Post-Surgical Rehab
Exercise Physiology
Surgery is step one. Rehab is where recovery happens.
How well you recover is decided in the weeks and months after the operation, not in theatre. Our Exercise Physiologists work alongside your surgeon on a structured program that rebuilds your strength, restores your movement, and returns you to the life you want.
Early, middle and late phase
The early phase is about gentle movement, managing swelling, and protecting the surgical site. The middle phase brings in progressive strengthening and functional movement. The late phase prepares you for the full physical demands of your work, your recreation and your daily life. We stay in contact with your surgeon throughout so the program never runs ahead of your post operative protocol.
Starting soon after your operation
Depending on your surgeon’s instructions, your first session usually happens within days to weeks of surgery. We assess your range of motion, pain levels, swelling and any movement restrictions before starting. Sessions are individual and deliberately paced, once or twice a week, with a gentle home program for the days between.
Surgeries we support
We provide rehab after joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder), ligament reconstructions (ACL, PCL), rotator cuff and other shoulder repairs, spinal surgery (discectomy, laminectomy, fusion), cardiac surgery, and cancer related surgery. Each program is built around your specific procedure and goals.
Common Questions
It depends on your procedure and your surgeon’s protocol. For most orthopaedic surgeries, gentle movement can begin within days. We follow your surgical team’s guidelines precisely.
Timelines vary. A knee replacement may take three to six months for substantial recovery. An ACL reconstruction often takes nine to twelve months for a full return to sport. Your Exercise Physiologist will give you a realistic estimate after your assessment.
