Total Hip Replacement - Exercises 3 Months - 1 Year After Surgery

Total Hip Replacement Exercises: 3 Months to 1 Year After Surgery

At three months and beyond after a total hip replacement, the focus shifts from early recovery to rebuilding strength, improving endurance, restoring balance, and safely returning to everyday activities. In the video above, physical therapist assistants Mike and Alex demonstrate exercises designed to help you continue progressing after hip replacement surgery.

They recommend performing strengthening exercises about 2–3 times per week, gradually increasing repetitions, resistance, or difficulty as you get stronger. Exercises include standing hip flexion, hip abduction, hip extension, calf and toe raises, mini squats, side stepping, backward walking, forward marching, and single-leg balance exercises. Walking, cycling, or another doctor-approved cardiovascular activity can also help improve endurance and keep you active.

Activities After Total Hip Replacement

As you return to recreational activities, choosing low-impact exercise after hip replacement can help you stay active while reducing unnecessary stress on your new joint.

Generally recommended activities include:

• Walking

• Cycling

• Swimming

• Cross-country skiing

• Low-impact aerobics

• Canoeing or kayaking

• Golf

  
  

Higher-impact activities such as jogging, basketball, soccer, contact sports, heavy lifting, high-impact aerobics, and activities involving jumping may not be recommended after a total hip replacement.

Your recovery and restrictions may differ depending on your surgery and surgeon's recommendations. Watch the video above to see Mike and Alex demonstrate the exercises and explain how to safely progress your total hip replacement exercise program from three months to one year after surgery.

Always check with your doctor or physical therapist before beginning new exercises or returning to higher-level activities after hip replacement surgery.