Regaining Mobility After Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement or total hip arthroplasty is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or diseased hip joint is replaced. The procedure is typically recommended for individuals experiencing severe hip pain or loss of mobility due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), avascular necrosis, or a hip fracture. During the procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged hip joint and installs a prosthetic joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic components. The prosthetic joint replicates the natural movement and function of the hip, allowing the patient to regain mobility and reduce pain. Total hip replacement surgery is a major procedure that requires a period of recovery and rehabilitation. With these 4 exercises, patients can regain mobility in the hip joint after total hip replacement surgery.

1. Abduction and adduction

Hip abduction and adduction exercises are essential for increasing mobility and strength in the hip joint after surgery. These exercises are designed to target the muscles that support the hip joint, including the glutes, hip flexors, and adductors. To perform hip abduction exercises, the patient must lie on the side with the affected leg on top. Keeping the knee straight, lift the leg upward, away from the body, and hold for a few seconds before lowering back down. For adduction exercises, lie on the side with the unaffected leg on top, lift the affected leg upward, towards the body’s midline, and hold for a few seconds before lowering the leg back down.

2. Try glute bridges

Another great exercise for strengthening the glute muscles, which play a crucial role in hip mobility, is glute bridges. To perform this exercise, lie on the back with the knees bent and feet flat on the ground. Lift the hips towards the ceiling, squeezing the glutes at the top of the movement, and then lower the hips back down.

3. Seated leg raises work

Patients can also try seated leg raises to target the hip flexor muscles, which can become tight and weak after surgery. To perform this exercise, sit on a chair with the back straight and feet flat on the ground. Lift the affected leg straight out in front, keeping the knee straight, and hold for a few seconds before lowering the leg back down.

4. Don’t forget to step-up

A fantastic exercise for improving overall hip mobility and strength is step-ups. To perform this exercise, stand in front of a step or bench and place the affected foot on top of it. Step up onto the bench, bring the other foot up, and then step back down. Perform as many repetitions as recommended by the physical therapist or doctor.

Restore your mobility

Regaining mobility after total hip replacement surgery is critical to the recovery process. These exercises target the muscles that support the hip joint and can help improve overall hip mobility and strength. However, consulting a doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercise program is vital to ensure the exercises are safe.