Name: Hip Home Exercise Program in Austin, TX – ATX Orthopedics
Creator: ATX Orthopedics
Published: 2020-04-08T17:04:35+00:00

This hip home exercise program from ATX Orthopedics in Austin, TX is designed to help patients rebuild hip strength, flexibility, and stability after hip replacement or hip surgery with Dr. Sean Gallagher.

If you are recovering from hip replacement surgery in Austin, TX, your post-operative home exercise program is one of the most important steps toward a safe, successful recovery. Dr. Sean Gallagher and the ATX Orthopedics care team have designed this hip home exercise program to help patients in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, and the surrounding Central Texas area rebuild strength, restore range of motion, and return to daily activities as smoothly as possible. Follow these exercises as directed — consistency is key to an optimal outcome.

4x per day, sets of 10-15. PHONE ALARM reminder recommended.

GLUTEUS MEDIUS STRENGTHENING – 45 degree HIP ABDUCTION STRENGTHENING STANDING or SIDE LYING

Theraband not needed until able to do 15 with ease.

FORM IS IMPORTANT when standing – must keep torso and pelvis level

Leg Should be directed back at a 45deg angle

HIP FLEXOR STRENGTHENING – STRAIGHT LEG RAISES (SLRs) SEATED OR LYING

BENT KNEE HIP FLEXOR STRENGTHENING sitting or lying

Also, please look at videos by Bob and Brad: https://www.bobandbrad.com/total-hip-replacement-program

Ready to schedule your follow-up or have questions about your hip recovery? Learn more about hip replacement at ATX Orthopedics or call us at (512) 960-4590 to speak with our Austin orthopedic care team.

Why Hip Rehabilitation at Home Makes a Difference

Total hip replacement is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures performed today, with outstanding long-term outcomes for the vast majority of patients. However, the ultimate result depends not only on the surgical technique but also on how diligently you engage in your post-operative rehabilitation. The hip abductor muscles — particularly the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus — are the key stabilizers of the pelvis during walking, stair climbing, and transitioning from sitting to standing. After hip replacement surgery, these muscles often lose strength due to the surgical approach, post-operative swelling, and reduced activity. Rebuilding them through a consistent home exercise program is essential to restoring a smooth, pain-free gait and preventing long-term compensatory problems.

The Role of the Gluteus Medius in Hip Recovery

The gluteus medius muscle sits on the outer surface of the pelvis and is the primary muscle responsible for keeping the pelvis level when you stand on one leg (as you do with every step you take when walking). After hip replacement, weakness of the gluteus medius is the most common cause of a Trendelenburg gait — a characteristic side-to-side “waddling” motion where the pelvis drops toward the non-stance side with each step. This is not merely cosmetic; it places abnormal stress on the back, the hip implant, and the opposite knee. The hip abduction exercises in your program — both lying on your side and standing — are specifically designed to target and rebuild gluteus medius strength.

Form and Technique Are Critical

With standing hip abduction exercises, maintaining proper form is essential. As noted in your exercise program, you must avoid compensating by leaning or “hiking” your pelvis — keep your trunk upright and let only your hip do the work. Using a resistance band (theraband) adds progressive load but should only be introduced once you can perform 15 repetitions with excellent form without resistance. Starting too aggressively or with poor form can activate the wrong muscle groups and delay your recovery. If you are unsure about your technique, ask our team to review your form at your next post-operative visit.

Progressing Your Program Over Time

In the early weeks after surgery, focus on performing the exercises gently and consistently, prioritizing form over resistance or repetitions. As you approach four to six weeks post-operatively, you should begin to notice that the exercises feel easier and your walking is improving. This is the time to begin adding resistance bands and progressing toward more functional activities such as step-ups, mini-squats, and eventually walking on varied terrain. Your progress will be reviewed at follow-up appointments with Dr. Gallagher, and your program will be advanced based on your healing and functional milestones.

Questions and Follow-Up

If you experience new hip pain, groin pain, increased swelling, or a sensation of instability during your exercises, stop and contact ATX Orthopedics at 512-960-4590. These symptoms may indicate a need for evaluation and should not be ignored. For patients recovering from hip replacement in Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, and the surrounding Central Texas region, our team is available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout your recovery journey. We want to ensure you achieve the full, lasting benefit that hip replacement surgery can provide.