Additional Exercises

These were given to me at the first follow up Physio appointment.

PAIN EXPECTATIONS

It is normal to experience post-operative pain and pain levels will vary between different individuals.

Extreme pain is NOT expected.

Below is the traffic light analogy that you ou should follow. These exercises are provided for you by your physiotherapist.

RED              = pain during movement, lasting pain afterwards (more than 5-10 minutes)   =  STOP exercise

YELLOW     = pain during movement, no worse afterwards  =  CONTINUE exercise with caution

GREEN         = no pain during or after movement = CONTINUE exercise

PAIN CONTROL

You will be provided with pain after surgery. This is important to allow you to control your pain and actively help in your rehabilitation.

Pain medication works best if taken regularly  (every 4-6 hours) and prior to activity.

Another form of pain control is the use of ice. Recommendations are 10-15 minutes duration every 2-3 hours.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR

• Fever of 100°F (37.8°C) for a period of 24 hours
• Fever of 101°F (37.8°C) or higher for any time
• An increase in pain, redness, swelling and/or drainage from your incision
• Loss of feeling or numbness of the operated leg
• Chest pain, difficulty breathing and/or calf tenderness
• Any other questions or concerns

REMEMBER TO ADHERE TO HIP PRECAUTIONS

LATERAL APPROACH (scar at side of hip)

AVOID

• bending at the hip more than 90° – use a reacher and a long handled shoehorn
• low chairs, low vehicle seating – use a raised seat cushion
• low toilet seat – use a raised toilet seat with arms or a versa frame
• crossing your legs – sleep with a pillow between your legs
• rotating your legs inwards – move slowly and take small steps when turning

 

ANTERIOR APPROACH (scar at front of hip)

AVOID

• extending your hip backwards when standing
• extending your hip backwards when on stomach
• the combination of movement where your hip is extended backwards while your leg is also rotated outwards

YOU MAY NEED TO TAKE ANTIBIOTICS IF:

• you have an infected tooth and/or need dental work
• you have a bladder infection and/or need a cystoscopy
• you have an infection anywhere else in the body

THERAPEUTIC GOALS

Goal Stage 1 (weeks 1-5)

• control pain and inflammation (swelling)
• maintain hip precautions
• maximise hip range of motion (flexibility) and strength within hip precautions
• gait re-education with appropriate aid (walker, cane, crutches)

Goal Stage 2 (weeks 6-12)

• continue to monitor pain and inflammation
• continue with gait re-education
• maximise hip range of motion and strength within hip precautions
• improve walking tolerance, distance and endurance

Goal Stage 3 (weeks 10-12 onward)

• maintain/improve hip range of motion and strength
• continue to improve walking tolerance, distance and endurance
• exercises should continue for 3-4 months on discharge as part of a maintenance program

Additional exercises

1. Knee bend on stomach

Lie on stomach with knees together. If needed, position a pillow under hips for comfort.

Keeping front of hips on the bed, slowly bend the knee of the operated leg. Hold 1-2 seconds then slowly relax.

Perform 10 repetitions and repeat 3-4 times a day

 

2. Straight leg lift on stomach

Lie on stomach as shown.  If needed, position a pillow under hips for comfort.

Keeping your hips on the bed and knee straight, slowly raise the operated leg.  Hold 2-5 seconds the slowly relax.

Perform 5-10 repetitions and repeat 3-4 times  per day

Bridge

Lie on back with both knees bent with feet flat on the bed. Slowly lift your hips off the bed.

Keep your hips level by tightening your stomach and buttock muscles.

Hold 2-5 seconds then slowly relax

Perform 5-10 repetitions and repeat 3-4 times  per day.

Bent Leg Lift on Stomach

Lie on stomach with pillow positioned under hips for comfort (as needed)

Keeping your hips on the bed, bend the knee of the operated leg and slowly lift thigh upwards.

Hold 2-5 seconds then slowly relax.

Perform 5-10 repetitions and repeat 3-4 times a day.

 

Additional Exercises given week 4 – Day 30

1. Mini Squat

Position feet shoulder width apart, holding onto support. Slowly squat downwards and tuck in your tailbone (stick your bum out.) Keep hips higher than knees throughout the movement.

Remember to follow your hip precautions

Hold 5 seconds then slowly relax. Perform 10 repetitions, repeat 3-4 times  per day

 

I was advised to use the kitchen counter

2. Supported Single Leg Stand

Stand tall holding onto support. Keep your torso level and slowly raise your non-operated foot off the floor.

Attempt to maintain your balance. Hold 5-10 seconds then slowly relax. Progress holds to 30 seconds. 

Perform 3 repetitions. Repeat 3-4 times per day.

This is to be done as tolerated. Goal is to shift weight off hands on to hip. You will support yourself by your hands at first and the goal will take a while. This is for endurance with balance and weight bearing.

 

3. Single Leg Bridge

Lie on back with both knees bent and fee flat on the bed (as shown.) Slowly raise your hips off the bed and then transfer your weight onto the operated leg. Lift non-operated leg level with other thigh,Keep your hips level , by tightening your stomach and buttock muscles. Then repeat with opposite side.

Hold 2-5 seconds, slowly relax.

Perform 5-10 repetitions, repeat 3-4 times per day.