Hip Replacement Surgery Early Exercise Programme
Aim to perform this programme a minimum of once per day unless prescribed otherwise. As with any new exercise, start slowly (repetitions as able) and build up as you are able within the guidelines below.
Pain should not exceed 4/10 whilst completing this exercise programme.
1. Heel slide
- Lay flat on your back or sit supported upright with the legs out straight on a flat, smooth surface – preferably wearing socks to reduce friction.
- Slowly slide your heel along the surface up towards you by bending the knee, ensuring your knee remains in line with the hip and ankle.
- Bring the heel as close to the hip as possible.
- After a 2 second hold, begin straightening the knee by sliding the heel away from you.
2. Hip bridge
- Lie on your back on the floor or bed with your knees bent at 90 degrees and your feet on the floor and your arms down by your side.
- Push your heels down into the floor to gently lift your hips upwards. Lift as high as you feel comfortable but no higher than a straight line between hips, knees and shoulders.
- Hold at the top for 5 seconds.
- Push up as far as you feel comfortable, and pain and stiffness allow.
3. Single leg balance
- Perform this exercise barefoot or in socks, in a clear space near a wall/stable object and on a flat, non-slip surface.
- Shift your weight on to the affected leg then lift the supporting leg slightly off the floor – maintain a slight bend in the standing knee.
- Look down at the knee and focus on balancing whilst keeping the knee in line with the hip and ankle – use the object/wall to prevent yourself falling.
- To progress, try looking straight ahead rather than down at the leg.
We recommend consulting a musculoskeletal physiotherapist to ensure exercises are best suited to your recovery. If you are carrying out an exercise regime without consulting a healthcare professional, you do so at your own risk. If you have any concerns whilst completing these exercises, please contact a healthcare professional.
More Plans
This is the next progression. Here we begin to challenge the muscles around the hip more to increase the strength of these muscles. Pain should not exceed 3/10 on your perceived pain scale whilst completing this exercise programme.
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This programme is a further progression with the aim of returning to more normal strength levels and regaining the ability to do day-to-day tasks. Pain should not exceed 3/10 on your perceived pain scale whilst completing this exercise programme.
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