Staying active is important if you are waiting for, or recovering from, surgery.

If you are fit and strong, your surgery has the best chance of success and you may recover more quickly. Over time, exercise can also help improve mobility, support your balance and boost your mood.

It can feel difficult to take the first step. You may feel nervous, or you may not be sure which exercises are suitable while you are waiting for surgery. Arthritis UK created Let’s Move for Surgery to help.

Visit the Let’s Move for Surgery Toolkit

Before you start exercising

Speak to your healthcare professional, physiotherapist or surgical team about which exercises are suitable for you, especially if you have recently had surgery or your symptoms have changed.

  • Stay hydrated while exercising.
  • Make sure you have enough space around you to avoid injury.
  • Go at your own pace and build up gradually.
  • Stop and seek advice if pain increases significantly, does not settle, or you feel unwell.

What is the Surgery Toolkit?

The Surgery Toolkit includes follow-along exercise routines for hip, shoulder and knee replacement, as well as full body workouts to help maintain overall fitness.

You can also find personal stories and advice from people living with arthritis who have been through joint replacement surgery, plus tips on keeping active from a physiotherapist.

Download the Surgery Toolkit booklet

Watch the Surgery Toolkit video

This video introduces Let’s Move for Surgery and explains how the toolkit can support people waiting for or recovering from joint replacement surgery.

Exercise and arthritis support

Arthritis UK has advice to help people living with arthritis move safely, build confidence with exercise and find activities that work for them.

Exercise with arthritis advice Getting started with exercise