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The Post-Op Lower Limb Class aims to support patients after non-complex lower limb surgeries with their rehabilitation. It aims to help with recovery post-operatively to get your joint movement, muscle power, flexibility and balance back.

We want to support you to achieve your goals within the expected timeframe following surgery. You have been referred to our service by your consultant who has recommended post-operative rehabilitation as part of your recovery.

What to expect

This is a physical, progressive exercise rehabilitation group. It will consist of up to 8 people, from varying non-complex lower limb surgeries. You will be assessed in your first class by a senior physiotherapist who will follow a post-operative checklist and discuss your protocol as advised by your consultant. You will be monitored and guided through the exercises and with time you will become familiar and more confident. We would like you to attend 4 sessions spread out over 8 weeks and it is important to practice these exercises at home in between sessions and once your treatment has finished.

What will I need?

  • Wear loose fitting clothing that is comfortable to move in
  • Wear supportive footwear such as trainers
  • You may wish to bring a drink

Practice at home

If you have been given a post-operative protocol from the consultant or inpatient physiotherapist, please complete the included exercises daily as described. It is important this is completed each day to make progress with your recovery.

We have included low-level exercises below to assist with your recovery whilst waiting for your class to start and in between classes. Complete them as your joint allows, it may feel tiring but should not significantly exacerbate your pain.

Find your nearest service

Vita Health Group works in partnership with the NHS to provide Musculoskeletal (MSK) services across the UK by a team of experts who are committed to excellence in clinical standards and customer service.

NHS Physiotherapy
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Self help resource

Visit our health hub to access free advice on how to improve and maintain your physical wellbeing.

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Self-help exercises

1. Sit to stand

Sit upright on a stool so that your hips are higher than your knees.

Your legs should be hip width apart.

Step your feet backwards, so they are directly under your knees.

Fold your arms so that they are not used to push yourself up.

Lean your body forwards, and push through your legs to stand up straight.

Ensure you fully straighten your hips once you are standing.

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Exercise 2 – Knee extension

Sit on a chair.

Stretch one leg out and keep it in that position for the required duration.

Return your leg to the starting position and then repeat with your other leg.

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Exercise 3 – Heel raises

Hold on to a solid object with your legs hips width apart.

Keeping your knees straight, rise up on to your toes, and control the movement as you lower back down.

Exercise 4 – Mini squat

Stand up straight facing a wall or supporting surface.

Your feet should be hips width apart.

Keeping your gaze directly ahead, hold on and bend your knees a little.

Ensure your knees travel directly forwards over your toes.

Do not allow them to turn inwards.

Push through the heels of your feet and tighten your buttock muscles to return to the upright position.

Ensure your gaze remains directly ahead and your back straight at all times.

Continue this movement.

FAQs

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What is a group exercise class?

Recovering from injury often requires rehabilitation exercises that are gradually progressed over a number of weeks. Group Exercises Classes are small rehabilitation groups that are specifically designed to deal with common injuries or conditions that patients experience. When supplemented with at home exercises the vast majority of MSK conditions respond very well to consistent and progressive exercises over 12 weeks. Group Exercise Classes are a safe and effective way to help patients recover and get consistent support to learn suitable exercises and progressions for the first six weeks. Exercising in a group environment i.e with other people with the same or similar condition provides:

  • Exercises which are specific to a patient’s condition
  • Exercises set at the right intensity for an individual
  • A Physiotherapist on hand to field any questions or concerns
  • Encouragement and support from other patients in a similar situation
  • Education about specific conditions, managing symptoms and the benefits of exercising
  • The overall physical and psychological benefits of being more active

The exercises in a class are prescribed and performed for various reasons including strengthening muscles, improving the cardiovascular system, and developing or maintaining physical skills like balance. Our physiotherapists are experts in prescribing the right exercises to resolve various problems e.g., low back pain, early osteoarthritis etc.

What is involved?

  • 1 class per week over a 6-week period led by one of our physiotherapists
  • Each class will last 1 hour but everyone tends to start at slightly different levels
  • Over the 6 weeks, the exercise will gradually increase but we will help you pace this What is involved?

Group Exercise Classes are delivered on a rolling program so patients can access them at any time. All we ask if for patients to be able to commit to a regular time every week to benefit from the classes.

What should I expect from an exercise class?

During the class you will carry out an average of a 30–40 minute exercise programme, including a warm up and call down. Following this will be a chance to ask any questions which can include an educational component around covering various topics from how to exercise, to knowing how to manage pain flare ups. The exercise circuit is supervised by a rehab therapist who will check that you are doing the exercises correctly and safely.

ll of the exercises have been chosen as they will work to strengthen yourself in a safe way. However, if you feel that your pain is worsening when doing the exercise class, please tell the therapist. We will be able to tell you if you are doing the exercises right or if they need to be altered.

We aim to provide you with a block of classes. However, if you cannot attend for a week, we cannot guarantee that we can offer you a further class to make up your sessions. We recommend you chose a time to start when you know you are going to be able to make the regular attendance. Most people manage well if they are able to attend all of the sessions.

What should I wear to the exercise class?

Please wear suitable clothing that is appropriate for an exercise class. Gym or sportswear is probably the best clothing to wear, or something you feel comfortable in that will allow you to move freely.

What if I need to cancel an exercise class?

Please call as soon as you know you will be unable to attend the class and any cancellations must be made at least 24 hours prior. Should you wish to cancel over the weekend or out of hours, please leave a message on our answering machine. Our cancellation policy is intended to avoid unnecessary loss of appointments, which can lead to increased waiting times:

• If you fail to attend your appointment or cancel with less than 24 hours’ notice you will be discharged back to your GP.
• Frequently cancelling your appointments with more than 24 hours’ notice will also lead to being discharged back to your GP.
• If your last appointment was over 12 weeks ago or more, we may ask you for a new referral. This is because your injury may have changed in that time, and we will need to re-assess you and create a new treatment plan for you.
• We understand it can sometimes be unavoidable to cancel your appointment and these circumstances will always be considered if you inform us that you are unable to attend.

Contact us on 020 8187 4280

Should I do exercise outside of the class?

Yes! To get the best results from this programme, you should be doing exercise at home on a regular basis as well. If your physiotherapist gave you some exercises to carry out before the class, continue with these. We also suggest that you add at least one of the exercises taught to you during the class. Try and create a manageable daily routine to follow.

The benefits of exercise

Physical benefits

• Energy levels increased
• Increased physical strength
• Completing longer walks
• Grants you some more ability to do more things that you may enjoy
• Decreases chance of developing OA by 83%

Mental benefits

• Stimulates release of dopamine and serotonin*
• Improves mood
• Reduces stress
• Improves sleep
• Better digestion

Serotonin has been shown to aid with sleep regulation and reduce constipation.

Reduces the chances of major illness

• Dementia – Reduced by up to 30%
• Hip fractures – Reduced by up to 68%
• Depression – Reduced by up to 30%
• Cardiovascular disease – Reduced by up to 35%
• Type 2 diabetes – Reduced by up to 40%
• Colon cancer – Reduced by up to 30%

NHS guidelines recommend the following

Moderate Activity

150 mins of moderate intensity exercise a week = 30 mins x5 per week.

Moderate intensity = any exercise that elevates the heart/ breathing rate to a point where you can still hold a conversation.

Intense activity

75 mins of intense exercise a week = 15 mins x5 per week.

Intense exercise = any exercise that elevates heart rate.

Information & Guidance

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If you are struggling with a physical condition or injury that is affecting daily life, we offer a range of guidance to help reduce your symptoms, prevent further injury and improve your physical function to get you back to your best.

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