Ensure that you use a chair that is stable. Ensure that throughout this exercise that you maintain an upright posture, and do not lean forwards or sideways, even if the exercise feels hard to do. Keeping your knee straight, lift your leg out to the side of you, and then return the leg to your side. Repeat this movement. The same movement can be achieved when lying down, sliding the foot on the floor.

How many how often?

Try doing 10 to 15 exercises at a time, in 2 or 3 sets, with a short rest in between.  You can repeat this again in the day.  If you find this helpful it can be done at intervals in the day depending on your pain and stiffness.

What is the benefit of this exercise?

Hip Abduction is a very vital component of walking. It is one of the first movements to stiffen with osteoarthritis of the hip.

What can I expect to happen?

You may feel a stretch in your thigh or groin. You might feel a little low back ache. All of this is normal. After getting used to the exercise, you might find that it can be used to reduce pain, and that your walking feels easier, as well as other general movements.

Works best with?

Hip extension, hip flexion, bridging, calf stretch.