Before Hip Surgery

Exercises for the patient in preparation for knee replacement surgery

Muscle Strengthening Exercises:

Numerous studies have shown that exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee (gluteals, abductors and quadriceps) can reduce pain, improve range of motion and improve cardiopulmonary function in preparation for surgery. Doing low-intensity exercise such as walking, swimming and cycling helps improve overall functioning, with the goal of trying to get to three 20-30 minute sessions a week.

Here are some general guidelines for performing the preparation exercises:
Repeat each exercise until you feel that your muscles are tired. However, as you strengthen the muscle, you can increase the number of repetitions.
Frequency – once to twice a day.
Duration of exercise – Stay in a static position for at least five seconds until
release.

1.Strengthening the muscles of the buttocks (gluteals):

  • Position: Standing or lying down
  • Movement: Contract the gluteal muscles for a few seconds and then relax.

2. Strengthening the quadriceps (for beginners):

  • Position: Lying in bed.
  • Aids: Place a rolled-up towel under your thigh.
  • Movement: Lift the heel and straighten the knee.

3. Passive strengthening of the quadriceps muscle when lying down:

  • Position: Lying down with feet in front.
  • Movement: Contract the quadriceps muscle, pushing the knee toward the bed and pulling the tips of the toes towards you.

4. Isometric strengthening of abductor muscles (for beginners):

  • Position: Lying in bed with feet in front of you.
  • Aids: Place a rolled-up towel between the knees and wrap a sheet around the thighs.
  • Movement: Push the legs to the side against the resistance of the sheet.

5. Strengthening of the abductor muscles (advanced)

  • Position: Standing with straight knees, while gripping the backrest of a chair or facing a wall.
  • Movement: Swing the foot to the side as far as possible.

6. Standing on one leg:

  • Position: Standing on one leg and gripping the backrest of the chair or facing a wall.

7. Getting up off a chair:

  • Position: Sitting with both hands holding the handles of the chair.
  • Movement: Push with the hands and raise the buttocks.

Illustrations by Limor Shaked
Sunnybrook’s Holland Orthopaedic & Arthritic Centre and Mount Sinai Hospital has developed part of this material and this has been edited by Dr. Michael Drexler. Permission to add this link to my website has been granted by Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre’s and Mount Sinai Hospital Guides for Patients Having Hip or Knee Replacement.

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