Hip replacement: rehab exercises
After a total hip replacement, simple exercises help you regain strength, mobility and walk without a limp.
Follow the movement precautions given by your surgeon for your surgical approach.
Stages of rehab
- First weeks: glute squeezes, gentle flexion, walking with an aid.
- Strengthening of the hip abductors and extensors.
- Balance, stairs and a return to activities.
Recommended exercises
90/90 Hip Lift
Amplitude-guided Squat
Assisted Squat
Clamshell Exercise for Hip Strengthening
Clamshell with resistance band
Controlled Deep Squat to 90 Degrees
Donkey Kick in Quadruped Position
External Hip Rotation in Sitting Position
External hip rotation in sitting position, knee extended
External Hip Rotation with Resistance Band in Seated Position
External hip rotation with resistance band in sitting position
Glute Bridge with Hip Abduction
Practical tips
- Respect the movements your surgeon has told you to avoid.
- Walk a little several times a day.
- Strengthening the glutes helps correct a limp.
Are you a physiotherapist?
Add this exercise to a personalised program in Physia: the AI builds the program in 30 seconds from the condition, then you send it to your patient by link, QR code or email.
Patient? Ask your physio to send your program to the free Physia Move app. Open Physia Move
Frequently asked questions
What exercises should I do after a hip replacement?
Glute squeezes, hip abduction and bridges, then standing and balance exercises.
When can I walk normally again?
Often within a few weeks, depending on your recovery and your surgeon's instructions.
This information is educational and does not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Ask your physiotherapist or doctor before starting, especially if you have pain, a recent injury or have had surgery.