Quick answer: Post surgery physiotherapy helps you regain strength, movement and confidence after an operation such as knee replacement. Rehab usually starts within a day or two of surgery and continues at home or in a clinic. Naina Polyclinic’s pre and post-surgery programmes typically last four to six weeks, depending on your needs and your surgeon’s advice.
Surgery fixes the problem, but physiotherapy helps you get your life back. After a knee replacement, a fracture fixation or a ligament repair, the weeks that follow decide how well you walk, climb stairs and return to daily life. For families in Yelahanka New Town, Yelahanka Old Town, Kogilu, Attur, Jakkur and Puttenahalli, having post-operative rehab close to home makes it far easier to keep going.
Key takeaways
- Physiotherapy is a key part of recovery after knee replacement and other surgeries.
- Rehab usually starts within a day or two of surgery, often with walking aids.
- Naina Polyclinic’s pre and post-surgery programmes typically last four to six weeks.
- Doing your home exercises every day matters as much as clinic sessions.
- Exercise before surgery (prehabilitation) can also help recovery.
Why is physiotherapy important after surgery?
After surgery, muscles weaken quickly and joints become stiff. Physiotherapy rebuilds what was lost. At our pre and post-surgery physiotherapy service in Yelahanka, your physiotherapist works on:
- Strength in the muscles around the joint
- Range of motion, so the joint bends and straightens fully
- Balance and walking, to prevent falls
- Joint stability and general fitness
Common surgeries we support include knee replacement, hip replacement, fracture surgery and ligament repair.
What is post-operative physiotherapy for knee replacement like?
Knee replacement rehab follows clear stages. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will set the exact plan for you.
| Stage | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| In hospital (first days) | Start walking with a frame or crutches; simple bed exercises |
| First 2 weeks at home | Gentle bending and straightening; ankle pumps; short walks |
| Weeks 2 to 6 | Strengthening exercises; longer walks; climbing stairs safely |
| Around 6 weeks | Follow-up with the surgeon; many people start walking without an aid |
| After 6 weeks | Building strength and endurance for normal daily activities |
The NHS says nurses and physiotherapists help you start walking soon after the operation, and that following your exercises early on helps long-term strength and movement. It also notes a follow-up appointment about 6 weeks after surgery, and that many people try walking without an aid at around 6 weeks if they feel ready.
Which exercises are common after knee replacement?
Your physiotherapist will choose exercises for your stage of recovery. Common ones include:
- Ankle pumps: Move your foot up and down to help circulation.
- Quadriceps sets: Tighten the thigh muscle and press the back of the knee down.
- Straight leg raises: Lift the straightened leg a little off the bed.
- Heel slides: Slowly slide your heel towards you to bend the knee.
- Assisted walking: First with a walker, then crutches, then a stick.
Do not start new exercises without your physiotherapist’s advice. Some soreness is normal, but sharp pain is not.
How long does post surgery rehabilitation take?
It depends on the type of surgery, your age, fitness and how regularly you exercise. Naina Polyclinic’s pre and post-operative rehabilitation programmes typically last four to six weeks. Full recovery after knee replacement can take longer, as strength keeps building for months.
Does exercise before surgery help?
Often, yes. This is called prehabilitation. Studies summarised on our service page suggest that exercise before hip replacement can improve pain, function and hospital stay, and that pre-rehab before knee replacement may help strength and function. Ask your surgeon whether a few sessions before your operation would suit you.
What are the warning signs after surgery?
Contact your surgeon or go to emergency if you notice:
- Calf pain or swelling in the leg
- Sudden breathlessness or chest pain
- Increasing redness, warmth or discharge from the wound
- Fever
- A sudden increase in pain or inability to bear weight
Why choose post surgery physiotherapy near me in Yelahanka?
Rehab needs regular sessions over several weeks. Long trips through traffic on Ballari Road can make that hard, especially when walking is still difficult. Our Yelahanka New Town centre has a physiotherapy unit in the same building where orthopaedic surgeon Dr. K.G. Shankarnarayan (MBBS, D.Orth) consults, so your progress can be reviewed easily.
The World Health Organization notes that the need for rehabilitation worldwide is largely unmet. Good local care helps close that gap for our community.
Rehab plans often follow care from our orthopaedic team, including after fracture treatment and knee ligament surgery. Sessions may include interferential therapy for pain, and athletes can move on to sports injury physiotherapy for return-to-sport training.
Where is Naina Polyclinic in Yelahanka?
Naina Polyclinic has served families in Yelahanka, Bengaluru, since 1998 from two centres:
- Naina Polyclinic (Kogilu Road): 2, Kogilu Main Rd, Kondappa Garden Layout, Maruthi Nagar, Yelahanka, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064. Phone: +91 88615 22910
- Naina Polyclinic & Physiotherapy Center (Yelahanka New Town): 2057, 13th B Cross Rd, MIG Sector B, Udaya Layout, Yelahanka New Town, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560064. Phone: +91 96637 44434
Physiotherapy sessions at our Yelahanka New Town centre run Monday to Saturday, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Dr. K.G. Shankarnarayan consults there Monday to Saturday, 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Sunday is a holiday. Full details are on our contact and appointments page.
Related reading: our guides on best physiotherapist in Yelahanka and orthopedic doctor in Yelahanka New Town. You can also learn more about our pre and post-surgery physiotherapy at Naina Polyclinic.
Frequently asked questions
When should physiotherapy start after knee replacement?
Physiotherapy usually starts very soon after knee replacement, often within a day or two, while you are still in hospital. You will begin walking with a frame or crutches and doing simple exercises. Clinic or home sessions then continue for several weeks, as advised by your surgeon.
How long is post surgery physiotherapy needed?
It depends on the surgery and your progress. Naina Polyclinic’s pre and post-surgery rehabilitation programmes typically last four to six weeks. After knee replacement, strength and movement can keep improving for months, so continuing your home exercise plan is important even after formal sessions end.
Can I do post-operative physiotherapy at home?
Many exercises can be done at home once your physiotherapist teaches you, and doing them daily is essential. Regular clinic sessions help check your progress, correct technique and safely increase difficulty. Your physiotherapist will suggest the right mix of home and clinic sessions for you.
Is pain normal during physiotherapy after surgery?
Some discomfort and muscle soreness are normal, especially in the early weeks. Sharp, severe or increasing pain is not. Tell your physiotherapist if an exercise hurts a lot. Seek urgent care straight away for calf swelling, breathlessness, fever or a red, leaking wound.
Where can I get post surgery physiotherapy in Yelahanka?
Naina Polyclinic & Physiotherapy Center is at 2057, 13th B Cross Rd, MIG Sector B, Udaya Layout, Yelahanka New Town, Bengaluru 560064. Sessions run Monday to Saturday, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Call +91 96637 44434 to book your first session.
Book an appointment at Naina Polyclinic
Recovering from surgery? Call our Yelahanka New Town centre to plan your rehab, or book a session through our contact page. Kogilu Road: +91 88615 22910. Yelahanka New Town: +91 96637 44434. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department.
Medically reviewed by: Dr. K.G. Shankarnarayan (Shankarnarayan Kunigal), MBBS, D.Orth (Orthopaedics), Naina Polyclinic, Yelahanka. Last reviewed: November 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace advice from a qualified doctor. Please consult a doctor about your own symptoms, tests and treatment.