Hip replacement surgery removes damaged or diseased parts of a hip joint and replaces them with new, man-made parts. The goals of this surgery are to:

• Relieve pain
• Help the hip joint work better
• Improve walking and other movements

Will exercise help after a total hip replacement?

Exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness. It can increase muscle strength and joint range of motion (how much you can move the joint). Most physical therapists begin with exercises that:

• Increase range of motion
• Make muscles strong

Your doctor or physical therapist will decide when you can do harder exercises.

Exercise goals after hip replacement surgery are to:

• Increase muscle strength
• Increase your blood circulation and overall fitness
• Avoid injuring the new joint

The types of exercise that may help you meet these goals are:

• Walking
• Bicycling (on a bike machine)
• Swimming, cross-country skiing

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