Post-Operative Physiotherapy

Post-operative physiotherapy describes the process whereby a physio will help you in your rehabilitation after surgery. This will involve the physio understanding the surgery performed, and the possible need for an area of your body to be protected, unloaded or rested afterward. They will also ask you questions to understand your pre-surgical physical capacity and what your goals are post surgery. All of this information is then used to build a rehabilitation program that will help you increase you range of motion, activate muscles and increase strength, and regain your normal function. Depending on your goals, this may involve the return to your normal daily activities and work, and possibly then focus on returning you to your hobbies and sports.

Surgery often results in muscle weakness, joint stiffness, swelling, and movement limitations, making physiotherapy an essential part of the recovery process. This usually follows a limitation in function which is why you had the surgery in the first place. Therefore, a well-planned rehabilitation program helps you regain this mobility, strength and function, prevent complications, and optimises long-term outcomes.

The timing of post-operative physiotherapy depends on the type of surgery and your recovery needs. In many cases, physiotherapy starts within hours to a few days after surgery to prevent complications and support early mobility. However, for more complex procedures, aspects of the rehabilitation may begin a few weeks later under guidance from your surgeon and physiotherapist.

General Guidelines for Starting Physiotherapy After Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopedic Surgeries (Joint Replacements, ACL Reconstruction, Rotator Cuff Repair)

Start: There will be some activities you will be guided to start within 0-48 hours post surgery (gentle movement & circulation exercises).

Full rehab: This is determined by the surgeron and your physio and progresses over weeks to months with strength & mobility training.

Spinal Surgeries (Discectomy, Fusion, Laminectomy)

Start: There will be some activities you will be guided to start within 0-48 hours post surgery (gentle movement & circulation exercises).

Full rehab: This is determined by the surgeron and your physio and progresses over weeks to months with strength & mobility training and core focused exercises.

Abdominal & Pelvic Surgeries (C-Section, Hysterectomy, Hernia Repair)

Start: There will be some activities you will be guided to start within 0-48 hours post surgery (gentle movement & circulation exercises, breathing & pelvic floor exercises).

Structured rehab: From 4-6 weeks postpartum or as per medical clearance.

Fracture Repairs & Trauma Surgery

Start: There will be some activities you will be guided to start within 0-48 hours post surgery (gentle movement & circulation exercises which may be different if non-weight-bearing or immobilized with a cast or brace).

Full rehab: This is determined by the surgeron and your physio and progresses over weeks to months with strength & mobility training.

Benefits of Post-Operative Physiotherapy:

1. Accelerates Healing & Recovery

• Receiving specific guidance for your situation and how to best manage following your surgery is critical in speeding up recovery by altering your activity as required.
• Speeds up the return to daily activities and functional independence.

2. Improves Mobility & Flexibility

• Restores joint range of motion and muscle flexibility that may have been lost during surgery or immobilization.
• Prevents stiffness, especially in joints like the knee, hip, or shoulder.

3. Strengthens Muscles & Supports Stability

• Post-surgery, muscles around the affected area often weaken. Physiotherapy focuses on rebuilding strength and stability to support proper movement and prevent further injury.
• Strengthening exercises target both deep stabilizing muscles and larger muscle groups.

4. Reduces Pain & Swelling

• Techniques such as manual therapy, ice/heat therapy, and gentle exercises help manage pain and inflammation
• Postural education and ergonomic advice also reduce strain on the healing area

5. Prevents Complications & Re-Injury

• Early mobilization reduces the risk of blood clots, muscle atrophy, and joint stiffness
• Tailored exercise programs prevent re-injury by correcting movement patterns and improving body mechanics

6. Guides Safe Return to Daily Activities & Sports

• Physiotherapists gradually reintroduce functional movements, from walking and lifting to sport-specific drills
• Patients receive a plan for a safe return to exercise, work, and hobbies

Common Surgeries That Benefit from Physiotherapy:

• Orthopedic surgeries (knee/hip replacements, ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair)
• Spinal surgeries (discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion)
• Fracture repairs & joint reconstructions
• Abdominal and pelvic surgeries (C-sections, hernia repair, hysterectomy)
• Cardiothoracic surgeries (open-heart surgery, lung surgery)
  
• Neurological surgeries (spinal cord procedures, brain surgeries)

When Should You Start Post-Operative Physiotherapy?

For many surgeries, physiotherapy starts within 24–48 hours post-operation with gentle exercises to promote circulation and reduce swelling.

In cases where immediate movement isn’t possible, physiotherapists will focus on breathing exercises, gentle mobility, and pain management until active rehabilitation can begin.

Always follow your surgeon’s and physiotherapist’s advice for the optimal time to start.

What to Expect During Post-Operative Physiotherapy:

• Initial Assessment – Evaluation of pain, range of motion, strength, and functional limitations
• Pain & Swelling Management – Ice/heat therapy, gentle manual therapy, and education
• Rehabilitation Exercises – A tailored program focusing on strength, flexibility, and endurance
• Functional Training – Guidance on returning to daily tasks, work, and sport
• Progress Monitoring – Regular check-ins to adjust your plan as you recover

Final Thoughts:

Post-operative physiotherapy is key to a faster, safer, and more complete recovery. Whether you’ve had joint surgery, spinal procedures, or soft tissue repairs, a structured physiotherapy program helps restore function, reduce pain, and prevent complications.

The earlier you begin (under medical guidance), the better your outcomes will be. Physiotherapists ensure that every phase of recovery is handled safely, helping you regain strength, confidence, and mobility.

Post-operative physiotherapy is a specialized rehabilitation process designed to help patients recover safely and effectively after surgery. It focuses on restoring mobility, strength, flexibility, and function, while also managing pain, swelling, and scar tissue formation. Whether you’ve had orthopedic, neurological, or general surgery, physiotherapy plays a crucial role in promoting optimal healing and preventing long-term complications.

Key Goals of Post-Operative Physiotherapy:

Pain Management: Physiotherapists use techniques like manual therapy, ice/heat application, and gentle movements to help reduce pain and discomfort post-surgery.

Swelling & Inflammation Reduction: Exercises, elevation strategies, and manual drainage techniques can minimize post-surgical swelling, helping speed up recovery.

Restoring Mobility & Flexibility: After surgery, joints and muscles can become stiff. Physiotherapy helps restore range of motion and improve flexibility through targeted stretches and mobilizations.

Rebuilding Strength & Stability: Surgery often leads to muscle weakness. Physiotherapists guide patients through strengthening exercises to rebuild muscle and improve stability.

Improving Balance & Coordination: Particularly after surgeries affecting the lower limbs or spine, physiotherapy helps retrain balance and coordination to prevent falls and ensure safe movement.

Scar Tissue Management:

Post-surgical scars can lead to tissue tightness. Physiotherapists use techniques like massage and mobilization to prevent adhesions and improve tissue flexibility.

Enhancing Circulation & Preventing Complications:

Early movement and targeted exercises help reduce the risk of complications like blood clots (DVT) and pulmonary issues post-surgery.

Gradual Return to Daily Activities & Sports:

Physiotherapy guides patients through a structured plan to safely resume normal activities, work, and sports, ensuring they don’t return too soon and risk re-injury.

Why Is Post-Operative Physiotherapy Important?

Speeds Up Recovery: By following a structured rehabilitation plan, patients can recover faster and more efficiently.

Prevents Stiffness & Weakness: Without physiotherapy, muscles can weaken, and joints can stiffen, delaying recovery.

Reduces Pain & Inflammation: Targeted exercises and manual therapy help manage post-surgical pain and swelling.

Lowers Risk of Re-Injury: Physiotherapists teach proper movement techniques and strengthening exercises to prevent future injuries.

Improves Surgical Outcomes: Patients who follow physiotherapy protocols often achieve better long-term results from their surgery.

Boosts Confidence & Independence: As strength and mobility return, patients gain the confidence to safely resume daily activities.

Common Surgeries That Require Post-Operative Physiotherapy:

Orthopedic surgeries: Knee replacements, hip replacements, ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair

Spinal surgeries: Discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion

Fracture repairs and joint reconstructions

Cardiac surgeries: Open-heart surgery, bypass surgery

Abdominal or pelvic surgeries: C-section, hernia repair, hysterectomy

Neurological surgeries: Brain or spinal cord procedures

When Should Post-Operative Physiotherapy Start?

The timing depends on the type of surgery, but in many cases, physiotherapy begins within 24–48 hours post-surgery with simple movements like breathing exercises, ankle pumps, and gentle stretches. As healing progresses, more advanced exercises are introduced to improve strength and mobility. Always follow your surgeon’s advice and the physiotherapist’s recommendations regarding when to begin rehabilitation.

Post-operative physiotherapy is a vital component of the recovery process. It not only helps manage pain and restore function but also prevents complications and promotes long-term health and mobility. By following a personalized rehabilitation plan, patients can safely return to their normal routines, sports, or work with greater confidence and reduced risk of re-injury.

If you’re preparing for surgery or are in the recovery phase, consulting a physiotherapist early can set you up for the best possible outcome.