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Post Operative Rehab
Post-operative rehabilitation is the structured physiotherapy programme that begins after surgery to guide your recovery of strength, movement and function. Surgery addresses the structural problem; physiotherapy-led rehabilitation determines how completely and how quickly you recover. At Elevate, we work with your surgeon’s post-operative protocol and progress you through three phases at the right pace for your specific surgery and recovery goals.
Surgeries We Rehabilitate
● ACL reconstruction — criteria-based progression, typically 9-12 months to safe return to sport
● Total knee replacement — 6-12 week programme focused on strength and walking confidence
● Hip replacement — gait and balance work within your surgeon’s precautions
● Spinal surgery — core stability and progressive loading, coordinated with your surgeon
● Shoulder surgery — staged progression from immobilisation through to strengthening
How It’s Structured
Phase 1 (weeks 1-4): swelling control, pain management, gentle early movement. Phase 2 (weeks 4-12): progressive strength and neuromuscular control. Phase 3 (week 12+): return to full activity, sport or work, with discharge based on meeting objective strength and function benchmarks — not just time elapsed. Sessions are $200, with a first-visit assessment to build your individual plan.
When should I start physiotherapy after surgery?
The timing depends on the surgery type and your surgeon’s protocol, but in most cases physiotherapy should begin as soon as your surgeon clears you — often within the first week. Early mobilisation prevents joint stiffness, reduces swelling more effectively and begins rebuilding muscle activation before significant atrophy occurs. Your surgeon’s post-operative protocol will specify when physiotherapy should start, and we coordinate with those instructions.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need after surgery?
This varies considerably by surgery type. Minor soft tissue repairs may need 8–12 sessions. Major joint replacements typically require 12–20 sessions over 3–6 months. ACL reconstructions may need 20–30 sessions over 9–12 months. Your physiotherapist will provide an estimate at your initial assessment and adjust as your recovery progresses.
Can physiotherapy help if my surgery was several months ago?
Yes. Late-stage post-operative physiotherapy can still address residual weakness, stiffness, movement compensation patterns and functional limitations even months after surgery. Many patients seek physiotherapy after initial rehabilitation was insufficient. We will assess your current function and design a programme appropriate for your recovery stage, regardless of how long ago the surgery occurred.
Does post-operative physiotherapy hurt?
Some discomfort is expected — particularly in the early stages when working with swollen, sensitive tissue. However, significant pain during physiotherapy is a signal to adjust the programme. Our physiotherapists are trained to work within your pain tolerance while still progressing your recovery appropriately. The guiding principle is “uncomfortable but manageable” — never sharp or exacerbating pain.
Do I need a referral from my surgeon to book post-operative physiotherapy at Elevate?
You do not need a referral to book directly at Elevate Physiotherapy. However, we strongly recommend bringing your surgical discharge summary and any post-operative protocol documentation to your first appointment. This allows our physiotherapists to align your rehabilitation plan with your surgeon’s instructions from the outset.
