What exercises should I do after knee or hip surgery?

The correct exercises after knee or hip surgery depend on the operation and the stage of recovery. In the early period, patients are often taught simple movements to support circulation, reduce stiffness, and activate muscles. These may include ankle movements, gentle range-of-motion exercises, muscle tightening, and safe walking with an appropriate aid.

As healing progresses, the programme may include more strengthening, balance work, stair practice, and functional exercises that prepare the patient for everyday activities. The exercises used after a knee replacement are not exactly the same as those used after hip replacement, ligament reconstruction, or cartilage surgery. Some procedures also have temporary restrictions on certain movements or how much weight can be placed on the leg.

For this reason, patients should avoid copying an exercise programme from another person or from a random online video. The safest approach is to follow the plan provided by the surgeon and physiotherapist, perform the exercises regularly, and report any unusual increase in pain, swelling, or loss of function.

Patients should discuss the answer in the context of their own symptoms and medical history, because the same condition can behave differently in different people. A proper examination helps confirm the diagnosis, identify factors that may change treatment, and set realistic expectations about pain relief, movement, recovery, and return to normal activity.