Physiotherapist helping a patient with knee exercise

Post-Operative Exercises for a Faster Recovery

While recovering from a fracture, specific exercises can assist you in regaining muscle strength and enhance the range of motion.1 Studies have shown that early initiation of simple exercises, such as getting in and out of bed, sitting and standing, sitting on a chair with arms, and walking with an assistive device, can promote faster recovery.2 

The Key Benefits Of Post-Operative Exercises Include1,2

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Improved Muscle Strength

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Improved Physical Function

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Reduced Hospital Stays

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More Independent Lifestyle

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Reduced Medical & Caregiver Expenses

Recovery Exercises

Here are a few exercises that the doctor generally suggests during your recovery phase. 

It is important to consult your doctor before starting any new form of exercise. To ensure that the exercises are safe and effective, talk to your doctor and perform the exercises under your doctor’s supervision.7

Icon of a woman performing wrist exercise

For Wrist Fracture Recovery

Wrist Flexion Stretch3

  1. Straighten your arm with your palm facing to the floor. Bend your wrist so that your fingers point to the feet. 
  2. Use your other arm to pull your hand towards your body.
  3. Hold for 15 seconds 
  4. Repeat this stretch with the other arm. 
  5. Perform this exercise 5 times a day, for 5-7 days/week.
Icon of a woman performing leg stretching exercise

For Hip Fracture Recovery

Hip Abduction4

  1. Stand with your legs apart. You can take the support of a chair or table. 
  2. Squeeze your bottom muscles and lift the affected leg out to the side. Keep your knee straight.
  3. Slowly lower your leg and return to the initial position.
  4. Repeat the exercise with your other leg.
  5. Perform this exercise as recommended by the doctor.
Icon of a woman performing leg exercise

For knee Fracture Recovery

Leg Extensions5

  1. Sit straight on a comfortable chair.
  2. Slowly lift your affected leg and straighten it. Hold your leg as high as possible. 
  3. Hold the position for 5-6 seconds. 
  4. Relax and return your foot to the initial position.
  5. Repeat on the other side.
  6. Perform this exercise in 3 sets of 10 or as recommended by the doctor.
     
Icon of ankle stretching exercise

For Ankle Fracture Recovery

Ankle Pumps (Ankle Dorsiflexion/Plantar Flexion)6

  1. Sit in a comfortable position and stretch your legs in front of you. 
  2. For dorsiflexion, pull your toes toward you and gently return to the start position. 
  3. For plantar flexion, point your toes downward and gently return to the start position. 
  4. Perform this exercise in 3 sets of 10 or as recommended by the doctor.

References

1. AAOS. Orthoinfo. Fractures (Broken Bones) [Internet] [Cited 07 March 2022] Available from: orthoinfo.aaos.org
2. Lee KJ, Um SH, Kim YH. Postoperative Rehabilitation after Hip Fracture: A Literature Review. Hip Pelvis. 2020;32(3):125-131.
3. AAOS. Orthoinfo. Therapeutic Exercise Program for Carpal Tunnel Syndrome [Internet] [Cited 07 March 2022] Available from: orthoinfo.aaos.org
4. Musculo-skeletal. North Bristol NHS. Hip Fracture Programme. A guide for patients following surgery. [Internet] [Cited 07 March 2022]. Available at: www.nbt.nhs.uk
5. AAOS. Orthoinfo. Knee Conditioning Program. [Internet] [Cited 07 March 2022] Available from: orthoinfo.aaos.org
6. AAOS. Orthoinfo. Foot and Ankle Conditioning Program. [Internet] [Cited 07 March 2022] Available from: orthoinfo.aaos.org
7. AAOS. Orthoinfo. Hip Conditioning Program. [Internet] [Cited 07 March 2022] Available from: orthoinfo.aaos.org

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