Recovery & Rehab

Simple steps to help you get better after surgery. Learn what to do, when to move, and when to ask for help.

First 1–2 Days

• 🚶‍♀️ Move early: sit out of bed, stand, short safe walks.
• 🌬️ Breathing & leg pumps: every hour while awake.
• 🥣 Eat & drink: small, often; water unless told otherwise.
• 🕒 Pain plan: take medicine on time.
• 🧊 Ice & elevate: 15–20 minutes to reduce swelling.

Week 1–2

• 🚶 Walk often: several short walks daily.
• 🦵 Range-of-motion: gentle bend/straighten as guided.
• 🩹 Wound check: keep dressing clean and dry.
• 🗓️ First physio: set goals and check your walking aid.

Week 3–6

• 🏋️ Strength: add light resistance and balance work.
• 🏡 Daily life: longer walks; simple house tasks.
• 🚗 Driving: only when safe to brake and off strong pain meds.

Week 6–12

• 🛒 Function: stairs, gentle inclines, light shopping.
• 💪 Exercise: progress strength, balance, endurance.
• 💼 Work: depends on job and surgery—discuss at review.

Months 3–6

• 🙂 Confidence: walking and stairs feel more natural.
• 🚴 Sport: low-impact (walk, cycle, pool, gentle gym).
• ⏱️ Keep going: gains continue up to 12 months.

Time	Main Goals	Key Actions
Day 0–2	Start moving, control pain	Sit/stand/walk; breathing & leg pumps; ice/elevate
Week 1–2	Protect wound, gentle motion	Short walks, ROM drills, first physio
Week 3–6	Strength & balance	Light resistance, longer walks, daily tasks
Week 6–12	Most activities	Stairs, light gym, increase endurance
3–6 months	Confidence & fitness	Low-impact sport, maintain program

Exercises

🦵 Knee

• Knee Exercises (home program)
• After Knee Replacement
• After ACL Reconstruction

🦴 Hip

• Hip Exercises (home program)
• After Hip Replacement
• After Hip Arthroscopy (labrum/FAI)

🏋️‍♀️ Shoulder

• Shoulder Exercises (home program)
• After Rotator Cuff Repair
• After Shoulder Arthroscopy

Wound, Pain & Swelling

• 💊 Pain medicine: take as directed, then step down.
• 🧊 Ice: 15–20 minutes; protect skin with a wrap.
• 🦵 Elevation: keep the limb up to reduce swelling.
• 🩹 Dressing: keep clean and dry; don’t remove unless told.
• 🚿 Showering: follow your team’s advice.
• 🧦 Clots: stockings/meds if prescribed; keep ankles moving.

When to Seek Help Fast

• ❗ Chest pain or sudden trouble breathing
• ❗ Very swollen or painful calf (one side)
• ❗ High fever, shaking chills
• ❗ Wound redness spreading, pus, or bad smell
• ❗ Heavy bleeding soaking the dressing
• ❗ Numbness, colour change, or the limb feels cold

Recovery FAQs

When can I drive again?

Often 2–6 weeks when you can brake safely and are off strong pain medicines. Your doctor will guide you.

How much walking should I do?

Short walks, often, are best at first. Add time and distance slowly each week if pain and swelling allow.

Do I sleep with a brace or sling?

Only if your surgeon/physio tells you to. Follow your written plan.

Can I shower with the dressing?

Many dressings are water-resistant. If unsure, keep it dry and ask your team at the first review.

Note: This page supports, but does not replace, advice from your own doctor and physiotherapist.

Brought to you by health professionals at Western Health, Melbourne