These straight-leg raises help you strengthen the muscles around your hip. Do 8 to 12 repetitions.

• Lie on your side, with your injured leg on top.
• Tighten the muscles on the front of the thigh of your injured leg to keep your knee straight.
• Keep your hip and your leg straight in line with the rest of your body, and keep your knee pointing forward. Don't drop your hip back.
• Lift your injured leg straight up toward the ceiling, about 12 inches off the ground. Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly lower your leg.