Get back on track with a post-operative physiotherapist
To get the best results from your orthopaedic surgery, rehabilitation is crucial. We can help you with a pre-operative exercise program and educate you about what to expect during the surgery and the days following to ensure a full recovery.
Book an initial assessment with one of our experienced physiotherapists to start your recovery process with confidence.
Knee Surgery
While non-surgical treatments are often attempted for the initial treatment of knee injuries, there are situations where knee surgery becomes the recommended or necessary treatment.
A person may undergo knee surgery to treat pain in the joint due to an injury, such as torn cartilage or a torn ligament, or to treat other conditions, such as osteoarthritis.
Regardless of the surgery, it is crucial to be well-prepared. While it is common knowledge that following surgery, you will need a Physiotherapy-prescribed rehabilitation program, few people are aware that they can benefit greatly from pre-habilitation programs or exercise plans performed before surgery. Making the effort to see a physiotherapist before surgery can help you recover faster. Strengthening the musculature around your hip and knee allows you to reap the benefits of post-op rehabilitation before the actual surgery.
When should I start my post-op physiotherapy?
Depending on the type of knee surgery, most cases can start post-op physiotherapy-led rehabilitation one week following surgery. In these early days, your physiotherapist will concentrate on swelling management, gentle muscle activation and movement of the knee.
How long is recovery?
Knee surgery recovery in terms of returning to sport is dependent on several factors, including neuromotor function (muscle control of the knee), the nature of the sport, and your confidence in returning to sport. Ultimately, recovery is not based on a time frame, but rather on meeting function-related milestones.
What does post-surgical rehabilitation involve?
Post-op rehab following knee surgery focuses on restoring full knee motion, strength, power, and endurance of the muscles around the knee and the entire leg. You will be given an exercise program to complete at home or at the gym, which will address these factors and progress you through sport-specific exercises based on your goals.
For more information, make an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
ACL surgery
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments that stabilise the knee joint. The ACL stabilises the femur (thigh bone) on the tibia (shin bone) and prevents forward movement and rotation of the tibia during exercises such as jumping, pivoting and changes in direction. Of the four major knee ligaments of the knee, an ACL injury or rupture is the most debilitating knee ligament injury.
An ACL injury is usually a sports-related knee injury. About 80% of sports-related ACL tears are ‘non-contact’ injuries. This means that the injury occurs without the contact of another player. Most often, ACL tears occur when pivoting or landing from a jump.
ACL injuries can be managed surgically or non-surgically, depending on your age and activity levels you wish to return to. If you choose to have surgery, it is essential to begin strengthening and range-of-motion exercises prior to the procedure. This will help improve your overall outcome following surgery.
When should I start my post-op physiotherapy?
You should start Physiotherapy 1 to 2 weeks post-surgery. In these early days, your physiotherapist will concentrate on managing swelling, gently activating muscles, and promoting movement of the knee.
How long is recovery?
Recovery in terms of returning to sport is dependent on several factors, including knee stability, neuromotor function (muscle control of the knee), the nature of the sport, and your confidence in returning. The average time to return to sport in the most recent literature ranges from 9 to 12 months, with delayed participation in sport being more favourable in reducing the risk of further knee injury.
What does ACL post-surgical rehabilitation involve?
Your rehabilitation following ACL surgery focuses on restoring full knee motion, as well as strength, power and endurance of the muscles around the knee and the entire leg. You will be given an exercise program to complete at home or at the gym, which will address these factors and progress you through to sport-specific exercises based on your goals.
The most successful and quickest outcomes result from the guidance and supervision of an experienced sports physiotherapist, such as those here at Foundation Clinic.
Hip surgery
The hip is one of the largest weight-bearing joints in the body. The hip has three primary functions: to allow mobility of the lower limb, to transmit load between the upper body, trunk, and lower limb, and to provide stability.
Surgery of the hip can be separated into hip arthroscopies and hip replacements.
Hip arthroscopy is commonly performed to manage hip joint pathologies, including femoroacetabular impingement and cartilage tears.
Hip replacement is an option when irreparable joint damage interferes with function and causes constant pain that is not alleviated by more conservative therapies. Total hip replacement surgery replaces the ball at the top of the thigh bone (femur) and the hip socket.
If you’ve made the big decision to undergo a hip operation, don’t just go on autopilot until your surgery date rolls around. Proper preparation can help you recover faster. It is vital to schedule an appointment with an experienced physiotherapist before your surgery to start an exercise program tailored to your goals and limitations. Learning the exercises in advance will ease the recovery process post-op.
When should I start my post-op physiotherapy?
Post-op Physiotherapy starts as soon as you are able. Generally a Physiotherapist will guide you through some exercises 1-2 days following surgery. These may feel uncomfortable and tender at first, but they will help speed your recovery and diminish your postoperative pain.
How long is recovery?
Recovery is dependent on the type of surgery and the level and type of sport you wish to return to. Generally, most clients return to some participation in sport 4 to 6 months following a hip arthroscopy. Following a hip replacement, most clients can return to sport, albeit mostly at a lower level, between 6 and 12 months following surgery.
What does post-surgical rehabilitation involve?
Acute post-op Physiotherapy focuses on reducing swelling, improving mobility, and retraining gait. Long-term rehab includes strength, balance, agility and flexibility training designed to meet your individual needs.
For more information, make an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
Shoulder surgery
The shoulder is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. The glenohumeral joint (shoulder joint) is inherently unstable, comprising a shallow ball and socket joint. It is often described as the equivalent of a golf ball (humerus/arm bone) on a tee (glenoid/socket). Therefore, effective shoulder function and stability rely on the ligaments, cartilage, rotator cuff and scapular muscles.
Your shoulder is the most flexible joint in your body. It allows you to place and rotate your arm in many different positions. This flexibility also makes your shoulder susceptible to instability and injury.
The majority of shoulder injuries can be treated successfully conservatively under the guidance of an experienced physiotherapist.
Occasionally, surgery may be recommended for a complicated rotator cuff tear or cartilage (labral) tear. Even for full rotator cuff repair, conservative care is gaining popularity.
If you opt for surgery, it is essential to consult a physiotherapist prior to surgery. The better your range, strength, and stability are beforehand, the better your outcome will be post-op.
When should I start my post-op physiotherapy?
Even though you may still be in a sling, it is important to start post-op physio as early as possible. Muscle weakness and stiffness of the shoulder joint often result from delayed initiation of a program. Early motion after surgery can also help prevent contractures and the dreaded condition known as frozen shoulder. Stretching and strengthening are key parts of early rehabilitation after surgery under the guidance of a physiotherapist.
How long is recovery?
Recovery is dependent on the type of surgery and the level and type of sport you wish to return to. Generally, most clients can return to some form of sport between 6 and 9 months after the operation.
What does post-surgical rehabilitation involve?
A thorough post-op rehab plan is critical to a successful rotator cuff repair or other shoulder operation. Making this a priority will maximise your recovery. Rehabilitation will initially focus on restoring full shoulder motion and then regaining strength, power and endurance of the muscles around the shoulder/scapula. You will be given an exercise program to complete at home or at the gym, which will address these factors and progress you through to sport-specific exercises based on your goals.
For more information, make an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists.
Gym programs for post-op, gym-based strengthening
We have fully equipped gyms with an emphasis on rehabilitation at all locations.
Our physiotherapists are able to devise a post-op rehab program that will help you regain strength and confidence and get you back to better than before.
Whether you’re healing from shoulder, hip or knee surgery, our tailored post-op rehabilitation programs will help you recover faster, improve your mobility, and achieve a full recovery.
Book an appointment with our post op rehab team
Whether you're recovering from knee surgery, a hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, or another procedure, our experienced team is here to support your recovery every step of the way. Get started with a personalised assessment and a structured rehab programme tailored to your goals. Book now and take the next step toward your full recovery.
