Exercise and Walking Guidelines

Exercise Guidelines

Walking and exercise guidelines may vary. Some exercises are not allowed for certain types of hip surgeries. Some exercises are contraindicated by your surgeon and may cause damage to your new hip. Your physical therapist will instruct and provide you with a home exercise program that is safe for you. In general, do the following:

1. Wait 30 minutes to an hour after eating before exercising.
2. Breathe out when performing a movement. Do not hold your breath. If you have trouble coordinating your breathing, count out loud for the full range of the exercise movement.
3. Relax fully after each repetition of all the exercises.
4. Be consistent. You must exercise everyday. However, don't overexert yourself. If you have increased soreness or swelling decrease your activity and ice your hip. If pain persists or increases, discontinue the exercises and notify your surgeon's office immediately.
5. Perform your exercises 1-2 times daily. The first exercise session can be done in the morning to warm up for the day's activity.
6. If wound drainage or bleeding occurs, discontinue the exercise and contact your surgeon's office immediately.

Walking Guidelines

These walking guidelines do not apply to those individuals with limited endurance and mobility due to age or other physical restrictions. Your physical therapist will instruct you before you go home.

Begin walking outdoors the day after you get home from the hospital(once discharged, you will most likely receive outpatient therapy or home therapy--if home therapy, do your first walk outside with your therapist). Begin once a day with a short walk of 5-10 minutes. Gradually increase your walking over the next 2-4 weeks until you can walk for 45 minutes or up to a mile without stopping.

Remember that the combination of your walking and exercise program is the best way to get stronger and increase hip motion after surgery. This will prepare you to safely and rapidly return to the activities you enjoy.

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