Physiotherapy Exercises Following Transfemoral (Above Knee) Amputation

0102/04/May 2010 - Surgery
Physiotherapy exercises following transfemoral

(above knee) amputation
Introduction
This sheet has been designed to help you remember the exercises that you have been taught
by your physiotherapist. All of the exercises should be done slowly and smoothly. If you feel any
pain, stop and tell your physiotherapist or doctor.
Exercise helps to keep your strength and mobility as well as improve your blood flow.
These exercises will help to keep you independent either in a wheelchair or using an artificial
leg (prosthesis).
Try to keep doing these exercises, even after you have been discharged from treatment.
1. Static Gluteal Contractions

 Lie on your back.
 Keep both legs straight and close together.
 Squeeze your buttocks as tightly as possible.
 Hold for five seconds.
 Repeat ___ times.
2. Hip Flexor Stretch

 Lie on your back, preferably without a pillow.
 Bring your thigh towards your chest and hold
with your hands.
 Push your opposite leg down flat on to the bed.
 Hold for 30 to 60 seconds, then relax.
Repeat the above with the other leg.
© East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust – www.esht.nhs.uk Page 1 of 5

0102/04/May 2010 - Surgery
3. Hip Hitching
 Lie on your back.
 Keep both legs flat on the bed.
 Hitch one hip up towards you on one side and push away on the other (shortening one
side and stretching the other).
 Hold for three seconds.
Repeat on the other side.
4. Bridging
 Lie on your back with your arms at the side.
 Place a couple of firm pillows or rolled up blankets under your thighs.
 Pull in your stomach, tighten your buttocks and lift your bottom up off the bed.
To make this exercise more difficult, place your arms across your chest as shown in the
picture.

0102/04/May 2010 - Surgery
5. Hip Flexion and Extension in Side Lying

 Lie on your side.
 Bend the bottom leg.
 Lift your top leg slightly.
 Bend your thigh fully towards your chest.
 Push your leg backwards as far as you can.
NB: Try not to let your hips roll forwards or backwards.
6. Hip Abduction in Side Lying

 Lie on your side.
 Bend the bottom leg.
 Keep hips and top leg in line with your body.
 Slowly lift your top leg up.
 Slowly lower.
 Repeat __ times.
NB: Try not to let your hips roll forwards or backwards.

0102/04/May 2010 - Surgery
7. Hip Extension in Prone Lying

 Lie flat on your stomach.
 Lift your leg off the bed as far as you can.
 Be sure to keep hips flat on the bed and do not roll your body.
 Hold for five seconds, slowly lower.
8. Hip Adduction with Resistance

 Sit with both legs out in front of you.
 Place a pillow or rolled up towel between your thighs.
 Squeeze your legs together.
NB: This exercise can also be performed when sitting in a wheelchair or at the edge of a bed.
Sources of information
This exercise sheet has been produced by representatives of the Physiotherapy Inter Regional
Prosthetic Audit Group (PIRPAG).

0102/04/May 2010 - Surgery
Important information
Please remember that this leaflet is intended as general information only. It is not definitive. We
aim to make the information as up to date and accurate as possible, but please be warned that
it is always subject to change. Please, therefore, always check specific advice on the procedure
or any concerns you may have with your physiotherapist.
Hand hygiene
In the interests of our patients the trust is committed to maintaining a clean, safe environment.
Hand hygiene is a very important factor in controlling infection. Alcohol gel is widely available
throughout our hospitals at the patient bedside for staff to use and also at the entrance of each
clinical area for visitors to clean their hands before and after entering.
Other formats
This information is available in alternative formats such as large print or
electronically on request. Interpreters can also be booked. Please
contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offices, found in
the main reception areas:
Conquest Hospital
Email: [email protected] - Telephone: 01424 758090
Eastbourne District General Hospital
Email: [email protected] - Telephone: 01323 435886
After reading this information are there any questions you would like to ask? Please list below
and ask your physiotherapist:
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________
Reference
The following clinicians have been consulted and agreed this patient information:
Donna Gurr, Specialist Physiotherapist Orthopaedics and Amputee Management, Nicola
Becvar, Clinical Specialist Physiotherapist.
Date agreed: May 2010

Review date: May 2012
Responsible clinician: Donna Gurr

Physiotherapy Exercises Following Transfemoral (Above Knee) Amputation

Uploaded by

Physiotherapy Exercises Following Transfemoral (Above Knee) Amputation

Uploaded by

0102/04/May 2010 - Surgery

Physiotherapy exercises following transfemoral

1. Static Gluteal Contractions

2. Hip Flexor Stretch

Repeat the above with the other leg.

© East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust – www.esht.nhs.uk Page 1 of 5

Repeat on the other side.

© East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust – www.esht.nhs.uk Page 2 of 5

5. Hip Flexion and Extension in Side Lying

NB: Try not to let your hips roll forwards or backwards.

Repeat the above with the other leg.

6. Hip Abduction in Side Lying

NB: Try not to let your hips roll forwards or backwards.

Repeat the above with the other leg.

© East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust – www.esht.nhs.uk Page 3 of 5

7. Hip Extension in Prone Lying

Repeat the above with the other leg.

8. Hip Adduction with Resistance

© East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust – www.esht.nhs.uk Page 4 of 5

Date agreed: May 2010

© East Sussex Hospitals NHS Trust – www.esht.nhs.uk Page 5 of 5

You might also like