Best Exercises After Hip Replacement

Table of Contents

Introduction:

Surgery to replace damaged hip joint parts is known as hip replacement. Hard plastic, metal, and ceramic are typically used to make replacement parts. A prosthesis is an artificial joint that enhances function and lessens pain.

Another name for hip replacement is total hip arthroplasty. If hip discomfort interferes with everyday activities and nonsurgical treatments have failed or are no longer effective, hip replacement may be an alternative. The most frequent cause of hip replacement is arthritis.

The following disorders may affect the hip joint and, in some cases, need hip replacement:

an osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis, often called wear-and-tear arthritis, affects the smooth cartilage that covers the ends of bones and facilitates smooth joint movement.
Rheumatoid arthritis. An overactive immune system is the cause of rheumatoid arthritis, which results in inflammation that can damage underlying bone and cartilage. An overactive immune system is the cause of rheumatoid arthritis, which results in inflammation that can damage underlying bone and cartilage.
Bone degeneration. The bone may collapse and change shape if the ball region of the hip joint receives insufficient blood flow. A dislocation or fracture that stops the blood supply to the bone may cause osteonecrosis.

Indications that a hip replacement may be necessary:

If hip pain makes it difficult for you to perform all of your regular activities, you could require hip replacement surgery. The most prevalent symptoms that could lead you to decide on a hip replacement are severe hip pain, stiffness, and loss of range of motion.

These symptoms can be brought on by any hip-damaging illness or accident. However, the most prevalent kind is hip arthritis.

Types of hip replacements:

Your hip joint may be partially or completely replaced by an orthopedic surgeon:

Complete hip replacement: Your complete hip will be replaced with a prosthetic joint by a surgeon. Both the top of your thigh bone and the socket it fits into will be replaced. The majority of hip replacement procedures include complete hip replacements.
Partial hip replacements are quite uncommon. Only a portion of your hip will be replaced by your surgeon. These are mostly limited to hip repairs and tumor removal.

Why are hip replacement exercises essential?

Even if hip replacement surgery replaces injured joints, it may not always restore your muscle strength or range of motion. Before surgery, many people cut back on their everyday activities because of severe pain, which might eventually result in muscle weakening.

Your muscles will eventually need some time to heal after surgery, but a well-organized hip replacement rehabilitation program can help:

Reduce the chance of blood clots and increase blood flow.
Reduce stiffness and swelling.
Get your muscles stronger again.
Capacity to walk straight and correctly.
Go back to your regular tasks, such as cooking and climbing stairs.

How soon after surgery can you begin your hip replacement exercises?

The day following surgery, it is usually recommended to perform some mild movements. Included in the period of time are

The kind of operation
Surgical method
degree of fitness
Surgical safety measures

Early Post-Operative Exercises:

The following exercises will improve circulation to your feet and legs, which is important for avoiding blood clots. Additionally, they will enhance hip mobility and strengthen your muscles.

As soon as you are able, begin the workouts. Soon after surgery, you can start them in the recovery area. These activities will improve your recuperation and actually lessen your post-operative pain, even though you may initially feel uncomfortable.

Ankle Pumps:

You can perform this workout while sitting or lying down.
Bend at the ankle while you slowly raise and lower your foot.
Do this exercise multiple times, perhaps every five or ten minutes.
Every time a commercial appears on television, you should pump your feet.

Ankle Rotations:

You can perform this workout while sitting or lying down.
Your ankle should be moved both inward and outward in relation to your other foot.
In each direction, repeat five times.
It should take three minutes to complete this workout.
Do three or four workouts each day.

Bed-Supported Knee Bends:

Active knee extension and flexion in supine — Bed-supported knee bend

You perform this workout while lying down.
Bend your knee and keep your heel on the bed as you slide your foot toward your buttocks. Keep your knee from rolling inward.
Ten times.
For five to ten seconds, keep your knee as bent as possible.
Make your leg straight.
It should take three minutes to complete this workout.
Do three or four workouts each day.

Buttock Contractions:

Tighten your buttocks as you’re lying down, then hold the position for five counts.
Do this ten times.
The duration of this exercise is 90 seconds.
Practice three to four times a day.

Abduction Exercise:

Active hip abduction and adduction — abduction exercise

As far as you can, extend your leg to the side before bringing it back.
Do this ten times.
The duration of this exercise is 90 seconds.
Do three to four sessions every day.

Quadriceps Set:

Static Quadriceps exercise — Quadriceps set

Pull your thigh muscles tight. Aim to make your knee straight. For five to ten seconds, hold.
Do this exercise ten times, pause for one minute, and then repeat.
Keep going until your thigh is tired.
This should be a two-minute workout.

Straight Leg Raises:

With your knee completely straight on the bed, contract your thigh muscle.
Raise your leg a few inches. For five to ten seconds, hold.
Lower your leg gradually.
Continue until your thigh is tired.
This should be a two-minute workout.

Standing Knee Raises:

Raise the leg that was lifted up to your chest. Never raise your knee above your waist. Wait two or three counts.
Lift a leg.
Do this ten times.
This should be a three-minute activity.
Practice three to four times a day.

Standing Hip Abduction:

Make sure your foot, knee, and hip are all pointing straight ahead. Maintain a straight posture.
Lift your leg out to the side while keeping your knee straight.
Gradually lower your leg until your foot is back on the floor.
Ten times.
It should take two minutes to complete this activity.
Do three or four workouts each day.

Standing Hip Extensions:

Slowly raise your operated leg back. Make an effort to maintain a straight back. Hold for two or three counts.
Put your foot back on the ground.
Ten times.
It should take two minutes to complete this activity.
Do three or four workouts each day.

Walking:

The best technique to aid with hip recovery is to walk properly. You will initially use crutches or a walker. How much weight to apply to your leg will be determined by your therapist or surgeon.

With your weight equally distributed on your crutches or walker, stand up straight and comfortably.
Reach forward with your operated leg while keeping your knee straight so that the heel of your foot touches the ground first after moving your walker or crutches a short distance.
Your entire foot will land evenly on the floor as you advance, bending your knee and ankle.
Your toe will rise off the ground as you finish the step, and your hip and knee will bend to allow you to reach forward for the next one. Keep in mind to lift your toes off the ground after flattening your foot and touching your heel.
Try to walk as rhythmically as you can. Take your time. To walk in an even pattern, change your pace and step length as needed.
You may walk more and progressively put more weight on your leg as your muscle strength and endurance increase.
When you can walk and stand for longer than ten minutes, and your leg is strong enough to not support any weight on your walker or crutches, you can start using a single crutch or cane. Using the hand opposite the side of your surgery, hold the assistance.

Stair Climbing and Descending:

Climbing stairs is a great way to build strength and endurance, but it also calls for flexibility.

You can only walk one step at a time at first and will require a handrail for support. Always use your good leg to lead up the steps and your operated leg to lead down. Keep in mind that up with the good and down with the bad.
Until you have recovered the majority of your strength and mobility, you might want to have assistance with stairs.
Always utilize a railing for balance and avoid attempting to climb steps higher than the recommended height of seven inches.
You can start climbing stairs foot over foot as your strength and mobility increase.

Advanced Workouts and Activities

Your hip muscles have been weakened by the discomfort from your hip issues before surgery as well as the pain and swelling that followed. Additionally, because your hip was immobile before complete hip replacement, the muscles surrounding it were short and taut. Your muscles will need time to recondition and adjust to your new, free-moving hip, and a full recovery will take several months. Your hip muscles will fully recover with the following exercises and activities.

Perform these exercises four times a day, with 10 repetitions each. Attach the other end of the tubing to an immovable object, like a large piece of furniture or a locked door, then wrap one end of the tubing around the ankle of your operated leg. For balance, cling to a chair or bar.

Elastic Tube Exercises:

Resistive Hip Flexion:

Place your feet apart.
While keeping your knee straight, extend your operated leg forward.
Let your leg return to its normal position.

Resistive Hip Abduction:

Position yourself sideways from the door where the plastic tubing is attached.
You should stretch your operated leg sideways.
Let your leg go back to where it started.

Resistive Hip Extensions:

Turn to face the door that the tubing is attached to.
Straighten your leg back.
Let your leg return to its normal position.

Avoid These 9 Activities after a Hip Replacement Surgery:

Don’t Cross Your Legs at Your Knees
Prevent Flexion After 90 Degrees
Don’t Lean Forward When Sitting
Stay clear of pigeon-toed
Avoid picking up objects from the floor when seated.
Stay clear of repetitive, high-impact tasks.
Don’t Rotate Your Foot Too Much Inward or Outward
Stay clear of twisting.
Stay clear of reaching down to raise blankets in bed.

FAQs:

What three things should be avoided after hip replacement surgery?

Following hip replacement surgery, you need to stay away from twisting or pivoting your upper body while keeping your foot planted, crossing your legs at the knees or ankles, and bending your hip past 90 degrees (such as when sitting on low seats or using the restroom). The new ball-and-socket joint won’t pop out of place while it heals if these movements are avoided.

How to speed up recovery after hip replacement?

Within hours or days following hip replacement surgery, begin walking and performing recommended physical therapy activities to ensure a speedy and safe recovery. Eat a diet high in protein, utilize assistive aids to prevent falls, adhere to your surgeon’s activity recommendations, and strike a balance between regular, mild movement and adequate rest.

Can I sleep with my legs bent after hip replacement?

Only if you keep your hip angle safely below 90 degrees and avoid crossing or twisting your knees can you sleep with your legs bent. The majority of surgeons advise either sleeping on your unoperated side with supportive pillows or on your back with a pillow between your knees.

What is the hardest part of hip replacement recovery?

Managing the severe early post-operative pain and stiffness during the first few days, along with the mental aggravation of limited mobility, disturbed sleep, and the laborious physical therapy requirements, is typically the hardest aspect of hip replacement recovery for most people.

When can I sleep on my side after hip replacement surgery?

After a hip replacement, sleeping on your back with a pillow between your legs or on your unoperated side with solid support is the best option. For at least six to twelve weeks, avoid sleeping on your stomach or crossing your legs, depending on the particular precautions your doctor recommends.

Which muscles are most affected in hip replacement?

Depending largely on the surgical technique employed, the hip abductors, especially the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, as well as the deep external rotators and gluteus maximus, are usually the most severely damaged and recover the slowest after a hip replacement.

Does walking reduce swelling after hip replacement?

Yes, walking improves blood flow and activates muscular pumps that force fluid out of the leg, which helps minimize swelling following a hip replacement. But if you walk or stand too much, it might potentially momentarily worsen swelling.

References:

Learmonth, I. D., Young, C., & Rorabeck, C. (2007). The operation of the century: total hip replacement. The Lancet, 370(9597), 1508–1519. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(07)60457-7
Fitzpatrick, R., Shortall, E., Sculpher, M., Murray, D., Morris, R., Lodge, M., Dawson, J., Carr, A., Britton, A., & Briggs, A. (1998). Primary total hip replacement surgery: a systematic review of outcomes and modelling of cost-effectiveness associated with different prostheses. PubMed, 2(20), 1–64. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10103353
McDonald, S., Page, M. J., Beringer, K., Wasiak, J., & Sprowson, A. (2014). Preoperative education for hip or knee replacement. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2015(9), CD003526. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd003526.pub3
Wainwright, T. W., Gill, M., McDonald, D. A., Middleton, R. G., Reed, M., Sahota, O., Yates, P., & Ljungqvist, O. (2019). Consensus statement for perioperative care in total hip replacement and total knee replacement surgery: Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society recommendations. Acta Orthopaedica, 91(1), 3–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/17453674.2019.1683790
Hurley, M., Dickson, K., Hallett, R., Grant, R., Hauari, H., Walsh, N., Stansfield, C., & Oliver, S. (2018). Exercise interventions and patient beliefs for people with hip, knee or hip and knee osteoarthritis: a mixed methods review. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 4, CD010842. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd010842.pub2