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Post-Hip Replacement Mobility Restriction - 7 Week Rehab Plan
Generated by MMSx Authority Team
Overview: Post-hip replacement mobility restriction refers to stiffness, limited range of motion, and a feeling of tightness that can persist after a total hip arthroplasty (THA). This is often due to a combination of factors, including muscle guarding, scar tissue formation around the joint capsule, and an overall fear of movement. This 7-week plan follows the NEEBAL framework (Neutral → Elasticity → Endurance → Balance → Activation → Load) to systematically address the issue by safely restoring range of motion, building targeted strength in the surrounding muscles (especially the glutes and core), and safely re-educating the movement patterns for long-term relief and prevention. This plan is designed for the rehabilitation stage and assumes the client has been cleared for exercise by a medical professional or physical therapist.
Pain Profile (10 Parameters)
- Technical Name: Post-Surgical Hip Mobility Restriction, Joint Capsule Fibrosis, Post-Operative Stiffness
- Layman's Description: Stiffness or limited movement in the hip after a hip replacement.
- Common Triggers: Scar tissue formation, muscle guarding, fear of movement, and a lack of proper rehabilitation progression.
- Movement Pattern Involved: Daily activities like putting on shoes, getting in/out of a car, or squatting.
- Region / Body Part: Hip joint, glutes, quadriceps, and surrounding hip muscles.
- Pain Type: Dull ache, stiffness, tightness, or a pulling sensation around the hip joint.
- Severity / Stage Tags: Mild (post-operative), Moderate (recurrent stiffness), Severe (limiting daily activities).
- Suggested Drill Focus: Gentle, pain-free mobility; isolated activation; integrated strength; functional movement.
- Red Flags: Sudden sharp pain, a new clicking or clunking sound, fever, severe swelling, or warmth at the surgical site.
Warm-Up (5–7 mins)
- Supine Pelvic Tilts (2 min): Lie on your back and gently rock your pelvis forward and back to gently mobilize the spine and pelvis.
- Supine Hip Circles (1 min each leg): Lie on your back. Gently move your hip in a small circle, both clockwise and counterclockwise.
- Ankle Pumps (2 min): Lie on your back. Gently move your ankle up and down to improve circulation and activate your calf muscles.
- Gentle Gluteal Sets (1 min): Lie on your back. Squeeze your buttock muscles and hold for 5-10 seconds.
Weeks 1–2 — Passive Mobility & Foundational Activation (Daily)
Goal: Reduce stiffness and begin to re-establish the mind-muscle connection with the glutes and quads. All movements should be gentle, slow, and pain-free.
| # | Exercise | Instructions | Key Cues |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Supine Heel Slides | Lie on your back, slowly slide your heel toward your buttock, bending your knee as far as comfortable. Then slowly slide it back. 10-15 reps × 3 sets. | Keep the movement slow and controlled. Do not force past the point of pain. Focus on a smooth glide. |
| 2 | Gluteal Sets & Quad Sets | Lie on your back. To perform a gluteal set, squeeze your glutes and hold for 5-10 seconds. To perform a quad set, tighten the muscle on the front of your thigh and press the back of your knee into the bed. 10 reps each × 3 sets. | Focus on feeling the muscles contract. This is about re-establishing the nerve-muscle connection. |
| 3 | Passive Hip Flexion | Lie on your back. Using a towel or strap, gently pull your knee towards your chest to stretch the glutes and lower back. Hold for 30 seconds each leg × 2-3 sets. | The strap should do the work. Do not pull with your arms. The movement should be gentle and pain-free. |
| 4 | Controlled Abduction | Lie on your back. Slowly slide your operated leg out to the side, then back to the center. Keep your toes pointed up. 10-15 reps × 3 sets. | Keep your hips from rolling. Only move as far as comfortable without pain. |
Cooldown (5–7 mins)
- Diaphragmatic Breathing (2 mins): Find a comfortable chair or lie on your back. Focus on slow, deep belly breaths to promote relaxation.
- Gentle Hamstring Stretch (1 min each side): Lie on your back and gently pull one knee toward your chest with a towel or band around the foot to gently stretch the hamstring.
- Gentle Quad Stretch (1 min each side): Standing, hold onto a chair for balance. Gently pull your ankle towards your buttock.
- Self-Assessment (1 min): Briefly assess current discomfort and overall feeling of relaxation. Note any changes.
Written/Suggested by MMSx certified Professionals (MMSx Authority) — NEEBAL framework applied.
Disclaimer: This rehabilitation program is educational and follows evidence-based principles. **This program is designed for the rehabilitation stage and should only be initiated with direct approval from your surgeon or physical therapist. Individuals with persistent pain, numbness, or tingling should be immediately assessed and cleared by a medical professional.** Stop any exercise that causes increased pain, a clunking sensation, or other concerning symptoms. This is not medical advice. MMSx Authority, TrainersEye, and affiliates disclaim liability for injuries or adverse outcomes.