in your leg, you will transition from using a walker to a cane and then typically walk unassisted by three to four weeks.
This post-operative protocol is a general guideline that you can follow to ensure that you are progressing properly after your surgery. Remember that every person is different, and your specific progression through the protocol may be faster or slower.
Do not overdo the exercises or push to get further ahead. It can slow down your recovery or do harm. Slow and steady...
1Ankle Pumps
How: Lie down on your back or sit in a chair. Pull your toes up toward your head then point your toes down. You can do this exercise with both ankles at the same time, or separately.
How often: During the first 2 weeks after surgery, repeat this motion 10 times an hour. This will help decrease swelling in your legs.
2Quadriceps Sets
How: Lie down on your back or with your back supported and leg out straight. Tighten the muscles in your thigh and press the back of your knee into the bed. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds if able. Do this exercise with each leg.
How often: Work up to 10 reps, 3 times a day.
3Gluteal Sets
How: Lie down on your back or sit in a chair. Squeeze your buttocks together tightly. Your hips should raise slightly. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat.
How often: Work up to 10 reps, 3 times a day.
4Heel Slides
How: Lie down on your back with your leg straight. Bend your knee and slide your heel up toward your buttocks, then slide your heel back down. Don’t lift your heel off of the bed. Don’t let your knee roll inward. Do this exercise with each leg.
How often: Work up to 10 reps, 3 times a day.
5Bent Knee Fallouts
How: Lie down on your back. Slowly bend your knee as in heel slide exercise above. Slowly and with control, rotate leg outward until gentle stretch is felt. Bring leg back to midline then slightly rotate inward. Return to midline and slowly lower knee back down to bed.. Do this exercise with each leg.
How often: Work up to 10 reps, 3 times a day.
6Terminal Knee Extensions
How: Lie down on your back. Place a rolled up towel, pillow, foam roller, or ball under your knee. Tighten your thigh and lift your heel up off of the bed to straighten your knee while keeping the back of your knee on the towel roll. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds if able. Do this exercise with each leg.
How often: Work up to 10 reps, 3 times a day.
Settle Into a Routine
- Set aside time 3 times a day to do the exercises.
- You may find that you will have to work up to doing the exercises to the reccomended amount.
- Walk a little and change positions every hour that you are awake so you don't get stiff.
- You can ice the area around your incision and thigh for 30 minutes after you finish the exercises if the area feels sore.
- Elevate your knee and leg above the level of your heart 3 times a day for 30 minutes at a time to reduce swelling in your leg.
Tips
- Whenever you are sitting or transferring in or out of a seated position, keep your knees seperated about shoulder width and toes turned out slightly.
- Always choose a chair that has a firm, high, seat with arm supports.
- Keep your knees at the level or lower than your hips when seated.
- Get out of bed by moving as one unit.
- Do not bend at the waist to pick up an object on the floor in the early period following surgery. Your therapist will show you how to do tasks like this safely.
- Use a walker until you feel safe, comfortable, and confident enough to use a cane. Your physical therapist will help you make the transition. Only use a cane when you can do so without a limp and without increasing pain.
- Gradually increase light activity; No strenuous work, excessive bending, squatting or lifting for a few weeks.
You will have an opportunity to meet with a physical therapist before your surgery date. They will review the key points in this guide and answer any questions you have. You can also reach out to our office with any questions along the way.
Contents Your Recovery Hip Rehab Full Program