Total Hip Replacement Pre- and Post-Surgery Exercise Instructions

Pre-Surgery Preparation:

Before undergoing total hip replacement surgery, it’s beneficial to engage in basic strengthening and stretching exercises to optimize your outcomes. Here are some exercises you can practice at home:

1. Active Hip Flexion:
   • Stand straight, holding onto a wall for support.
   • Lift your affected leg in front of you as far as comfortably possible, ensuring not to exceed a 90-degree angle with your torso.
   • Maintain proper posture without leaning your body.
   • Return to the starting position.
2. Active Hip Abduction:
   • Stand straight, using a wall for support.
   • Lift your affected leg sideways as far as comfortably possible while keeping it straight.
   • Avoid leaning your body.
   • Return to the starting position.
3. Active Hip Extension:
   • Stand straight, using a wall for support.
   • Extend your affected leg backward as far as comfortably possible while keeping it straight.
   • Maintain proper posture without leaning your body.
   • Return to the starting position.
4. Bridge:
   • Lie on your back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor.
   • Tighten your buttock muscles and lift your hips into a bridge position, keeping them up and level throughout the movement.
   • Ensure your spine remains neutral, while your neck and shoulders stay relaxed.
   • Control the movement as you lower back down.

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation:

After surgery, early mobilization and exercise are crucial for a successful recovery. Follow these instructions:

• Standing and Walking:
  • Begin standing and walking as soon as advised by your medical team, typically on the day of surgery.
  • Use a rollator frame or elbow crutches for support, if necessary.
  • Avoid crossing your legs, twisting your hip, or bending it past 90 degrees.
• Walking Up Stairs:
  • Hold onto a rail and use elbow crutches as needed.
  • Ascend by placing your good leg on the step first, followed by the other leg, and then your crutches.
  • Repeat this sequence for each step until reaching the top.
• Walking Down Stairs:
  • Hold onto a rail and use elbow crutches as needed.
  • Descend by placing your crutches on the step first, followed by your weakest leg, and then the other leg.
  • Repeat this sequence for each step until reaching the bottom.

Adhering to these exercise instructions, both before and after surgery, can help optimize your recovery and improve your hip function in the long run. If any exercise causes increased pain or inflammation, discontinue it and consult your healthcare provider. Aim to perform each exercise 10 times, up to three times a day, unless otherwise advised.