Surgery is only half the recovery. What you do in the weeks and months afterwards has a big effect on how strong and mobile you become, and how comfortably you move.
Post-operative rehabilitation is the structured process that guides you from the day you leave hospital back to the things that matter: work, sport, looking after the kids and sleeping properly.
We work with patients recovering from a wide range of orthopaedic, joint and spinal procedures, either at our Pimpama clinic or through home visits across the Gold Coast, Logan and Brisbane. We follow your surgeon's protocols closely so you progress safely.
Common Surgeries We Rehabilitate
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Knee surgery: ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, total knee replacement and knee arthroscopy.
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Shoulder surgery: rotator cuff repair, shoulder reconstruction, shoulder replacement and labral repair.
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Hip surgery: total hip replacement and hip arthroscopy.
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Spinal surgery: discectomy, laminectomy and spinal fusion.
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Foot and ankle surgery: ankle reconstruction and Achilles repair.
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Fracture rehabilitation after a period in a cast or brace.
What Good Post-Operative Rehabilitation Looks Like
A solid rehab plan is paced. Push too hard early and you risk setting yourself back. Do too little and you end up stiff, weak and slow to get going again. We use your surgeon's post-op protocols as the framework, then shape the plan around your job, your goals and how your body is responding.
The Stages of Post-Surgery Rehab
Early sessions usually focus on controlling swelling, restoring range of motion and protecting the surgical site. As the tissue heals, we add strength, control and better movement quality. Later we build towards getting you back to your activities.
Starting early matters: a systematic review of randomised trials found that early physiotherapy after knee replacement improves pain, range of motion and quality of life.
When to Start Physiotherapy After Surgery
Most surgeons recommend starting physiotherapy within one to two weeks of your operation. For some procedures, such as total knee replacements, it can be sooner. Starting early generally helps your range of motion and recovery.
If you are not sure when to begin, give us a call and we can guide you based on your procedure.
Returning to Sport and Activity After Surgery
Return to sport is earned, not timed. After ACL reconstruction, for example, about 8 in 10 people return to some form of sport, but going back too early raises the risk of re-injury. That is why we use objective tests of strength and control, not just the calendar, to decide when you are ready.
Most athletes return to pivoting sport somewhere around 9 to 12 months, depending on progress.
Working With Your Surgical Team
If you have post-op protocols from your surgeon, bring them along. If you don't, we can contact your surgical team directly. We also provide written progress reports for surgeons, GPs and insurers as part of the service.
Funding for Your Post-Surgery Rehab
Post-surgery rehab can be funded through private health funds, Medicare for eligible chronic-condition referrals, DVA and WorkCover if your surgery followed a work injury. If your surgery followed a motor vehicle accident, you may also have cover through your CTP insurer. Eligibility depends on your situation, so ask us and we will help you sort it out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
When should I start physiotherapy after surgery?
Most surgeons recommend starting within one to two weeks, sometimes sooner for procedures like total knee replacement. We follow your surgeon's protocol.
Is physiotherapy necessary after surgery?
For most orthopaedic procedures it is a key part of recovery. Research shows early physiotherapy after knee replacement improves pain, range of motion and quality of life.
How long does rehab take after a knee replacement?
It varies. Many people are walking well and back to daily activities within about three months, with strength continuing to improve for up to a year. Your plan is paced to your healing.
When can I return to sport after ACL reconstruction?
Return to sport is criteria-based, usually somewhere around 9 to 12 months. Going back too early raises re-injury risk, so we use objective tests rather than time alone.
Can I have post-surgery rehab at home?
Yes. Home-based rehab is especially useful in the early weeks, and research shows it can be as effective as clinic-based care.
Do you work with my surgeon?
Yes. We follow your surgeon's protocols and provide written progress reports as part of the service.
This information is general and is not a substitute for an individual assessment. Please book an appointment for advice tailored to you.
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Start your post-op rehab at our Pimpama clinic or in your home.
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Not sure when to begin? Give us a call and we will point you in the right direction.