Exercises

It is particularly important to strengthen the stabilizing muscles of the affected leg. In the early phase, abduction tension can be used for this purpose and bridging in the load-stable phase. 1.)

Abduction tension With abduction tension, the patient lies in a supine position, both legs are loosely extended, the feet are tightened so that the heel is lower than the tip of the toes, the pelvic bones are palpated and are at the same level. Now the affected leg pushes itself long downwards, so that the heel of the affected leg pushes itself downwards a few centimeters longer than the other. The legs remain long, knee and ankle joints do not move, only the pelvic bones change their position.

On the affected side, the pelvic bones move down a little bit, so that the connecting line between the two pelvic bones is inclined. Then the leg is slightly spread outwards, heel first, without the pelvic bone lifting again. There is only a small movement, but the muscles are clearly tensed.The position is held briefly, then the leg is returned to the starting position and the pelvic bone is raised again.

The movement is always initiated via the pelvis. It takes place in 3 sets. The number of repetitions can be increased, it should be possible to do 12-15 repetitions after some time.

The exercise must be painless in any case. 2.) Bridging Bridging requires a higher degree of stress on the fracture and should only be performed after consultation with the therapist or doctor.

If the exercise is allowed, the patient can position both legs from a supine position, so that the heels are on the support and the knees are bent. About 2 fists fit between the knees. The knees remain straight in the room during the entire exercise and do not tilt inwards or outwards.

Now the buttocks are lifted, at first it may be that only a few centimeters of movement are possible. It is important that both legs are equally loaded and the pelvic bones are lifted straight up. The pelvis can be held in the lifted position for a few seconds and then lowered again.

If possible, the pelvis should not be completely rested on the pad until after a few repetitions, as this achieves a higher tension and the exercise is more effective. Bridging can be done in 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions. More exercises can be found here:

Physiotherapy after hip-TEP
Physiotherapy for a fracture