Fitness Pilates Newsletter Hip Replacement Fact Sheet

I am continuing on with our Health Conditions in FP classes as the feedback has been so positive… let me know what you think. 

I am teaching this week in Playitas and 4 people in different classes have been up to tell me they have had a hip replacement hence prompted todays newsletter.

Here’s a comprehensive overview of hip replacement surgery, including the why, what, how, rehabilitation process, and Fitness Pilates exercise considerations—ideal for instructors like you who work with post-op clients or need to adapt programming.

 Hip Replacement Overview for Fitness Professionals

 What is a Hip Replacement?

A hip replacement (also called hip arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure where a damaged or worn-out hip joint is replaced with an artificial one. This is typically done when the joint is severely affected by:

• Osteoarthritis (most common cause)
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Post-traumatic arthritis
• Hip fractures
• Avascular necrosis (bone death due to reduced blood supply)

 What Does It Involve?

The procedure replaces parts of the femur (thigh bone) and acetabulum (hip socket) with:

• A metal or ceramic ball (replaces the femoral head)
• A metal socket, often lined with plastic or ceramic
• A stem inserted into the femur to support the new joint

Modern hip replacements are typically cementless (encouraging natural bone growth around the implant) or cemented depending on the patient’s bone quality.

 Why Do People Have It?

• Chronic pain that limits daily activities (e.g. walking, standing, climbing stairs)
• Joint stiffness or loss of mobility
• Failure of conservative treatments like physiotherapy, injections, or pain medication
• Significant impact on quality of life

 What Is the Rehab Process Like?

Rehabilitation varies, but here’s a typical timeline:

 0–6 Weeks Post-Op

• Focus: Wound healing, regaining mobility, reducing pain/swelling
• Use of walker/crutches
• Physio-guided range of motion and walking drills

 6–12 Weeks

• Begin weight-bearing exercises, light strengthening
• Increase walking distance and mobility
• Start gentle, low-impact activity (e.g. static bike, pool work)

 3–6 Months

• Return to functional movement and light exercise
• Aim to restore strength, balance, proprioception

 6–12 Months

• Most patients return to normal activities, including golf, cycling, walking
• High-impact sports still discouraged

 Fitness Pilates Post-Hip Replacement

 Recommended Exercises (With Modifications)

• Breathwork and core engagement – focus on gentle TA and pelvic floor activation
• Supine pelvic tilts and bridges – use a block or small cushion for knee alignment
• Seated or side-lying leg lifts – to gently reintroduce hip abduction/adduction
• Quadruped arm/leg extensions – only once client is stable and confident
• Standing mobility drills – hip circles, supported leg swings, gait retraining
• Balance and proprioception work – support with barre/chair as needed

 Use resistance bands carefully and with control

 Exercises to Avoid or Modify

Particularly in the first 6 months post-op, avoid:

• Extreme hip flexion (>90°) – e.g. deep seated forward folds or child’s pose
• Internal rotation – e.g. pigeon pose, crossover legs, twisting
• High-impact or ballistic movements
• Sudden directional changes
• Single-leg balances without support in early stages

 Always clarify if the client had a posterior or anterior approach, as this affects restrictions.

 Instructor Tips

• Get clearance from their surgeon or physio before starting Pilates
• Focus on posture, gait, glute and core activation
• Progress gradually with an emphasis on function and confidence
• Avoid pushing through any pain – discomfort is not normal at this stage

• • Ensure class pace suits the client’s post-op phase

Is this helpful….email me and let me know.

Ill post this in the Fitness Pilates Facebook group so we can continue the discussion there.

Have a lovely weekend.

Rachel x

JUNE PILATES COURSES

June Training Opportunities – Don’t Miss Out!

We’ve got some amazing courses coming up in June, including a brand new Level 3 Reformer Pilates Course – LIVE in Derby at a stunning Reformer studio.
Spaces are very limited as this is an in-person training, so if you’ve been thinking about upskilling – now is the time to jump in.

 Weekday Level 3 PILATES Diploma – Starts Thursday!
We’ve had so many requests to run the Level 3 Reformer course during the week, as weekends aren’t always ideal.
So we’re now offering it across 3 consecutive Thursdays starting this week.
If you’d like to join this flexible, weekday format – book on HERE.

 Fitness Pilates Reformer – Online Training
Our next online training for qualified Fitness Pilates teachers is happening on
Wednesday 24th June – perfect for expanding your skills and adding Reformer-based concepts to your repertoire. CLICK HERE

NEW: Networking Lunch for Group Fitness Professionals
If you’re a group fitness instructor looking to connect, share ideas, and grow your business – don’t miss our upcoming Networking Lunch in Derby CLICK HERE
It’s a relaxed, inspiring opportunity to meet like-minded FitPros, exchange strategies, and move your business forward.

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