Exercises to Help Seniors Recover After a Hip Replacement
For many seniors, hip pain causes major problems, especially as it limits mobility and interferes with routine activities. Whether the pain is from arthritis, injury, or illness, it negatively impacts quality of life. For this reason, many seniors turn to hip-replacement surgery. Over 300,000 people every year in the U.S. have their hips replaced to help restore their movement and independence.
Although hip-replacement surgery isn’t for everyone, it is a safe and effective procedure that many elderly individuals undergo to return to their daily activities, as well as to boost their happiness, independence, and standard of health.
Importance of Exercising Post Surgery
Having a hip or hips replaced is the first step to being pain free, but exercising post surgery plays an important role in achieving successful recovery. You will more than likely begin working with a physical therapist the day after surgery, or even the day of surgery, to get moving again.
There are major benefits to exercising your new hip properly. These include:
- Reducing stiffness
- Increasing flexibility
- Improving muscle strength
- Preventing blood clots
For those who are unable to walk or get out of bed without assistance, it may be necessary to spend a short time in a skilled nursing facility.
While recovering, it is best to exercise two to three times daily. Your doctor will give you exercise instructions, like the ones listed below, so you can easily do them by yourself in the comfort of your own home.
Basic Hip Exercises
You can begin these basic and convenient exercises shortly after surgery and while lying in bed. Speak with your doctor before you begin a new exercise routine. If you experience any pain, discomfort, or a worsening of your symptoms, stop the exercises immediately and contact your health care provider.
Ankle Pumps
Slowly lift your foot up and down. Repeat this exercise several times, as often as every 5 or 10 minutes. You can begin ankle pumps immediately after surgery and continue them until you are fully recovered.
Heel Slides
Glide your foot along the bed toward your buttocks, slowly bending the knee up. It is essential not to bend your hip more than 90 degrees. Slide your foot away from your buttocks to gently straighten your leg. Relax and repeat, performing 30 repetitions and resting when necessary.
Intermediate Hip Exercises
These standing exercises can be done within the first three weeks after surgery.
Marching
It’s best to do this while holding a kitchen counter or table for balance support. Alternate lifting your knees to waist height in a stationary march. Use both legs for a total of 20 repetitions, repeating 3 to 4 times daily.
View the rest of the exercises on the Generations Healthcare blog here: Exercises to Help Seniors Recover After a Hip Replacement
