Early Exercises for the First 2 Weeks After Hip Replacement (Step-by-Step Guide)

In this video, I provide a step-by-step guide to the most important exercises to perform during the first 2 weeks after hip replacement surgery. I explain what to do, how often to do it, and what to avoid during this critical early recovery phase. These exercises are designed to activate muscles, improve circulation, and protect healing tissues—without triggering excessive inflammation. ⏱️ Total routine time: ~5 minutes 📅 Frequency: Every 1–2 hours while awake ❄️ Swelling Control Is Part of Recovery Swelling is expected after hip replacement—but it needs to be managed. • Elevation • Regular icing • Avoid over-exercising Calm tissue heals better. ⸻ 🚶‍♂️ Walking & Step Limits (Critical Reminder) Feeling better does not mean healing is complete. • Week 1: Limit total daily steps to 500 steps • Week 2: Limit total daily steps to 1,000 steps Doing too much too soon can increase inflammation and delay recovery. ⸻ 🦴 Final Thoughts This video focuses on education and explanation. A separate follow-along exercise video will be available for patients who want to perform the routine without narration. If this was helpful, consider subscribing for more surgeon-guided hip and knee replacement recovery content. — ArthroGuy, MD 0:00 – Introduction & goals for early recovery 0:57 – Ankle pumps (20 repetitions) 1:57 – Quad squeezes (5 reps, 3-second hold) 2:51 – Glute squeezes (5 reps, 3-second hold) 3:38 – Heel slides (5 repetitions) 4:44 – Short walks & orthostatic hypotension 6:05 – Swelling control: ice and elevation hip replacement recovery exercises, first 2 weeks after hip replacement, step by step hip replacement exercises, early hip replacement rehab guide, hip replacement rehab week 1, hip replacement rehab week 2, exercises after hip replacement surgery, total hip replacement recovery, hip replacement physical therapy early phase, orthostatic hypotension after surgery, dizziness after hip replacement, hip replacement swelling control, icing after hip replacement, elevation after hip replacement, walking limits after hip replacement, safe exercises after hip surgery, surgeon guided hip rehab, ArthroGuy hip replacement, hip replacement education video