Multipurpose Hip Replacement Rehab Exercises

A physical therapist working with a patient in hip replacement rehab will introduce the patient to a variety of exercises; exercises that may include both standing and lying flat.  Initially it may seem as if all the exercises introduced are only benefiting the successful movement and use of the hip. However, these exercises your physical therapists introduce are known to help a lot more areas of your body.

Gluteal sets is an exercise that requires an individual to lay flat on their back, preferably on the floor, while squeezing the buttocks for an interval of time before releasing.  The  move is to be performed several times in succession.  Whether starting out slow with just a few reps or digging in to do 10 reps in 4 sets, a person doing this move will appreciate the results. 

This exercise is designed to work 3 muscles at once: the gluteus maximus, medius muscle, and minimus muscle.  These muscles work together and help make everyday situations easier to handle, like climbing stairs and getting up from a seated position.  By mastering this routine, you're doing more than making sure life is easier, you're helping the look of a very prominent part of your body.

Arc quad sets is another exercise you may be introduced to.  You complete this exercise by lying flat on the floor while tightening your thigh muscles and straightening your knee.  This is a power move that strengthens all four muscles that run up the front of your thigh. 

If an individual is introduced to this exercise, they can rest assured that walking, running, or even jumping will be a lot easier to do.  When looking at someone standing sideways wearing a pair of shorts it's, easy to see if there's a defining line from working out; this is one of those moves that can help you achieve that look.

The standing knee raise exercise is as simple as lifting one knee at a time upward towards the chest.  This move can be done standing free or with the assistance of a chair.   The importance of this exercise during hip replacement recovery is that it works vulnerable skeletal muscles that surround the hip joint area.  These skeletal muscles are what keep your hip joints from feeling or remaining stiff. 

Everyday movement often taps into the flexibility of the hip joint and if the joint is in pain, the movement is painfully hard to achieve.  The great thing about working on this activity is that you actually begin to work stomach muscles.  While it may not be the move that can turn a stomach into an instant six-pack, it is one that well help you on your road to achieving it.

Facing your physical therapy appointment with the understanding that your whole body can benefit is one way to make sure that your hip replacement rehab visit is a productive one.