Safe Exercises for Knee & Hip Rehabilitation

Hip replacement surgery is an operation that is done to replace damaged bones and cartilage in the hip with prosthetic ones. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recommends that patients who have had this operation begin exercising soon after, in order to improve circulation in their legs and prevent blood clots.

Ankle Pumps

Exercises that can be done at home to boost blood flow include ankle pumps. To do this exercise lie on your back with your feet spread slightly apart and slowly push them up and down several times. Take a break and then repeat the pumping motions several times during the day.

Ankle Rotations

Ankle rotations are other exercises which can be done immediately after the operation. This exercise involves moving the ankle inward toward the other foot and outward away from it.

Hip Abduction Exercises

Hip abduction exercises can also be done right after the operation. To do this exercise, slide one leg to the side as far as you can and then slide it back inwards toward the other leg. Ten repetitions can be done on each side three times a day.

Hip Extensions

According to the US National Library of Medicine, exercises that can be done to strengthen the leg muscles and make the hip joint more flexible include hip extensions. To do this exercise, lie down on your back and tighten your butt muscles for ten seconds. Relax the muscles and repeat ten times thrice a day.

Quad Sets

Massachusetts General Hospital recommends quad sets since they strengthen the quadriceps muscles without straining the replaced hip joint. To do this exercise, lie on your back with your legs straight. Tighten the quads on the front of the thigh as you push the knee down. Hold for 5 seconds and relax the muscles. Do 10 repetitions three times a day on each side.

Long Arc Knee Extensions

Long arc knee extensions are other safe exercises that can be done at home after hip replacement surgery to help a patient rehabilitate. To do this exercise sit on a chair and raise one foot forward until the knee is straight. Hold for five seconds and slowly lower it while bending the knee as far as you can. Preform one set of ten repetitions three times a day on each side.

Written by: Marian Kim, Rust Built, Marketing Services

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