Active Range Of Motion Hip

Active Range of Motion Hip exercises help maintain and restore normal hip movement in all planes while strengthening the surrounding muscles. These exercises are essential for hip health and often prescribed after hip injuries or surgery.

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Category: physical_therapy
Level: beginner
Mechanic: compound
Equipment: body only

Instructions

Lie on your back or stand holding onto a stable surface for balance.
Bring your knee toward your chest as far as comfortable (hip flexion).
Lower your leg and move it out to the side (hip abduction).
Bring your leg across your body toward the midline (hip adduction).
If standing, move your leg backward behind your body (hip extension).
Perform each movement slowly and within your pain-free range of motion.

Tips

Control each movement and avoid using momentum to swing the leg.
Focus on moving from the hip joint while keeping your pelvis stable.
Hold briefly at the end of each range of motion before returning to start.
Keep your core gently engaged to maintain proper body alignment.

Common mistakes

Using momentum instead of controlled muscle contraction to move the leg.
Allowing the pelvis to tilt or rotate instead of moving only at the hip joint.
Forcing movements beyond comfortable range, potentially causing injury.

Safety

Generally safe when performed within pain-free range. Those with hip replacements, acute hip injuries, or severe arthritis should follow specific medical guidelines. Avoid forcing movements if significant pain occurs.

Variations

Passive Range Of Motion Hip
Hip Circles
Leg Swings
90-90 Hip Stretch
Thomas Test Stretch