Recovering from hip replacement surgery is a journey that requires great patience, consistency, and the right exercises. Whether you’re weeks or months into recovery, moving with purpose is key to regaining mobility and confidence in your new hip. Many patients look for the best exercises after total hip replacement surgery to support healing, and knowing which movements are safe makes all the difference in your hip replacement post op recovery.

Why Exercise After Hip Replacement Matters

After a total hip replacement, exercise is one of the most effective ways to restore function and prevent stiffness or weakness. A structured rehabilitation program filled with safe exercises after hip replacement helps your body adapt to the new joint and improves long-term outcomes. Simply put, movement is medicine when done safely and consistently, which is why both hip replacement surgery post operative exercises and later strengthening work are essential parts of recovery.

Early Stage: Gentle Motion and Circulation

In the first few weeks post-surgery, your focus should be on light, circulation-boosting movements. Think “gentle activation” rather than “workout.” These early postoperative hip replacement exercises build the base for your long term progress and are also common elements of a total hip replacement exercise guide.

Ankle pumps: While lying on your back, flex and point your toes up and down 10 times. This simple motion encourages blood flow and helps prevent swelling.

Quad sets: Tighten your thigh muscles, hold for five seconds, and release. Repeat 10 times per leg to maintain quadriceps strength.

Glute squeezes: Gently tighten your buttock muscles, hold for five seconds, then relax. These can be done multiple times per day to keep the hips engaged. These small, safe movements create a foundation for mobility once you’re cleared to progress.

Later Stage: Regaining Endurance, Function, and Confidence

Once your strength improves and your healthcare provider gives the green light, it’s time to return to more functional, everyday movements. These activities become essential hip replacement exercises as you regain independence.

Walking: Walking is one of the most recommended home therapy exercises after total hip replacement because it is simple, safe, and highly effective. Start small and begin walking on level-balanced ground for 5 to 10 minutes a day, multiple times a day. You can walk with a cane or walker until you have regained your balance. Continue increasing the time and distance you walk for, based on your comfort level and endurance. You can incorporate walking on a treadmill once the gait pattern has normalized. By this stage, you’ll be ready to ease back into favorite activities like hiking, golfing, or gardening with more stability and less discomfort.

Stationary cycling: Low-resistance cycling helps restore flexibility and endurance. The Arthritis Foundation recommends cycling as a safe, low-impact option for joint health. It is important to note however, that some hip procedures have precautions for not flexing the hip more than 90 degrees. Most precautions are cleared 6-12 weeks post-surgery, so biking is better suited for later stages.

Water exercises: Swimming or aquatic therapy offers gentle resistance and supports your body weight, reducing stress on the joint. Swimming can be a great exercise once the incision has healed and you are cleared to submerge the hip.

Safety Tips for Every Phase

• Follow your provider’s guidance. Recovery timelines vary for each person.
• Avoid high-impact movements like running or jumping until medically cleared.
• Use good posture and core engagement during all exercises.
• Warm up and cool down before and after sessions to prevent stiffness.
• Be patient. Healing takes time, remember that steady progress is still progress.

The Role of Physical Therapy

A licensed physical therapist plays a crucial role in your post-surgery recovery. They design tailored routines, monitor progress, and adjust movements as you heal. With in-home care options like Luna Physical Therapy, you can receive expert one-on-one treatment without leaving your house. Therapists often guide patients through a mix of postoperative hip replacement exercises, hip surgery rehab exercises, and even preoperative total hip replacement exercises or exercises before hip replacement surgery to build strength before a procedure. These targeted programs support both short and long term success.