Post‑Surgery RehabilitationSafe Recovery & Return to Function

What to expect after surgery and how physiotherapy supports healing, movement, and confidence—step by step.

Why rehab matters after surgery

Physiotherapy helps protect the repair, restore range of motion, rebuild strength, and guide your return to daily activities and sport—at the right pace for your procedure.

Plans are phase‑based and tailored to your surgeon’s protocol. Communication between you, your therapist and surgical team supports a smooth recovery.

Typical phases of rehabilitation

Phase 1: Protection & Early Motion

Pain and swelling control, wound care guidance, protected movement (as allowed), gentle circulation exercises, and confidence with daily tasks.

Phase 2: Range & Control

Progressive range of motion, activation of key muscles, gait or movement retraining, and early functional practice.

Phase 3: Strength & Capacity

Progressive strengthening and balance work; return to normal tasks and light sport drills as cleared.

Phase 4: Return to Sport/Work

Higher‑level conditioning and task‑specific training to safely return to your goals.

What to expect in physio

  • Education & pacing: do’s and don’ts for your procedure
  • Movement: guided range, gait training, posture strategies
  • Strength: staged loading matched to healing
  • Home program: clear plan and flare‑up management

Common procedures and rehab focus

Knee (ACL, meniscus, TKR)

  • Swelling control, quad activation, gait retraining
  • Gradual ROM milestones (e.g., 0–90° early)
  • Strength, balance and return-to-run criteria

Shoulder (rotator cuff, stabilisation)

  • Sling guidance and protected passive ROM
  • Scapular control, staged strengthening
  • Functional overhead progressions

Spine & hip (discectomy, THR)

  • Wound care, walking tolerance, posture
  • Hip precautions if applicable; early mobility
  • Progressive conditioning and function

Pain and swelling management

Elevation & cold

Short, regular icing and elevation as advised can help swelling and comfort.

Medication plan

Follow your team’s plan precisely; discuss side‑effects or inadequate relief.

Activity dosing

Break tasks into short bouts; increase gradually as symptoms settle.

Contact your team urgently if you notice

  • Signs of DVT/PE: calf swelling/pain, chest pain, shortness of breath
  • Excessive wound redness, discharge, fever, chills
  • Increasing pain not responding to your plan

Assistive devices and daily activities

Walking aids

Crutches, stick or frame as advised. Progress to independent gait when safe.

Sleeping & dressing

Pillows to position comfortably; long‑handled aids or seated dressing to protect the repair.

Work & transport

Desk work may resume earlier than manual roles; confirm driving timelines with your surgeon insurer.

Milestones for return to work and sport

  • Minimal swelling and pain controlled with activity
  • Range of motion targets met for the procedure
  • Strength within 80–90% of the other side for key tasks
  • Pass functional tests (e.g., hop, lift, reach) relevant to your goal

Example weekly structure (generic)

  • Weeks 1–2: wound care, swelling control, gentle ROM, short walks
  • Weeks 3–6: steady ROM gains, activation/strength (light), balance tasks
  • Weeks 6–12: progressive strength, endurance, functional drills
  • 12+ weeks: higher‑level conditioning; task/sport‑specific practice

Timelines vary by procedure—always follow your surgeon’s protocol.

Good questions to ask

  • What movements or loads must I avoid and for how long?
  • What are the key milestones and how will we measure them?
  • When should I seek urgent review? What are red flags?
  • When can I drive, fly, return to work, or restart sport?

Track your recovery

Pain & swelling

Daily notes help spot patterns and guide pacing.

Range & strength

Record key measures your therapist tracks.

Function goals

List tasks getting easier (stairs, sleep, work tasks).

FAQs

How fast should I progress?

Follow your surgeon’s protocol and your therapist’s guidance. Progress is individual and based on comfort, healing, and function.

When can I return to sport or work?

This depends on the procedure and milestones such as range, strength, and task tolerance. Your team will give clear criteria.

Do I need imaging before I start?

Usually no—rehab follows your operative report and protocol. Imaging is used selectively if concerns arise.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is educational and should not replace advice from your surgical and healthcare team. Always follow your post‑operative instructions.