Starting to move as soon as possible, with guidance, is the first step on the road to recovery.

After surgery or a serious illness, it's normal to want to rest as much as possible. You've been through a lot and your body needs time to heal. But lying in bed for too long can slow recovery and even cause new problems. That's why many hospitals make physical therapy part of patients' recovery plans right from the start.

Your first steps toward recovery may happen while you're still in your hospital gown. Whether you've had a joint replacement, heart surgery or a stay due to an illness, getting moving under the guidance of a trained physical therapist can be an important part of the healing process. These early sessions are gentle and designed to help your body bounce back faster. And the sooner you start, the sooner you can get back to doing the things you enjoy.

Beginning physical therapy early offers several benefits. Moving your body helps improve blood flow, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to the areas that need to heal. It also keeps your muscles from weakening, prevents your joints from getting stiff and reduces the risk of blood clots. Even small movements, like sitting up in a chair or taking a short walk in the hallway, can make a difference in how your body responds.

One of the biggest advantages to physical therapy is regaining strength and mobility. After surgery, especially something like a knee or hip replacement, your muscles and joints need to learn how to work together again. The more time you spend not using them, the harder it becomes to get moving later. By starting in the hospital, you build a foundation of strength and flexibility that makes daily activities like walking, bending and climbing stairs much easier when you get home.

Early movement can also help with pain control. Gentle exercises keep swelling down and reduce stiffness, which often means you'll need less pain medication. That's a win for your comfort and your safety, since fewer medications can mean fewer side effects. At the same time, getting moving lowers your risk of complications like infections or readmission to the hospital, which can happen when recovery stalls.

There's also an important mental health benefit. Being in the hospital can be difficult and it's easy to feel like your body is letting you down. Working with a physical therapist gives you small, achievable goals you can meet each day. Seeing progress, whether it's walking a few extra steps or standing up without help, boosts confidence and helps you feel more in control of your recovery.

Hospital-based therapy is especially effective because your care team is all in one place. Your therapist can coordinate with your doctors and nurses to adjust your plan as needed, making sure each step you take is safe. This kind of teamwork helps you leave the hospital stronger and more prepared to keep improving at home or in an outpatient program.

Starting physical therapy while you're still in the hospital isn't about pushing your body too hard. It's about giving it the tools it needs to heal well. Even a little movement early on can lead to less pain, fewer complications and a faster return to normal life. So if you're recovering from surgery or illness, ask your care team how physical therapy can help you get back on your feet sooner.

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Date Last Reviewed: August 20, 2025

Editorial Review: Andrea Cohen, Editorial Director, Baldwin Publishing, Inc. Contact Editor

Medical Review: Andrew Overman, DPT, MS, COMT, CSCS

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