2 Days After Surgery

PT starts. Small wins count.

2 Days After Surgery

🎯 Today’s Focus

Your first formal PT session sets the foundation for your entire recovery. Specific, tailored movement with your trainer will set your baseline and get you on the road to a full recovery.

Your Actions

Day 2

Complete your first physical therapy session — in-hospital or with a home PT
Continue ankle pumps and icing every 2 hours
Begin stair training if cleared by your PT
Record your starting range-of-motion measurement — goal is 90° within 2 weeks

Deep Dive

More About Physical Therapy

Your first session is typically 30–45 minutes, focused on establishing a safe baseline. Expect:

Quad sets — tightening the thigh muscle with the leg straight
Straight leg raises — lifting the leg to activate the quad
Heel slides — bending the knee by sliding the heel toward your body
Short arc quads — extending the knee from a partially bent position
Assisted walking with proper walker or crutch technique

Your PT will record your starting range of motion — write it down, you’ll want to track progress weekly.

Managing Pain

Take your pain medication 30–45 minutes before your PT session if timing allows. Do not skip medication to “tough it out” — undertreated pain makes PT less effective. After your session, ice immediately for 20 minutes.

Soreness that resolves overnight is expected. Sharp, worsening pain that doesn’t respond to ice and elevation warrants a call to your surgeon.

Incision care

Keep it dry and covered until staples or sutures are removed, commonly 10–14 days post-op. Some drainage on the bandage is normal in the first 48–72 hours. If you’re soaking through more than one dressing pad in a few hours, call your surgeon’s office. Do not apply lotion, cream, or antibiotic ointment unless specifically instructed.

When to Call the Office

Calf swelling or pain — call immediately, possible DVT
Fever above 101.5°F
Wound edges that are separating or appear infected

Quick Reference

⏰ When Can I…

Climb stairs normally

1 – 2 weeks or when cleared

Bend knee 90 degrees

about 2 weeks

Stop using walker

When cleared by PT

🔍 What to Expect

Days 2–5 are often the hardest emotionally. Swelling commonly peaks around day 3. Pain may feel similar to or slightly worse than day 1 before beginning to improve. This plateau is normal and doesn’t mean something went wrong.

Patients who stay consistent with home exercises during this window tend to have better 6-week outcomes.

📚 Why This Matters

90 degrees of knee flexion is the threshold for most functional activities — sitting in a normal chair, getting into a car, climbing stairs. Most surgeons track this as the key early milestone. The faster you reach 90°, generally the better your overall outcome.

Daily home exercises between PT visits are critical, not optional.