Interactive recovery guide
Get back to the things
you love after surgery
🦺
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Based on NHS, AAOS, NICE, Mayo Clinic & Cleveland Clinic (last checked Oct 2026)
Golf, swimming, gardening, yoga, cycling, hiking, tennis or dancing: pick the activity you're itching to get back to, then your surgery, and see a realistic timeframe, the modifications that actually matter, and the warning signs that mean it's time to check in with your surgical team.
⚠️ This does not replace medical advice. Every body heals differently and your surgeon knows your case. This tool gives general, published guidance ranges only: always seek proper medical advice from your own surgical or GP team before resuming any activity, especially anything with impact, twisting, lifting or a fall risk.
1 What do you want to get back to?
2 What surgery did you have?
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Choose an activity and a surgery above to see your timeline, modifications and red flags.
How to use this tool safely
This gives ranges, never a green light for you specifically
The timeframes here come from published clinical guidance (NHS, AAOS, NICE, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic and relevant specialty societies) about typical, uncomplicated healing. Your own surgeon's instructions always take priority, especially if you had complications, a revision procedure, or other health conditions that affect healing.
Start gentler than the guidance and build up
Where a range is given (e.g. "6-12 weeks"), that's the usual window, not a target to rush toward. Pain, swelling or fatigue during or after an activity is your body's feedback: ease off and give it another week or two, and mention it at your next follow-up.
When in doubt, ask before you start
A quick message to your surgical team or GP before resuming an activity you're unsure about costs nothing and can save weeks of setback. This is especially true for anything involving twisting, overhead reaching, impact, lifting, or a real risk of falling.