Post operative exercises are guided movements patients perform after surgery to restore mobility, rebuild strength, and support proper healing. These movements help improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and gradually return muscles and joints to normal function.

These exercises usually focus on three main goals:

• Reduce stiffness in joints and muscles

• Improve blood flow to reduce swelling and clot risk

• Help the body regain strength and normal movement

Most patients begin with gentle, low-impact movements soon after surgery. As healing progresses, exercises become more active and targeted.

Common examples include:

• Ankle pumps – moving the feet up and down while lying or sitting to support circulation

• Deep breathing exercises – expanding the lungs to help keep them clear after surgery

• Gentle range-of-motion movements – slowly bending and straightening joints to prevent stiffness

• Light walking – short walks that stimulate blood flow and rebuild endurance

• Isometric contractions – tightening a muscle without moving the joint to maintain strength

The exact routine depends on the procedure.

For example:

• After knee surgery, patients may perform heel slides and quadriceps sets.

• After shoulder surgery, early exercises may include pendulum swings.

• After abdominal surgery, breathing exercises and short walks help support recovery.

A structured plan for rehabilitation after surgery helps ensure exercises progress safely as the body heals. At In Touch PT, a physical therapy clinic in NYC led by Keith Chan, MPT, CKTP, patients receive personalized post-surgery rehabilitation programs designed to restore mobility and help them return to daily activities with confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Post operative exercises help restore mobility, strength, and circulation after surgery. These guided movements support healing and help muscles and joints return to normal function.

• Early recovery focuses on gentle movement and circulation. Exercises such as ankle pumps, breathing exercises, and range-of-motion movements help prevent stiffness, swelling, and blood clots.

• Rehabilitation progresses gradually through structured stages. Patients typically move from basic mobility exercises to walking, strength training, and functional activities as healing improves.

• Post op physical therapy programs adapt to the type of surgery. Knee, shoulder, and abdominal procedures each require different exercises designed to protect the surgical area while rebuilding strength.

• A guided plan for rehabilitation after surgery supports safe long-term recovery. At In Touch PT in NYC, Keith Chan, MPT, CKTP and his team create personalized rehab programs that help patients return to daily activities and physical fitness with confidence.

What can you expect from this period of rehabilitation? Here are some recovery exercises you may encounter throughout each phase of your post op rehabilitation.

Are there any specific exercises recommended for post-surgery recovery?

Yes. Several exercises support recovery after surgery. They help restore movement, maintain strength, and improve circulation during rehab after surgery.

Most routines focus on three goals:

• Prevent stiffness in joints and muscles

• Improve circulation and reduce swelling

• Restore strength and normal movement patterns

Doctors and therapists often start with gentle movements soon after surgery. As healing progresses, the routine becomes more active. These movements are part of post op physical therapy and structured recovery plans used during healing.

Common examples include:

• Ankle pumps – moving the feet up and down while lying or sitting to improve circulation

• Deep breathing exercises – expanding the lungs to support breathing and reduce complications

• Gentle range-of-motion movements – slowly bending and straightening joints to prevent stiffness

• Light walking – short, controlled walks that help stimulate blood flow and rebuild endurance

• Isometric contractions – tightening a muscle without moving the joint to maintain strength

Each exercise serves a specific role during recovery. The sections below explain how each movement works and when doctors usually recommend it.

Early Post-Surgery Phase

In the first few weeks after your surgery, you will likely begin gentle, professionally-assisted exercises to support the healing process. The sooner you start moving, the smoother your recovery will be!

Breathing and Circulation Exercises

Maintaining healthy circulation and preventing blood clots are key goals in this early stage of recovery. Your rehab specialist will teach you deep breathing exercises to support your lungs and circulation.

You may also use ankle pumps or other devices to keep your blood moving and prevent clots during the immediate postoperative period, when you are less active.

Range of Motion Exercises

In the first weeks after surgery, you will also start exercises intended to maintain joint flexibility and prevent stiffness from setting in. These exercises will be gentle, therapist-guided, and tailored to your physical needs and pain level. Examples of the type of ROM exercises you may use include the following: Ankle pumps, wrist rotations, knee bends, and passive exercises performed by the physical therapist:

Isometric Exercises

Isometric exercises are activities that work the muscles without moving the joints. This approach is often preferred for post-surgical rehab because it helps keep the muscles strong without stressing the surgical site. Examples of these activities your physical therapist may include in your treatment plan are quad sets, glute squeezes, and abdominal

Walking and Ambulation

As your recovery progresses, you will begin to work on getting around. At first, this process may include using assistive devices or walking under your physical therapist’s supervision. Over time, however, as you gain strength, you will be able to move longer distances and may gain greater independence of movement.

Mid to Late Stage

Even weeks or months after your surgery, you will likely still need the support of a physical therapist in order to heal completely.

Here are some of the types of exercises you may use to regain health and mobility in the mid to late stages of your post-surgical rehabilitation.

Post Surgery Workout:
Strength Training

Regaining your strength is an important step in your recovery. To this end, your physical therapist will begin assigning you light resistance or bodyweight exercises.

The goal of these exercises is to rebuild the muscles around the surgical area, which can atrophy from disuse.

Your therapist will help you identify and focus on specific muscle groups to help you heal effectively and return to the life you love more quickly.

Cardiovascular Exercises

Your physical therapist may also support your post-surgical rehabilitation by helping you to strengthen your heart.

Cardiovascular exercises for this type of recovery will usually include low-impact activities that can strengthen your heart without stressing your surgical site.

Balance Exercises

Depending upon where you had your surgery, you may require assistance in regaining your balance and stability to prevent falls while you recover.

Exercises such as standing on one leg, using balance boards, certain types of walking and other activities can help you improve your coordination and balance after your surgery.

Functional Activities

Finally, as you recover, you will want to return to your daily activities. Your physical therapist can help you with exercises that are relevant to your normal routine.

You may start with simple movements and gradually increase their complexity as you continue to heal.

Examples of functional activities you may practice with your therapist include sitting and standing from a chair, climbing stairs, lifting objects, putting objects on a shelf, and more.

Advanced Rehabilitation Phase

Finally, as you heal, you will enter the advanced phase of rehabilitation. In this phase, you will return to the physical fitness and sports training goals that you had before your surgery. Your physical therapist can help guide you through this phase so you come out the other side ready to excel at the sports and personal fitness goals you have set for yourself.

Progressive Resistance Training

Progressive resistance training involves gradually increasing the amount of resistance you can use to strengthen your muscles. Usually, this training involves using weights, resistance bands, or machines.

Sports Training

If you are an athlete or sports enthusiast, you may want to return to specific sports or fitness activities. Your physical therapist can support this goal by offering you exercises and training that mimic the skills you will need to succeed in your chosen sport.

Post Surgery Personal Trainer

At In Touch NYC Physical Therapy, we make it our goal to walk you through the entire post-surgery rehabilitation process. From the early stages when you are just getting moving again, to the final stages, when you are seeking a personal trainer, we offer it all. Book an appointment at one of your convenient NYC locations and discover healing from the inside out.