Surgery fixes the structure. Rehabilitation gets it working again. The weeks after an operation are when the right exercise and advice make the biggest difference to how well you recover.
Operations we commonly rehabilitate
- Hip and knee replacements
- ACL reconstruction and other knee ligament repairs
- Knee arthroscopy and meniscus repair
- Shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff repair and decompression
- Fracture fixation of the wrist, elbow, ankle and hip
- Spinal surgery, once your surgeon allows
What rehabilitation involves
- Protect and settleManaging pain and swelling, getting moving safely and walking with the right aids.
- Restore movementGently regaining range of motion within the limits your surgeon has set.
- Rebuild strengthProgressive exercise to rebuild the muscles around the joint and your balance.
- Back to lifeStairs, work, driving, sport: whatever you need to get back to.
Bring your operation note, discharge letter and any rehabilitation protocol to your first appointment, so we can work exactly to your surgeon’s plan.
A patient recovering from a broken elbow regained full movement within four months; another, after a broken hip and hospital stay, was helped back to moving independently at home. Read their stories.
Book rehabilitation after your operation, at the clinic or at home.
Common questions
When should I start physio after my operation?
Follow your surgeon’s advice. Many people start within days of a joint replacement or ligament repair. Bring any discharge letter or protocol to your first session.
Can you come to my home straight after surgery?
Yes. Home visits are often the best option for the first few weeks after a hip or knee replacement or major surgery.
Will my insurer pay for post-operative physiotherapy?
Many policies cover it, especially when the surgery was also covered. Ask your insurer for an authorisation number.
How long does rehab take after a knee replacement?
Most people make the biggest gains in the first three months, with steady improvement for up to a year. Your plan will depend on your surgery and goals.
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