Knowing which exercises to avoid after hip replacement surgery is essential for protecting your new joint and ensuring it stays healthy for years to come. Understandably, many people are keen to get moving again soon after their operation. However, not all exercises are suitable during recovery, and choosing the wrong ones can cause complications or damage.
That’s why professional advice is so important. Specialists like Professor Paul Lee and the MSK Doctors team provide expert guidance to help patients safely regain strength and mobility while safeguarding their new hip joint.
Common Exercise Mistakes After Hip Replacement
Several common exercise missteps can slow down recovery or even cause harm. One frequent mistake is starting high-impact activities too early—such as running or jumping—which can place too much pressure on the healing joint. Others might perform exercises with incorrect form or use unsuitable equipment for their stage of recovery.
Why is this a problem? The new hip needs time to settle, and the surrounding muscles and tissues must rebuild strength. Pushing the joint too hard too soon can accelerate wear, cause instability, or even risk dislocation. That’s why it’s vital to know which “hip replacement exercises to avoid” and to understand “what you should never do after hip replacement” to give your joint the best chance of healing.
Specific Exercises to Avoid and Why
Some exercises and movements should be off-limits, both soon after surgery and in the long term. High-impact sports like running or basketball repeatedly shock the joint, putting the implant at risk. Deep squats and heavy lifting put undue stress on the hip and can increase the chance of dislocation. Twisting or pivoting sharply can also lead to instability.
It’s important to avoid bending the hip beyond 90 degrees, or crossing your legs, as these positions heighten the risk of dislocation. As one study highlights, “certain yoga postures may place the new hip at risk if not properly modified or practised with awareness” (Robold & Bauer, 2005). Similarly, research into gymnastics and aerobics found that “aerobic exercises with a board are not recommended during the early postoperative period and need to be adjusted to individual strength and coordination” (Haffer et al., 2021). Keeping these precautions in mind, alongside “exercises 1 year after hip replacement” and “lifetime precautions after hip replacement UK”, will help you enjoy a better quality of life.
The Role of Professional Guidance in Safe Rehabilitation
Working with knowledgeable professionals is key to a smooth and safe recovery. Thanks to Professor Paul Lee’s extensive experience in orthopaedics and rehabilitation, patients receive tailored exercise plans created just for them. At MSK Doctors, support is given in a welcoming, expert setting, ensuring patients feel confident throughout their journey.
Professional guidance helps you gradually build strength without risking injury. It also helps avoid problematic movements that might cause long-term issues. As noted in clinical studies, “a safe recovery is achieved by adapting the practice to accommodate the limitations of the new joint” (Robold & Bauer, 2005).
Recommended Alternatives: Safeguarding Long-Term Outcomes
Instead of high-impact or risky exercises, focus on activities that gently improve mobility, strength and flexibility while protecting your new hip. Low-impact options like swimming, cycling, and walking are excellent choices—these are kind to your joint while helping maintain overall fitness.
In addition, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises, carefully matched to your stage of healing, promote joint health. For example, the “best exercise after hip replacement” often includes specific physiotherapy routines designed to be safe yet effective. Exercises recommended in “total hip replacement exercises after 2 weeks” and “exercises after hip replacement 6 months” guide you towards a comfortable and steady recovery.
Research shows that “stretching gymnastic exercises are safe in terms of force, bending and torque on the hip joint, though external help for stability may be advisable” (Haffer et al., 2021). Moreover, the Otago exercise programme has been proven to “improve balance, reduce fear of falling, support hip function, and enhance daily living abilities” (Zhang et al., 2023). These evidence-backed approaches can help you regain confidence and independence safely over the long term.
Conclusion and Responsible Disclaimer
Knowing which exercises to avoid is vitally important when recovering from or living with a hip replacement. Steering clear of high-impact or hazardous activities protects your new joint, helping you enjoy a fuller, more active life. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalised advice tailored to your needs.
For individual medical advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
References
Robold, L., & Bauer, P. (2005). Yoga and hip replacement surgery. International Journal of Yoga Therapy, 15(1), 65-80.
Zhang, J., Yang, Y., Zhang, X., & Ai, X. (2023). A meta-analysis of the effects of Otago exercise in patients after hip and knee replacement. Frontiers in Medical Science Research, 5(7).
Haffer, H., Popovic, S., Martin, F., Hardt, S., Winkler, T., & Damm, P. (2021). In vivo loading on the hip joint in patients with total hip replacement performing gymnastics and aerobics exercises. Scientific Reports, 11(1).
Frequently Asked Questions
Low-impact activities, such as swimming, cycling, and walking, are generally safe after hip replacement. The MSK Doctors team, led by Professor Paul Lee, tailors exercise advice for each patient to support effective, gradual recovery and protect the new joint.
Professional guidance, especially from experts like Professor Paul Lee and MSK Doctors, ensures patients avoid harmful exercises and recover safely. Their personalised exercise plans help patients regain strength and confidence, reducing the risk of complications or setbacks after joint replacement surgery.
Common mistakes include returning to high-impact activities or using improper form too soon. MSK Doctors and Professor Paul Lee address these issues by providing expert advice, helping patients avoid exercises that could harm the new hip joint and impede recovery.
After hip replacement, avoid high-impact sports, deep squats, heavy lifting, twisting, or bending the hip beyond 90 degrees. Professor Paul Lee’s expertise at MSK Doctors helps patients understand and navigate these restrictions, promoting safer long-term outcomes for hip joint health.
MSK Doctors, under the leadership of Professor Paul Lee, offers expert assessment and rehabilitation planning. Their multidisciplinary approach provides patients with confidence, clear guidance, and tailored exercises that improve mobility, safeguard the new joint, and promote optimal long-term health outcomes.