What to do before hip replacement surgery and the fundamental exercises the patient should do postoperatively.
WHAT TO DO:
- dress comfortably in pajamas or shorts;
- wear closed-toe sneakers with stretch or non-slip socks;
- learn to stand over the bed rather than inside it;
- practice knee flexion exercises while seated and strengthening exercises while lying down (knee);
- utilize common areas of the ward: cafeteria, TV room, terrace. Be accompanied by family members or staff;
- you are patients, not invalids;
- focus on your own recovery rather than that of fellow patients;
- avoid getting out of bed abruptly; sit for a few minutes before standing;
- use crutches;
- if unsure, call us for assistance;
- remember that the hip prosthesis is at risk of dislocation in the first few months. Memorize dangerous movements and learn the correct ones. The safety maneuver is to bring the knee outward.
EXERCISES FOR PATIENTS UNDERGOING HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY
(10 repetitions 3 times a day)
ANKLE DORSIFLEXION-PLANTARFLEXION:
move your ankle, foot and toes slowly up and down. Can be repeated several times throughout the day to reactivate calf vein pump.
KNEE FLEXION:
without lifting the pelvis, flex and extend the knee (keeping the knees slightly apart) by sliding the heel on the bed. Once maximum flexion is reached, bring the knee outward and hold for 5 seconds.
GLUTEAL MUSCLE STRENGTHENING:
bring your arms alongside your body, bend your knees slightly apart and lift your buttocks off the mattress, creating a “bridge”;
Contract your buttocks and hold the contraction for 5-10 seconds, then relax.
QUADRICEPS MUSCLE STRENGTHENING:
Sit on the bed with your legs hanging off the edge keeping your knees slightly apart. Actively extend and flex the knee alternately.
