Coming home from hospital after surgery is a relief, but it can also feel a little frightening. In hospital, nurses and therapists were around all the time. At home, the patient and family suddenly have to manage pain, walking, bathroom trips and exercises on their own. A home physiotherapy session in the first week helps bridge that gap. Here is what usually happens, so you know what to expect.
Why early mobility matters
After most operations, getting up and moving early, within safe limits, is encouraged. Gentle movement helps:
- Support blood circulation and lower the risk of clots
- Keep the lungs clear and reduce chest complications
- Prevent joint stiffness and muscle loss
- Improve bowel function and appetite
- Build confidence and mood
Staying in bed for long periods, even with good intentions, can slow recovery.
How to prepare for the first session
- Keep the discharge summary, operation notes and the surgeon’s precaution or exercise sheet ready.
- Have a list of current medicines, including pain relief and blood thinners.
- Keep the walker, crutches or stick and any brace nearby.
- Arrange a firm chair with armrests and a clear walking path.
- Ask the patient to wear loose, comfortable clothing and well-fitting footwear with a back strap.
- If possible, take pain medicine about 30-45 minutes before the session, as prescribed.
- Have a family member present to learn the routine.
What happens during the session
1. Conversation and review of notes
The physiotherapist reads the discharge notes and asks about pain, sleep, appetite, any dizziness, bowel and bladder function and how the patient has been moving since coming home. We confirm the surgeon’s precautions and weight-bearing instructions.
2. Basic health checks
We look at general alertness, breathing, swelling, the colour and warmth of the limb, and check the dressing from the outside for signs of concern. We do not change dressings unless the doctor has asked for it.
3. Movement and strength assessment
We check how far the operated joint moves, how strong the muscles are, and how the patient moves in bed, sits up and stands.
4. Practising real-life tasks
This is often the most useful part. We practise getting in and out of bed, sitting on and standing from a chair, using the toilet safely, and walking to the bathroom or kitchen with the walker. If the home has stairs, we assess whether stair practice is safe yet.
5. Starting an exercise programme
We teach a short, clear set of exercises, usually 4-6, with written or shared instructions.
6. Home safety advice
We suggest simple changes such as raising a low bed or chair, adding a raised toilet seat, removing loose rugs and using a night light.
Common early exercises
The exact exercises depend on the surgery. Typical first-week exercises include:
- Deep breathing: slow breath in through the nose, hold 2-3 seconds, breathe out slowly. 10 breaths every hour while awake.
- Ankle pumps: move feet up and down, 20 repetitions every hour.
- Thigh and buttock squeezes: hold 5 seconds, 10 repetitions, 3 times a day.
- Gentle joint movements of the operated area, within the surgeon’s limits, 10 repetitions, 2-3 times a day.
- Short walks around the house with the walking aid, several times a day, gradually increasing distance.
Stop if the patient feels dizzy, faint, breathless or has chest pain, or if pain suddenly becomes severe.
What the family can do between sessions
- Remind and encourage, but let the patient do as much as safely possible.
- Stay close during walks and transfers, especially at night.
- Keep a simple chart of exercises done and any concerns to discuss at the next visit.
- Make sure the patient drinks enough water and eats regular meals.
How often are sessions needed?
The plan depends on the surgery, the patient’s condition and how safely they can do exercises on their own. In the early days, more frequent visits are often helpful. As confidence grows, sessions may become less frequent, and some may continue on live video once walking and transfers are safe.
Common questions families ask in the first week
Should the patient rest more because they look tired?
Tiredness is normal after surgery and a hospital stay. Short rests are important, but long hours in bed usually make stiffness and weakness worse. A good balance is short periods of activity spread through the day, with rest in between.
Is it safe to go to the bathroom alone?
Bathroom trips, especially at night, are when many falls happen. Until the physiotherapist confirms the patient is steady, someone should stay close by. A raised toilet seat, grab support, anti-slip mat and night light all help.
Can the patient sit on a sofa or the floor?
Low sofas and floor sitting are usually difficult and may be restricted after hip, knee or spine surgery. A firm chair with armrests is safer in the early weeks. Ask about your specific precautions.
What if pain stops the patient from exercising?
Let us know, and speak to the treating doctor about pain control. Timing medicines before sessions and starting with gentler versions of exercises often helps.
How do we know the patient is improving?
Small signs count: getting out of bed with less help, walking a little further, needing fewer rests, or bending the joint slightly more. We measure these at each visit and share the progress with the family so everyone can see how recovery is moving forward.
When to see a doctor urgently
- Fever, chills, or increasing redness, warmth or discharge from the wound
- Calf pain, tenderness or swelling
- Sudden breathlessness, chest pain or confusion — call emergency services
- Bleeding that soaks the dressing
- A fall, or a sudden increase in pain or change in the shape of the limb
- After spine surgery: new leg weakness, numbness, or bladder or bowel changes
Physiotherapy at home in Jaipur
Dr. Rohit Kumar visits patients after discharge to start safe early mobility and a clear exercise plan at home. Learn more about our post-surgery rehabilitation at home, or see post-surgery rehabilitation in Malviya Nagar, Jaipur.
Send a WhatsApp enquiry to LifeWell Physio with the patient’s age, the operation, the discharge date and your area to plan the first home visit.
This article is general health information from a physiotherapist and is not a substitute for a personal assessment or medical advice. If symptoms are severe, sudden or getting worse, please see a doctor.
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