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                     Physiotherapy exercises following transfemoral 
(above knee) amputation
What is it?
This sheet has been designed to help you remember the exercises that you have 
been taught by your physiotherapist following a transfemoral (above knee) 
amputation.
What are the potential risks and side effects?
All of the exercises should be done slowly and smoothly. If you feel any pain, stop 
and tell your physiotherapist.
What are the expected benefits of treatment?
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 8 to 10 seconds.
•Repeat 10 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 8 to 10 seconds.
•Repeat 10 times.
Repeat the above with the other leg.
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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 8 to 10 seconds.
• Repeat 10 times.
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. Hold for 8 to 10 seconds.
Repeat 10 times.
To make this exercise more difficult, place your arms across your chest as shown in 
the picture.
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. Repeat 10 times. Page 2 of 
5
NB: Try not to let your hips roll forwards or 
backwards.
Repeat the above with the other leg.
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 10 times.
NB: Try not to let your hips roll forwards or 
backwards.
Repeat the above with the other leg.
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 8 to 10 seconds.
• Repeat 10 times.
Repeat the above with the other leg.
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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.
• Hold for 8 to 10 seconds.
• Repeat 10 times.
NB: This exercise can also be performed when sitting in a wheelchair or at the 
edge of a bed.
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