Exercises before and after surgery: free recovery guides

Published October 10, 2026 · Updated October 31, 2026 · Protocol Archive Editorial

Protocol Archive → Exercises before and after surgery

Exercises before and after surgery: free recovery guides

Talk to your doctor first. General education, not medical advice.This content is general education, not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Get approval from your physician or another qualified healthcare provider before starting any exercise program, especially if you have a medical condition, a recent injury or surgery, are pregnant, or take medication. Stop and seek medical advice if an exercise causes pain, dizziness, chest discomfort or shortness of breath. You choose to exercise at your own risk. Read the full medical disclaimer.

Last checked: October 2026 · Protocol Archive Editorial · General information, not medical advice

Each guide summarizes the home exercise programs that NHS trusts and other hospitals publish for patients, stage by stage, with videos from the hospitals themselves, typical milestones and the warning signs to watch for. Every fact links to its source.

Your own team’s plan comes first. Surgeons and physical therapists tailor exercises to the operation you had. Use these guides to understand what usually comes next and what to ask.

Recovery guides

Before hip or knee replacementWhat to do while you wait: strength, balance and getting readyKnee replacementStage-by-stage home exercises from the first day to about 3 monthsHip replacementHome exercises, hip precautions and milestones after a hip replacementBack surgery (discectomy / decompression)Walking and gentle exercises after microdiscectomy or decompressionCarpal tunnel surgeryTendon glides, scar care and grip strength after carpal tunnel releaseFrozen shoulderExercises for each stage, and after an injection or hydrodilatationRotator cuff repairProtect the repair in the sling phase, then rebuild movement and, later, strength, as your team allows.Shoulder replacementGentle assisted movement first, then active motion and strength, within your team’s limits for your implant.ACL reconstructionGet the knee straight and the thigh working first, then rebuild bend, strength and balance after ACL surgery.Ankle fractureKeep the leg working in the cast, then restore ankle movement, calf strength and balance once it is off.Spinal fusionWalking and gentle bed exercises first, strength work only once cleared: a staged guide after lumbar fusion.

Paying for treatment

Our coverage guides explain whether the NHS, the HSE, provincial plans, Medicare or insurers usually pay for common pain and orthopedic procedures.

Finding a physical therapist

How to find a physical therapist in the UK or US, including NHS self-referral, direct access in the US and how to check registration.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use these instead of seeing a physical therapist?

No. They summarize typical published programs so you know what to expect. Your surgeon or physical therapist sets your actual plan, which may differ.

Why do different hospitals give different exercises?

Programs vary with the type of operation, the surgeon’s preferences and local practice. Each guide has a section explaining where published sheets disagree.

These guides summarize published hospital and professional-body exercise programs, with sources on each guide. They are general information, not medical advice, and do not replace the instructions of your surgeon, physical therapist or care team. Protocol Archive is independent and is not affiliated with the NHS, AAOS or any hospital or video publisher.

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