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Moving after surgery

After surgery, the rehab plan depends on the type of operation, the technique and your condition: always follow your surgeon's and physiotherapist's protocol. This guide doesn't replace their advice.

For many surgeries, the medical team recommends getting up and walking early, moving your ankles and taking deep breaths, because they help circulation and your lungs. Returning to exercise is gradual, once you're cleared.

Sample plan

First days 1

  • Ankle pumps: point and flex your feet · 3 sets × 15 reps
  • Deep breathing: inhale slowly and hold for 2 seconds · 3 sets × 5 reps
  • Walk short distances, if you've been told to

Key tips

  • Don't lift anything heavy until you're cleared.
  • Increase activity gradually: tiredness is normal in the first weeks.
  • Ask your team when you can drive, work and train again.

⚠️ Seek care right away if you notice

  • Pain, warmth or swelling in one calf.
  • Sudden shortness of breath or chest pain: call emergency services.
  • Fever, or a red, hot or oozing wound.
  • Pain that's increasing instead of improving.

Best option: a plan made for you

A physiotherapist can assess you and tailor the exercises to your diagnosis and stage. On Elegí Entrenar you can find licensed professionals.

Find a professional

This guide is general information and doesn't replace assessment or treatment by a doctor or physiotherapist. If you have a diagnosis, recent surgery or pain that's getting worse, always follow your healthcare team's advice.

Frequently asked questions

When can I go back to the gym after surgery?

It depends entirely on the surgery: from a few weeks to several months. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will tell you.

Is it normal to feel tired?

Yes, it's common in the first weeks. If it's extreme or getting worse, seek advice.

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General information: not a substitute for advice from a health professional.