What You Should Know About Post-Surgery Exercise
Recovering from surgery is a delicate process that requires patience, discipline, and the right approach. While rest is crucial after an operation, staying completely inactive for too long can actually slow your recovery. That’s where post-surgery exercise comes in. The right kind of movement—done safely and progressively—can help restore strength, improve mobility, and boost your overall wellbeing.
But exercising after surgery isn’t as simple as picking up where you left off. Your body has been through trauma, and it needs careful guidance to rebuild. Understanding when and how to reintroduce movement can make all the difference in how well and how quickly you recover.
The Importance of Movement After Surgery
When you’re recovering, it might seem counterintuitive to think about exercise. After all, you’ve just gone through a procedure that requires healing and rest. However, light movement plays an important role in preventing complications such as stiffness, muscle atrophy, or blood clots.
Exercise after surgery helps your circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to healing tissues. It can also improve your mood, boost energy levels, and support mental recovery. The key is balance—knowing when to start, what type of movement is appropriate, and how to listen to your body’s signals along the way.
This process varies depending on the type of operation you’ve had. Someone recovering from hand surgery Perth patients might undergo, for example, will need a very different approach than someone healing from abdominal or knee surgery. Each body part, and each type of procedure, demands a unique set of exercises tailored to its function and rate of healing.
Always Start With Medical Guidance
Before beginning any form of exercise, always consult your surgeon or physiotherapist. They know exactly how your body is healing and can provide personalised recommendations on what’s safe and what isn’t.
Ask specific questions such as:
- When can I start gentle movement?
- What exercises should I avoid right now?
- Are there signs of overexertion I should watch for?
Sometimes, your doctor might refer you to a physiotherapist who specialises in post-operative rehabilitation. These professionals can design a step-by-step plan that gradually reintroduces movement while protecting your surgical site. They’ll also monitor your progress to ensure you’re not pushing too hard too soon.
The Phases of Post-Surgery Exercise
Every recovery journey goes through stages, and your exercise routine should evolve with them.
- The Early Recovery Phase (Days to Weeks Post-Surgery)
At this stage, the goal is gentle activation—not fitness. You might start with breathing exercises, ankle pumps, or small movements in unaffected areas to promote circulation. Even deep breathing can help expand your lungs and prevent post-operative complications.
If you’ve had a major operation, walking short distances—perhaps just a few steps at a time—can be beneficial once approved by your doctor. Avoid any movements that strain the surgical area or cause pain.
- The Rebuilding Phase (Weeks to Months Post-Surgery)
Once your incisions have healed and you’ve regained some mobility, your focus shifts to restoring strength and flexibility. Light stretching, guided physical therapy, or water-based exercises may be introduced. These help maintain joint movement without putting excessive pressure on healing tissues.
You might also start incorporating bodyweight movements, resistance bands, or light weights under supervision. The emphasis here is controlled, mindful movement—slow, steady, and always pain-free.
- The Long-Term Recovery Phase (Months and Beyond)
This is when you begin rebuilding endurance and confidence. Depending on your procedure, your physiotherapist may clear you for low-impact cardiovascular exercises like cycling, swimming, or using an elliptical machine.
The key during this phase is gradual progression. It’s tempting to rush back into your normal routine, especially once you start feeling stronger. But overexerting yourself too soon can lead to setbacks or re-injury. Your body needs time to fully adapt, even if you feel ready before it is.
Listening to Your Body
Your body is the best indicator of how well you’re coping with exercise. Pain, swelling, redness, or unusual fatigue are signs you may be pushing too hard. While some mild discomfort can be normal, sharp or worsening pain is a warning to stop and rest.
Keep in mind that post-surgery fatigue is common. Your body is using energy to heal, so your endurance might be lower than usual. Be patient with yourself and recognise that recovery isn’t a race—it’s a process.
Celebrate small milestones, like walking a little farther or bending a joint more comfortably. These small steps are signs that your body is responding positively to movement.
The Role of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists are often an essential part of the recovery process. They understand how to safely guide your body through healing while minimising pain and preventing stiffness or scar tissue buildup.
A physiotherapist can teach you proper techniques to avoid compensating with other muscles, which can lead to imbalance or strain. For example, if you’ve had shoulder or knee surgery, you might subconsciously change the way you move to protect the sore area. Over time, this can affect your posture and alignment.
Through gentle, progressive exercises, your therapist helps retrain your muscles and joints to move efficiently again. They may also use manual therapy or modalities like ultrasound or massage to aid recovery.
Mindset and Motivation
The mental side of recovery is just as important as the physical one. Surgery can leave you feeling vulnerable, frustrated, or impatient. It’s easy to compare your current ability to what you could do before—but progress looks different now.
Setting realistic goals helps maintain motivation. Instead of focusing on where you were pre-surgery, focus on how far you’ve come since the operation. Keeping a recovery journal or tracking your exercises can be encouraging—you’ll see tangible progress over time, even if it’s gradual.
Surround yourself with supportive people who understand your journey. Whether it’s family, friends, or an online community of people recovering from similar surgeries, having encouragement goes a long way.
Nutrition and Rest Matter Too
Exercise is only one part of recovery. Your body also needs the right fuel and rest to rebuild tissue and regain strength. Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals supports muscle repair and wound healing. Staying hydrated also helps flush toxins and promotes joint flexibility.
Sleep is another underrated part of healing. During deep rest, your body releases hormones that accelerate recovery. Try to get consistent, quality sleep, and listen to your body’s cues for rest. If you feel drained after activity, take it as a sign to slow down.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes people make after surgery is doing too much, too soon. Feeling strong doesn’t necessarily mean your internal tissues are fully healed. Pushing past pain, skipping follow-up appointments, or ignoring your physiotherapist’s advice can lead to complications or re-injury.
On the flip side, doing too little can also delay recovery. Staying inactive for long periods causes stiffness, muscle loss, and reduced mobility. The key is finding that middle ground—gentle, regular movement that promotes healing without overloading your body.
Long-Term Benefits of Post-Surgery Exercise
Reintroducing exercise after surgery isn’t just about getting back to where you were—it’s about coming back stronger, more balanced, and more aware of your body. Regular movement improves flexibility, joint function, and strength. It also reduces the risk of future injuries by improving coordination and balance.
Many people find that recovering from surgery changes their approach to fitness altogether. They become more mindful, paying attention to form, breathing, and recovery time. This awareness can lead to a healthier, more sustainable relationship with exercise for life.
In the end, post-surgery exercise is about more than rebuilding your body—it’s about rebuilding trust in it. With the right guidance, patience, and mindset, you’ll not only recover well but rediscover what your body is capable of achieving.
