Total Hip Replacement - Exercises to do Immediately After Surgery 0-1 Week

Total Hip Replacement Exercises: 0–1 Week After Surgery

The first week after a total hip replacement is all about safely managing pain and swelling while beginning gentle movement. In this phase of the Bob and Brad Total Hip Replacement Fitness Program, physical therapist assistants Alex and Mike demonstrate simple hip replacement exercises to do immediately after surgery to help improve circulation, maintain range of motion, and begin rebuilding strength.

Early recovery goals include controlling pain with prescribed medication and deep breathing techniques, managing swelling with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, monitoring the incision, and carefully following the hip precautions provided by your surgeon.

Recommended exercises include ankle pumps, glute sets, quad sets, hip abduction and adduction, heel slides, short arc quads, seated floor scrubs, and short periods of walking with an assistive device when needed. Start with about 10 repetitions and gradually increase as tolerated. These exercises can be spread throughout the day rather than completed all at once.

Most importantly, always follow your surgeon's specific precautions and stop or modify an exercise if it causes increased hip pain.

Watch the video above as Alex and Mike demonstrate each exercise step by step and explain how to safely begin exercising during the first week after total hip replacement surgery.