Hip replacement exercises are designed to help with rehabilitation before and after surgery. Pre-surgery exercises include strengthening the trunk, hip, and legs, while post-surgery exercises include using a CPM machine and general strengthening programs. Gait training is also important, with weight-bearing limitations based on the individual.
Hip replacement exercises are a specific training protocol designed to help with the rehabilitation process necessary before and after surgical restoration of the hips. Performed under the direction of a physical therapist, these exercises aim to restore range of motion and maximize function, while helping to relieve pain.
Before hip replacement surgery, it is important to strengthen the muscles of the trunk, including the hip and legs. Increasing the overall strength of your muscles makes them work to their maximum potential. This helps speed and ease the recovery process.
Pre-surgery strengthening includes general range of motion and stretching of the hip and legs. This can be achieved by doing exercises such as bringing the knee to the chest. Movements from the knee to the chest should be made in a straight plane or towards the shoulder on the same side, and in an angled plane or towards the opposite shoulder. Straight leg raising and pulling the leg away from the body, or leg abduction should also be included in the exercise program.
After surgery, hip replacement exercises typically begin with the application of a constant passive motion, or CPM, machine immediately after the procedure. This electronic device consisting of a leg base and movement mechanism moves the lower leg up and down similar to the knee-to-chest exercise. A CPM can be set to a specific angle or amount of movement. This movement can be adjusted according to pain levels and protocols established by the doctor. This instant mobility helps maintain hip movement without the muscles contracting.
Simple hip replacement exercises can begin several hours after surgery and can include simple activities to increase circulation and general mobility. Exercises can include things like ankle pumps, ankle circles, and isometrics. Isometrics are exercises that tense the muscles but do not cause movement. Pushing the knee down and contracting the thigh is an example of an isometric exercise.
Once medically cleared, the rehabilitation process begins. Hip replacement exercises at this level include a general strengthening program similar to pre-surgery training. It also includes passive hip stretching by a physical therapist to maximize the range of motion of the hip joint. Gait training, also known as ambulation or walking, is also started.
Gait training involves adherence to physician-stated weight-bearing limitations that depend on the individual based on general health and the exact surgical procedure performed. Once normal motion and function is restored, hip replacement exercises can continue for several weeks to improve strength and minimize injury risks.
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