Hip abduction

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

Hip abduction is a knee rehabilitation exercise to improve range of motion of the hip and to strengthen the hip abductor muscles.

Hip abduction is the movement of taking the leg away from the midline.

Patient standing, one hand on hip and the other supported on a chair back, with leg extended to the side.

The importance of hip muscle strengthening

Good hip muscles are important in moving to the side, gliding out of the car, and in rotational movements.

The exercise strengthens the gluteus medius, gluteus minimus and the tensor fasciae lata muscles. Good hip abduction will benefit patients undertaking knee rehabilitation, especially for knock-knees (valgus).

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Hip flexions, Hip adduction, Hip flexion & adduction, Hip extensions, Hip external rotation, Hip external rotation & abduction

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