Total Hip Replacement - Exercises 0-4 Weeks After Surgery

Total Hip Replacement Exercises: 0–4 Weeks After Surgery

Recovering from a total hip replacement takes time, and the first four weeks are an important part of rebuilding strength, mobility, and confidence. In this video, physical therapist assistants Alex and Mike demonstrate safe, progressive hip replacement exercises for weeks 0–4 after surgery while emphasizing the importance of following your surgeon’s specific hip precautions.

Early recovery focuses on four main goals: managing pain, reducing swelling, following total hip replacement precautions, and gradually improving hip range of motion, leg strength, and walking quality. Exercises may include ankle pumps, glute and quad sets, heel slides, hip abduction and adduction, seated leg extensions, standing marches, mini squats, hamstring stretches, the Knee Glide or FitGlide, and progressive walking with an assistive device as needed.

Start slowly with about one set of 10 repetitions and increase repetitions or sets as tolerated. You do not need to complete every exercise at once, and your individual recovery may vary depending on your surgical approach and your doctor or therapist’s recommendations.

Watch the video above as Alex and Mike demonstrate each exercise step by step and explain important safety tips for the first four weeks after total hip replacement surgery.