Hip Strengthening Exercises
The following hip strengthening exercises are designed to improve strength of the muscles of the hip.
To begin with, the following basic hip strengthening exercises should .be performed approximately 10 times, 3 times daily. As your hip strength improves, the exercises can be progressed by gradually increasing the repetitions and strength of contraction provided they do not cause or increase pain
Bridging:
Begin this exercise lying on your back in the position demonstrated (figure 1). Slowly lift your bottom pushing through your feet, until your knee, hip and shoulder are in a straight line. Tighten your bottom muscles (gluteals) as you do this. Hold for 2 seconds and repeat 10 times.
Hip Extension in Lying:
Begin this exercise lying on your stomach in the position demonstrated (figure 2). Keeping your knee straight, slowly lift your leg tightening your bottom muscles (gluteals). Hold for 2 seconds and repeat 10 times.
Adductor Squeeze:
Begin this exercise lying in the position demonstrated with a rolled towel or ball between your knees (figure 3). Slowly squeeze the ball between your knees tightening your inner thigh muscles (adductors). Hold for 5 seconds and repeat 10 times as hard as possible pain free.
Hip Abduction Side Lying:
Begin this exercise lying on your side in the position demonstrated (figure 4). Keeping your back and knee straight and foot facing forwards, slowly take your leg to the side tightening the muscles at the side of your thigh / hip (abductors). Hold for 2 seconds and repeat 10 times as far as possible pain free.
Hip Abduction Standing:
Begin this exercise standing at a bench or table for balance (figure 5). Keeping your back and knee straight and foot facing forwards, slowly take your leg to the side tightening the muscles at the side of your thigh / hip (abductors). Hold for 2 seconds and repeat 10 times as far as possible pain free.
Straight Leg Raise:
Begin this exercise lying on your back with one leg straight and one leg bent (figure 6). Slowly lift your straight leg to approximately 45 degrees keeping your knee and toes facing the ceiling. Hold for 2 seconds and repeat 10 times provided it is pain free.
Hip Flexion:
Begin this exercise standing at a bench or table for balance (figure 7). Slowly lift your knee up as high as you can while keeping your back straight and tightening the muscles at the front of your hip (hip flexors). Hold for 2 seconds and repeat 10 times as far as possible pain free.
