Total Hip Replacement - Exercises Prior to Surgery

Total Hip Replacement Exercises Before Surgery: Pre-Operative Fitness Program

Preparing your body before a total hip replacement can help improve strength, mobility, and confidence going into surgery. In this Total Hip Replacement Fitness Program, physical therapist assistants Alex and Mike demonstrate simple pre-operative hip replacement exercises designed to maximize leg strength and range of motion and support a smoother recovery after surgery.

Ideally, begin your pre-op exercise program at least six weeks before hip replacement surgery. If you are new to exercise, start slowly and choose movements that can be performed without increasing your pain. More experienced exercisers can gradually increase the intensity, duration, or frequency as tolerated.

The program includes exercises targeting the hips, thighs, ankles, and upper body, including ankle pumps, glute sets, quad sets, heel slides, hip abduction, short arc quads, straight leg raises, chair push-ups, long arc quads, and the Knee Glide or FitGlide. Start with approximately one set of 10 repetitions and gradually progress based on your comfort and ability.

Strengthening before surgery can make everyday movements easier and help prepare your body for the demands of walking, transfers, and rehabilitation after a total hip replacement.

Watch the video above as Alex and Mike demonstrate each exercise step by step and explain how to safely modify the movements based on your fitness level and hip pain.

Always follow the recommendations of your surgeon or healthcare provider and stop any exercise that increases your pain.