Gluteal tendon repair

Post-op recovery	First 2 weeks	Date
Goals	Protect the hip and surgical incisions Recover from swelling and inflammation Control of post-surgical pain
Precautions	Touch weight bearing with crutches for 8 weeks No active abduction for 8 weeks No internal or external rotation exercise for 8 weeks
Recommendations	Rest and elevate as required Ice as desired – up to 3 times a day (particularly in the first 72 hours) Range of motion exercises of ankle Range of motion exercises of knee Range of motion exercises of hip Activate muscles with isometric muscle contractions
Suggested exercises	Standing flexion and extension of hip – leg straight Static gluteal, Quads and hamstring contractions Isometric adduction Ankle pumps Seated knee flexion and extension

Phase 1	Week 2 to week 8
Goals	Protect the hip and surgical incisions Recover from swelling and inflammation Control of post-surgical pain
Precautions	Touch weight bearing with crutches for 8 weeks No active abduction for 8 weeks No internal or external rotation exercise for 8 weeks
Recommendation	Rest as required Range of motion exercises of ankle Range of motion exercises of knee Begin strengthening remaining muscles around hip
Suggested exercises	Standing flexion and extension of hip – leg straight Static gluteal, Quads and hamstring contractions Isometric adduction Ankle pumps Seated knee flexion and extension Prone extension Abdominal core strengthening

Phase 2	Week 9 to week 12
Goals	Return to normal gait Strengthen Begin mobilising and gently incluing abductors
Precautions	Partial weightbearing with 2 crutches week 9-10 Weight bear with one crutch (opposite to surgical side) for weeks 11-12 Allow weight bearing without crutches while doing exercises Abduction with weight of leg only weeks 9-12 – no resisted strength training
Recommendations	Resisted strength training of core, gluteals, hamstring, quads. Start light and build up resistance. From week 9 begin including abduction but no resistance
Suggested exercises	Thermaband hip flexion and extension – standing Standing abduction – no resistance Double leg squat (45 degree) Double calf raises – progress to single Single leg stance exercises and balance Abdominal core training Bridging with gluteal contraction Side leg raises – raise and hold only – not high rep Exercycle

Phase 3	3 Months – 6 months
Goals	Gain full function and strength Return to normal activities after 4 months. minimum
Precautions	It is well documented that rushing back to strength activities is NOT advised – slow rehab and progression is best
Recommendations	Achieve full range of motion Concentrated full rehab program that includes strengthening of core, hip flexors, gluteal muscles, external rotators of the hip, quadriceps, hamstrings and calves. Gain in confidence during athletic activity. Neuromuscular control and co-ordination of leg Long walks – starting small and building up slowly
Suggested exercises	Thermaband exercises for gluteals and abductors Lunges Step ups, step downs Clamshells Squats (limit to 90 degrees with no or low weights) Calf raisers Single leg stance exercises Single leg stance squats Exercycle, elliptical trainer, swimming