Can You Do Situps After Hip Replacements?

Hip replacement surgery is a complicated procedure that is usually followed by a long rehabilitative period. Returning to normal daily activities following hip surgery can be a difficult process, especially if you were used to a highly active lifestyle. Exercises such as situps -- which incorporate the hip joint to execute -- will need to be avoided immediately after surgery. You will be able to do situps again with the help of physical therapy, however.

Immediately Following the Procedure

As the American Academy for Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests, hip replacement is a major reconstructive medical procedure that will prompt a temporary hospital stay. During this time you will be best-served to rest and allow your body to heal properly before returning to any type of exercise, especially situps. Following your procedure, however, your doctor will prescribe an immediate physical therapy treatment plan to be administered by a licensed physical therapist.

Early Therapy

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In order to return to full hip strength that is required to complete exercises like situps, your physical therapy program will begin with smaller, less-strenuous strengthening exercises to combat muscle atrophy commonly seen in patients following surgery. According to the Vanderbilt Medical Center, this early post-op therapy will include manual stretches administered by your therapist to help stretch the muscles in your hip and prevent the joint from "freezing" due to inactivity and swelling. You will also begin range of motion, or ROM, movements like hip-and-ankle slides or hip flexion.

A Long Process

The therapy process for hip replacement procedures can be long and strenuous. Normal hip movements like straight leg raises or walking will not take place for at least six weeks following hip replacement surgery. As such, performing exercises like situps will not be allowed by your therapist for a minimum of two months following your procedure. Instead, your therapy will focus more on strengthening your leg and hip muscles to ultimately support your body weight during normal walking or standing activities.

Resuming Situps

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As you begin to regain your strength and flexibility in your hip joint, you will be able to eventually return to full daily activity which can include situps. The timeframe of your healing and strengthening process may differ from that of another patient -- especially when considering pain threshold. The Vanderbilt Medical Center suggests that patients can return to full activity roughly 12 weeks after the procedure.