Safe Hip Replacement Exercises: Your Guide to Faster Recovery
Hip replacement exercises help you heal faster by improving strength, flexibility, and movement. They reduce pain, prevent stiffness, and boost blood flow. Doing these exercises regularly will help you get back to doing what you love. Explore expert tips, exercises, and recovery stories for a smooth hip replacement recovery.
Why Hip Replacement Exercises Matter
Exercises after hip replacement surgery play a very important role in the recovery journey. Once the surgery is successful, regular exercises help monitor mobility and ensure proper healing. Neglecting the right post-surgery care can slow down recovery or even worsen the condition over time.
Without proper rehabilitation, the body’s natural hip function may never fully return, eventually leading to the need for additional surgery. That’s why staying active, even gently at first, is required for successful recovery.
.jpg)
Who Needs Hip Replacement Surgery?
Not everyone needs a hip replacement, but it is often recommended for people who experience severe pain or trouble moving because of problems with the hip joint. Some common reasons someone might need a hip replacement include:
• Osteoarthritis: In osteoarthritis, the cartilage that protects the bones in the hip joint wears away, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: This is a condition where the body’s immune system attacks the joints, causing inflammation and pain in the hip joint.
• Hip Fractures: If a person has a severe hip fracture that doesn’t heal properly, they may need a hip replacement. Following the procedure, doctors recommend hip replacement exercises to improve mobility and strength.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: After an injury, like a bad fall or accident, a person’s hip joint can get damaged, leading to arthritis in the joint, which may require a replacement.
Not Sure if You Need Hip Surgery? Let’s Talk About It
Top 6 Post-Hip Replacement Exercises To Get You Moving Again
These post-hip replacement exercises are designed to help strengthen muscles, improve circulation, and aid in hip movement.
Quadriceps Set
Tighten your thigh muscles and straighten your knee. Hold for 5-10 seconds. Repeat 10 times, taking short breaks. This exercise should take about 2 minutes per session.
Ankle Pumps
Gently push your feet up and down. Repeat often, even every 5-10 minutes. Start immediately after surgery and continue throughout recovery.
Ankle Rotations
Rotate your ankle inward and outward to improve mobility. Perform 5 rotations in each direction, 3 to 4 times a day. Each session takes about 3 minutes.
Abduction Exercise
Move your leg out to the side and back.Repeat 10 times, 3 to 4 sessions daily.Each session should take about 90 seconds.
Bed-Supported Knee Bends
Move your foot toward your buttocks, bending your knee while keeping the heel on the bed.Hold for 5-10 seconds, then straighten your leg.Repeat 10 times, 3 to 4 sessions daily.
Buttock Contractions
Tighten your buttock muscles and hold for a count of 5.Repeat 10 times, 3 to 4 sessions per day.Each session lasts around 90 seconds.
Helpful Tips For A Smooth Hip Replacement Recovery
Light exercises often begin within days post-surgery. Always consult your surgeon to know the right time to start. These hip replacement recovery tips will help guide your journey to a stronger, pain-free life.
1. Immediate Post-Surgery (Days 1-3)
This phase focuses on initial healing and pain management. Key changes include reduced swelling, and beginning basic mobility is highly encouraged.
Exercise Guidelines:
• Begin gentle ankle pumps and leg movements to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
• Focus on ankle rotations, bed-supported knee bends, and buttock contractions.
2. Early Recovery (Week 1-2)
Continued pain management and early recovery of movement. Muscles start regaining strength, and wound healing progresses.
Exercise Guidelines:
• Continue with bed-supported knee bends, ankle rotations, and buttock contractions.
•Begin light abduction exercises and quadriceps sets to strengthen surrounding muscles.
3. Mid Recovery (Week 3-6)
Strengthening muscles around the hip joint to improve flexibility, reducing pain and swelling.
Exercise Guidelines:
• Progress to straight leg raises and standing knee raises with support.
• Start walking short distances with crutches or a walker.
4. Advanced Recovery (Month 2-3)
This exercise focuses on Improving balance, strength, and stability.
Exercise Guidelines:
• Increase the intensity of leg raises, abduction exercises, and standing knee raises.
•Begin non-impact activities such as swimming or stationary cycling.
Full Recovery (Months 4-6 and Beyond)
Strength and stamina should be nearing normal levels. This exercise focuses on continued healing and strengthening to ensure long-term joint stability.
Exercise Guidelines:
• Continue strengthening exercises, focusing on flexibility and endurance.
• Gradually introduce running or more intense activities, if cleared by the doctor.
Is Running Safe After Hip Replacement Surgery?
Running after hip replacement is not typically recommended due to the high-impact stress it places on the new joint. However, some individuals may be able to resume running with the right guidance and doctor's approval.
For those cleared to run, recovery generally focuses on low-impact activities for the first 3-6 months. Running, if allowed, often begins after a year when the muscles around the hip are strong enough to support it. Your physical therapist can help design a safe plan to transition into running.
Life After Hip Replacement - Real Stories
Life doesn’t stop after a hip replacement—it begins anew.
Meet individuals who turned their challenges into their strengths and reclaimed their active lives:
"I was hesitant at first, but after my hip replacement, I feel like I’ve got a new lease on life. I started with small walks, and now I’m enjoying hikes with friends again. The support from my doctors and physical therapists made all the difference."
Maria, 58
"I didn’t expect recovery to be this smooth. The exercises helped me regain strength, and I was able to return to my gardening passion much quicker than I imagined. It’s incredible how much of my daily routine I can do without pain now."
Ravi, 65
"I can finally keep up with my grandkids again! After the surgery, the rehab process was a journey, but with the right exercises and care, I’m back to playing games and running around with them. It feels amazing!"
Emily, 63
.avif)
.avif)
Got Questions About Hip Exercises?
The right exercises make all the difference in recovery. Let’s clear up your doubts and guide you toward a stronger, healthier you.
How Soon Can I Start Exercises After Hip Replacement?
Hip replacement exercises typically begin within a few days after surgery. Simple movements like ankle pumps or light stretching are recommended to boost blood circulation and prevent stiffness. Walking with assistance, such as a walker or crutches, is also encouraged early on to regain mobility.
What Types Of Exercises Are Recommended In The Early Stages?
In the early stages, exercises after hip replacement focus on low-impact movements. Gentle stretches improve flexibility, seated leg lifts build strength, and slow, supported walking aids mobility. Over time, activities like stationary cycling or water exercises can be added.
Are There Activities To Avoid Long-Term After Hip Replacement?
Certain high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, should generally be avoided unless approved by a doctor. Running after hip replacement can place excessive stress on the joint.
How Can I Measure Progress During Recovery?
Tracking progress in hip replacement exercises involves monitoring improvements in mobility, strength, and pain levels. Being able to perform daily tasks, like climbing stairs or walking longer distances, without discomfort is a positive sign.
What Role Do Physical Therapists Play In Recovery?
Physical therapists are essential for successful recovery after surgery. They design personalised post-hip replacement exercises to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and restore movement.
Trusted by patients across the UK
From successful treatments to life-changing care, read what our patients have to say. Their testimonials highlight our dedication to providing top-quality medical services and personalized healthcare solutions.
Get a quote online
Discuss your treatment options with our team