A New Lease On Life
More than 300,000 men and women get total hip replacement each year. This is a big occasion as the patient will finally have less pain and more mobility. A surgeon can perform a total joint hip replacement for arthritis or a damaged hip. However, surgery is only part of the process. The patient must then go through the proper recovery process, which includes exercise.
It’s time for recovery with exercise
Total hip replacement takes about 3-6 months for a full recovery. This is also dependent on factors like age, weight, and underlying medical conditions. Rest is important, but exercise is a critical part of recovery. This helps the patient get accustomed to the new hip. Exercise also strengthens the surrounding bones and increases flexibility day by day. To give recovery a much-needed boost, try these 4 exercises to help with total hip replacement.
1. Try a hip abduction
Hip abduction exercises help build flexibility. These can be done using a sturdy surface or with a walker. To perform the activity, stand straight using a sturdy object to maintain a good balance. Then slowly move the leg with the hip replacement out to the side. Make sure to move the leg only. Keep the pelvis and torso straight. Bring the leg back to the starting position for 1 rep. Don’t rotate the toes outward. Do the exercise for 10-15 times on each leg, 3 times daily.
2. Get a hip extension
The hip extension provides the same effect but in the opposite direction. Use the same steady surface or walker to maintain balance. Then slowly move the leg backward, as far as possible. Do not bend the torso or pelvis forward. Keep as straight as possible, looking straight ahead. Once the leg is extended, then return to the starting position. Complete the exercise on each leg for 10-15 times, 3 times daily.
3. Standing strong with calf raises
Calf raises strengthen the lower leg and increase the load on the new replacement. When done daily, the exercise improves strength and mobility over the long-term. Stand straight, holding on to a wall or table. The goal is to stand on the tips of the toes for 3-5 seconds. Then repeat this movement for 10-15 times. To improve the effectiveness of the exercise, when coming down, roll the ankle to stand on the heels. Keep alternating from tiptoes to heels.
4. Try some leg raises
Leg raises can improve the strength of the new hip joint. Patients can do the routine in bed. Lay flat on the back with both legs straight. Bend the knee on the non-operated leg. Then slowly raise the leg with the operated hip. Raise the leg as high as possible, keeping the knee and toes straight. Then bring back the leg to rest. Repeat the exercise for 10 reps, 3 times weekly. This is an advanced exercise. Speak to a doctor for further advice.
The key to faster recovery
Total hip replacements can help restore mobility and quality of life. However, the real benefits come out in recovery. By completing these simple exercises consistently, hip replacement patients get stronger and stronger. Try adding these exercises to any recovery regimen outlined by a doctor or physical therapist. For more information about recovery from joint replacement surgery, speak with an orthopedic surgeon.
Recent Posts
Will I Need Assistance At Home Following Carpal Tunnel Surgery?
Carpal tunnel can be debilitating and sometimes requires surgery. Most people need some assistance at home during recovery.
Post-Operative Precautions Following Ear Tube Placement
Post-operative precautions after ear tube surgery are important. Taking medications and attending follow-up visits can help with recovery.
The Problems A Deviated Septum Can Cause: When To Schedule Your Septoplasty
A deviated septum occurs when the bony structure separating the nostrils is crooked. Problems can often be helped by septoplasty.
Being Pain Free: Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections For Relief
Chronic back or neck pain can benefit from transforaminal epidural steroid injections. The quick procedure can provide pain-free relief.
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Everyone was friendly and the place was very clean.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Efficiency of the staff. Courteous, friendly and caring attitude. Excellent office staff. Pleasant surroundings.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“The nurses were very nice and caring!”
“I can’t say enough about Marcia and the entire team. The care I received was well beyond anything I could have expected.”
“Anesthesia staff was outstanding!”
“Rebecca was amazing. I have always had trouble in the past with getting an IV started. I told Rebecca I was concerned about it. She got it on the 1st try – no digging in my arm and NO bruising the next day.”
“All staff were wonderful.”
“The staff was very polite, they were excellent. They explained exactly what was going on.”
“Entire staff was knowledgeable and courteous. They genuinely cared for my well being and made sure my wife and I were taken care of.”
“NO wait time, RN Rebecca answered all questions prior to my visit by phone and again answered all questions and concerns while prepping me.”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“The staff was great, especially Mary and Marcia. Marcia was extremely helpful post-op and made sure I was comfortable and well-cared for.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Dr. Tupper was amazing! He spent time explaining exactly what he was doing, what I would experience and made sure I was comfortable.”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“I liked that it was so clean. Every staff member was pleasant and easy to talk with.”
“No severe pain – Just a little discomfort – I was asked several times during procedure if I was OK – they showed genuine concern for my well being.”
“The STAFF from the moment you walk in were the nicest people I’ve encountered at a medical facility.”
“Incredibly professional, friendly and confidence of knowing their roles as healthcare employees. Excellent!”
“Everyone was friendly and concerned about my comfort. They frequently asked how I was doing, or if I needed something.”
“Amazing nurses, very caring and friendly and put both me and my son at ease.”
“Experience was amazing. The nurses my son needed at this time couldn’t have been chosen any more perfect. They were supportive and understanding, patient and just great human beings.THANK YOU KINDLY ”
“Marcia and staff were excellent and genuinely cared for my well being. Wish I could have taken them home.”
“Dr. Best…is the best!”
“Everyone was concerned with my comfort.”
“Dr. Dedhia made everything clear and even scheduled an early follow-up appt so I could get back to work sooner.”
