Why Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Matters

Surgery is just the beginning of your recovery journey. Without proper rehabilitation programs, you risk:

• Delayed healing and prolonged pain

• Reduced range of motion and stiffness

• Muscle weakness and loss of function

• Increased risk of re-injury when returning to activity

• Incomplete recovery that affects your quality of life

Professional post-surgery physio ensures you heal correctly, rebuild strength progressively, and achieve the best possible outcome from your procedure.

Common Surgeries We Treat

Our physiotherapists have extensive experience providing post-surgery rehabilitation for a wide range of orthopaedic procedures:

Knee Surgery Rehabilitation

• ACL reconstruction: Complete ACL rehab programs for safe return to sport

• Meniscus repair: Progressive strengthening and stability training

• Total knee replacement (TKR): Mobility restoration and functional training

• Partial knee replacement: Tailored recovery for active adults

Common knee injuries from soccer, skiing, and netball often require surgical intervention. Our sport-specific rehab programs help athletes safely return to their chosen activities.

Hip Surgery Rehabilitation

• Total hip replacement (THR): Walking, strengthening, and balance training

• Hip arthroscopy: Gentle progression to full function

• Hip labral repair: Protecting the repair while building strength

• Hip resurfacing: Age-appropriate functional goals

Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation

• Rotator cuff repair: Protecting healing tissues while preventing stiffness

• Shoulder stabilisation: Progressive loading for common shoulder injuries from car accidents or sports

• Labral repair: Controlled strengthening programs

• Shoulder replacement: Pain-free movement restoration

Common shoulder injuries from swimming, tennis, and overhead sports often require post-surgical rehab.

Ankle and Foot Surgery

• Achilles tendon repair: Protected weight-bearing progression

• Ankle ligament reconstruction: Stability and proprioception training

• Ankle fracture fixation: Safe return to walking and running

• Bunion surgery: Gait retraining and function restoration

Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation

• Lumbar discectomy: Core strengthening and posture correction

• Spinal fusion: Graduated loading and movement patterns

• Laminectomy: Safe return to daily activities

• Cervical spine surgery: Neck strengthening and ergonomic advice

Our expertise in treating most common lower back injuries ensures comprehensive care for spinal surgery patients.

Our Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Process

We work closely with your surgeon's protocols to provide evidence-based, phased rehabilitation:

Phase 1: Early Post-Surgery (Weeks 0-2)

Goals: Reduce pain and swelling, protect healing tissues, begin gentle movement

Treatment includes:

• Pain management strategies

• Gentle range of motion exercises

• Swelling reduction techniques

• Education on do's and don'ts

• Wound care guidance

• Walking aids if needed

Phase 2: Protected Strengthening (Weeks 2-6)

Goals: Gradually increase movement, begin protected strengthening, improve function

Treatment includes:

• Progressive range of motion exercises

• Early muscle strengthening exercises

• Soft tissue mobilisation

• Scar tissue management

• Balance and proprioception training

• Hydrotherapy if appropriate

Phase 3: Progressive Loading (Weeks 6-12)

Goals: Build strength, improve endurance, work towards functional goals

Treatment includes:

• Advanced strength and conditioning exercises

• Functional movement training

• Injury prevention strategies

• Sport or work-specific drills

• Graduated return-to-activity programs

• Clinical pilates for core stability

Phase 4: Return to Full Function (12+ Weeks)

Goals: Return to sport, work, or previous activity level with confidence

Treatment includes:

• High-level strengthening programs

• Sport-specific training

• Mobility improvement for optimal performance

• Confidence building

• Maintenance exercise programs

• Ongoing monitoring and support

Timeline Note: Recovery timeframes vary based on surgery type, your general health, age, and commitment to rehabilitation. Your physiotherapist will provide realistic expectations based on your specific situation.

What Makes Our Post-Surgery Rehab Different

Surgeon-Aligned Protocols

We strictly adhere to your surgeon's post-operative guidelines and protocols, ensuring safe progression while maximising your recovery potential.

Evidence-Based Treatment

Our rehabilitation programs are built on the latest research in musculoskeletal physiotherapy, orthopaedic rehabilitation, and sports medicine.

Individualised Programs

No two surgeries are the same. Your program is tailored to your:

• Specific surgery and surgeon's protocol

• Pre-surgery fitness level

• Personal goals (return to sport, work, hobbies)

• Recovery progress

• Any complications or setbacks

Comprehensive Assessment

We conduct thorough assessments at each phase, measuring:

• Range of motion

• Muscle strength

• Joint stability

• Balance and proprioception

• Functional movement patterns

• Pain levels

Exercise Progression

Our progressive exercise rehabilitation programs challenge you appropriately at each stage, ensuring you build strength without risking re-injury.

Education and Empowerment

We educate you about:

• What to expect at each recovery stage

• Warning signs to watch for

• Self-management strategies

• Prevention of future injuries

• Long-term health of your joint or spine

Supporting Services for Complete Recovery

Remedial Massage Therapy

Remedial massage therapy complements your post-surgery physio by:

• Reducing muscle tightness from compensatory movement patterns

• Improving circulation to healing tissues

• Releasing trigger points

• Promoting relaxation and recovery

Our experienced massage therapists use techniques including trigger point therapy, cupping therapy, and soft tissue release.

Clinical Pilates

Once cleared by your surgeon, physiotherapist-led clinical pilates provides:

• Low-impact strengthening

• Core stability training

• Improved movement control

• Reduced risk of re-injury

Nutrition Support

Our in-house dietitian can help with:

• Anti-inflammatory nutrition for healing

• Weight management to reduce joint stress

• Protein intake for tissue repair

• Overall health optimisation