How to Get Totally Prepared for Your Total Hip Replacement
Are you or someone you know about to undergo a total hip replacement? While you are awaiting surgery there are lots of things you can do to set yourself up for as much success as possible. Research has shown that being as strong and as mobile as possible going into surgery is helpful for a shorter and fuller recovery. Give these exercises a try to make sure you are as prepared as possible!
- Straight Leg Raise: This exercise can and should be done in three different directions as long as you are comfortable in all three positions. While lying on your back, bend one knee so your foot is flat on the ground or your bed and keep the other leg straight. Keeping your thigh muscle engaged and your knee straight, lift your leg about as high as your other knee. Slowly lower it to where you started. Similarly, you can lie on your unaffected side with your bottom leg bent and your top leg straight. Lift and lower the straight top leg. Finally, lying on your stomach, lift one leg while squeezing your buttock muscle and keeping your knee straight. These will all help strengthen your hip.
- Bridge: While lying on your back with your knees bent, lift your buttocks up off the surface you are lying on, making sure to squeeze your glute muscles, instead of digging in your heels. This will also help strengthen your hips.
- Hip Rotation: While lying on your back with knees bent and feet hip width apart, rock your knees side to side. This should feel like a gentle stretch in your back and hips. Keep it in a comfortable range. This will help your hips move better.
- Sit to Stand: Sit at the front edge of a firm chair. Stand up without using your hands or using them as little as possible while staying safe. Stand all the way up as tall as you can. Sit back down nice and controlled without plopping on the chair. This will help your legs get stronger and keep your blood flowing for whole body wellness.
Trying these exercises would be an excellent start for anyone trying to move their hips more and prepare for surgery. Everyone has different goals, though, so if you need help creating a more specific plan for you and your surgery, call (260)739-0300 to see how ProTailored can help you today!