Physiotherapy & Resources
Getting You Back On Your Feet
Regular exercise plays an important role in your recovery after hip or knee surgery. Simple movements performed several times a day can help reduce stiffness, improve strength, and support a safe return to everyday activities. These exercises are designed to be completed independently at home, alongside advice from your surgeon or physiotherapist.
Your journey to recovery is unique to you! By now you should have discussed with your doctor on next steps to getting you back on your feet. Please follow their guides as this will be your best and fastest way to your new normal. If you have any questions or feel like you missed some information, please reach out to your doctors office and discuss with them your best path forward.
When to Seek Advice
Stop exercising and seek professional advice if you notice increasing pain or swelling, redness or warmth around the joint, wound concerns, or sharp pain during exercise. These symptoms should always be reviewed by your physiotherapist or surgeon.
Exercises You Can Do by Yourself at Home
Hip Surgery Exercises
Ankle pumps can be performed lying on your back or sitting upright. Gently move your feet up and down for 10 to 20 repetitions. This exercise helps improve circulation and reduce swelling.
Heel slides are performed lying on your back with your legs straight. Slowly bend your operated leg, sliding your heel toward your body, then return to the starting position. Repeat this movement around 10 times to improve hip and knee movement.
Glute squeezes can be done lying or sitting comfortably. Gently squeeze your buttock muscles together, hold for five seconds, then relax. Repeat 10 times to help improve hip stability and strength.
Knee Surgery Exercises
Quadriceps sets are performed sitting or lying with your leg straight. Tighten the muscles at the front of your thigh and gently press your knee downward. Hold for five seconds and repeat 10 to 15 times to strengthen the thigh muscles.
Straight leg raises are done lying on your back with one knee bent and the operated leg straight. Tighten the thigh muscle and lift the straight leg slightly off the surface, hold for three to five seconds, then lower slowly. Repeat 10 times.
Seated knee bends are performed sitting on a chair with your feet flat on the floor. Slowly bend your operated knee as far as is comfortable, then return to the starting position. Repeat 10 to 15 times to improve knee flexibility.
Walking and Daily Movement
Walking is one of the most important parts of recovery after surgery. Short, regular walks help restore normal movement and confidence. Use walking aids if advised, focus on even steps and good posture, and gradually increase the distance as your strength improves.