What exercises should I do immediately after knee surgery?

Start with gentle exercises like ankle pumps to prevent blood clots, heel slides for mobility, and quad sets for muscle strength. Always consult your physiotherapist before beginning any exercise routine post-surgery.

How does water treadmill therapy help knee surgery recovery?

Water treadmill therapy reduces load on healing joints through buoyancy, allows early mobilization, enhances muscle strength through water resistance, and reduces pain and swelling while promoting faster functional recovery.

When can I start exercising after knee replacement surgery?

You can typically start gentle exercises within 24-48 hours post-surgery with physiotherapist guidance. The exact timing depends on your surgery type, healing progress, and surgeon's recommendations. Professional supervision ensures safety and optimal results.

5 Key Exercises to Perform After Knee Surgery

The Importance of Post-Surgical Rehabilitation at VitalPhysio⁺: Empowering Recovery with Water Treadmill Therapy and Advanced Modalities

Recovering after surgery—especially joint surgeries like knee replacement—is about far more than wound healing. At VitalPhysio⁺ in Bengaluru, post-surgical rehabilitation is the foundation for restoring full mobility, preventing complications, and regaining independence. Our clinic combines the latest evidence-based physiotherapy with cutting-edge modalities such as the water treadmill to provide a comprehensive, individualized recovery pathway.

Why Is Post-Surgical Rehabilitation So Critical?

Accelerated Healing: Guided rehabilitation reduces pain, builds strength, and speeds up healing, helping you return to daily activities and an active lifestyle faster.
Prevention of Complications: Regular physiotherapy prevents serious issues such as joint stiffness, scar tissue formation, muscle atrophy, and loss of mobility.
Restoration of Mobility and Confidence: Targeted exercises restore muscle power and joint motion while reducing swelling.
Education for Life: Our therapists guide you through proper movement strategies and coordinate a safe transition from clinic-based therapy to independent exercise routines at home.

How the Water Treadmill Enhances Your Recovery

Low-Impact, High-Gain: Water's natural buoyancy reduces load on healing joints, making walking and exercise safe even soon after surgery.
Enhanced Muscle Strength and Mobility: Resistance from water helps rebuild muscle without weights, while the supportive environment allows gentle restoration of movement.
Reduced Pain and Swelling: Aquatic exercise promotes blood flow, reduces inflammation, and soothes post-surgical pain.
Faster Functional Recovery: Patients can start sooner, regain mobility quickly, and confidently progress through harder tasks as strength returns.
Enjoyable Therapy Experience: Many patients report that aquatic therapy lifts their spirits and fosters a positive mindset throughout recovery.

5 Key Exercises to Perform After Knee Surgery

Always consult your physiotherapist before starting any exercise routine. Begin gently, listen to your body, and follow supervision to ensure safety and best results.

Exercise Name	Purpose	How-To
Ankle Pumps	Prevents blood clots, reduces swelling	Lie or sit, flex and point your ankles repeatedly. Repeat for 2–3 minutes every hour.
Heel Slides	Improves knee mobility, reduces stiffness	Lie on your back, slowly slide heel toward the buttocks and back. Repeat 10–20 times per leg, 2–3 sets daily.
Quad Sets	Strengthens front thigh (quadriceps) muscles	Lie or sit, press the back of your knee downward by tightening thigh muscles. Hold for 5 seconds. Repeat 10–20x.
Straight Leg Raises	Builds thigh and hip strength	Lie on your back, keep operated leg straight, lift it to hip level, hold for 3–5 seconds, lower gently. Repeat.
Knee Extension (Seated)	Restores full knee straightening	Sit with heel on another chair, gently try to straighten the knee and hold for 10 seconds. Repeat 10x, 3–5/day.

Pro Tip: Water-based versions of these exercises can be performed in the water treadmill under therapist guidance, reducing pain and ensuring correct technique as you progress.

Why Choose VitalPhysio⁺ for Your Post-Surgical Care?

At VitalPhysio⁺, your recovery journey is mapped by experts using state-of-the-art technology, one-on-one coaching, and compassionate support. From the first day after surgery until you regain complete function, we are with you at every step. Our water treadmill and advanced modalities transform rehabilitation into an empowering, results-driven experience.

Ready to take the first step toward full recovery? Book your initial assessment at VitalPhysio⁺ and experience Bengaluru's best post-surgical rehabilitation today!