Table 2 Overview of postoperative rehabilitation protocol – exercises [20, 21, 25–28]

Self-mobilizations of the hip, pelvis and lumbar spine

To help improve mobility and pain-free movement of the hip, pelvis and lumbar spine and prevent adhesions of the hip capsule

See Additional file 3A; row 1 exercises 1–5 See Additional file 3A; row 1 exercise 6

Weeks 0–2 Weeks 2–8

1 minute per exercise, 3 times per day 1 minute per exercise

Anterior and posterior hip stretch

To help improve hip flexion and extension mobility

See Additional file 3A; row 2 exercises 1–2

Weeks 28

3–5 sets 30 seconds

Hip muscle retraining

To optimize neuromuscular control and stability of the hip

See Additional file 3A; row 3 exercises 1–5

Weeks 0–4

3 sets 12–20 repetitions

Hip muscle strengthening (focus on extensor/rotator strengthening)

To optimize neuromuscular control, stability and strength of the hip

See Additional file 3A; row 4–5 exercises 1–9

Weeks 4–14

3 sets 8–12 repetitions with increasing load based on experienced fatigue

Functional hip muscle strengthening

To optimize neuromuscular control, stability and strength of the hip in patient specific (sport) activities

Exercises based on patient-specific goals or (sport) demands such as kicking in soccer or throwing/smashing in volleyball/tennis

Weeks 10–14

3 sets 8–12 repetitions with increasing load based on experienced fatigue