Total hip replacement home exercise program

Exercise is very important following hip replacement surgery. You will need to exercise at least two times a day to get your new hip in good working order.

Do the following exercises twice a day lying on a firm surface. Do only the exercises marked by your therapist. Begin with ____ repetitions and increase to ____ repetitions as tolerated. Remember not to hold your breath while exercising.

1. Short Arc Quads: Lie on your back with a rolled up towel or pillow under your knee. Slowly straighten knee and lift your heel off the bed while maintaining contact with the towel roll. Hold for a count of 5, then lower gently.

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2. Heel Slides: Lie on your back with legs straight. Bend your knee by sliding your heel toward your buttocks as far as possible. Straighten, relax and repeat.

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3. Knee Extension/Flexion (Sitting): Sitting on a firm chair, straighten knee. Hold 5 counts. Slowly bend knee as far as possible. Hold 5 counts. Relax. Repeat.

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4. Hip Abduction: Lie on your back with your legs straight. Slowly slide your leg out to the side and then back in. REMEMBER -- do not slide your leg too far inward!

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5. Ankle Pumps: With your legs straight, bend your feet up toward your face and then point your feet away from your face.

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6. Quad Sets: Lie on your back with your knees straight. Tighten up the top of your thighs by pressing the back of your knees into the bed. Hold the contraction for a count of 5. Relax. Repeat.

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7. Gluteal Sets: Lie on your back with your legs straight. Squeeze your buttocks together. Hold for 5 counts. Relax. Repeat.

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