When post-operative physiotherapy starts
For most orthopaedic procedures, rehabilitation begins far earlier than patients expect — often within the first week, with gentle movement and isometric work that protects the operated site. The exact timing and movement limits always follow your surgeon's protocol.
If your surgery is already scheduled, you can come in for an assessment beforehand. Pre-operative preparation — building strength, learning the exercises and practising safe movement — makes the first weeks after surgery considerably easier.
Procedures we rehabilitate
Our centre handles rehabilitation after a wide range of orthopaedic operations:
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
- Meniscectomy or meniscal repair
- Total knee and hip replacement
- Shoulder surgery: rotator cuff repair, impingement, dislocation
- Fracture fixation in the upper and lower limbs
- Spinal surgery (discectomy, spinal fusion)
- Ankle and Achilles tendon procedures
- Hand and wrist surgery
How we work — the four phases
There is no single protocol that fits everyone. There is, however, a logical sequence, which we follow while adapting the pace to your progress and to the limits your surgeon has set.
Protection and swelling control
Managing pain and swelling, protecting the operated area, gently activating the surrounding muscles, and training safe use of walking aids.
Restoring range of motion
Gradually recovering joint flexion and extension through mobilisation and controlled exercise, within the limits the protocol allows.
Strength and stability
Progressive loading through therapeutic exercise, rebuilding muscular strength and proprioception — your body's sense of where the limb is in space.
Return to activity
Functional exercise tailored to what you actually want to get back to: work, daily life, sport. This is where we check whether both sides now have comparable strength and control.
The equipment we use
The centre has a dedicated therapeutic exercise area, Tecar therapy for pain and inflammation management in the early stages, manual therapy techniques for joint stiffness, plus electrotherapy and shockwave where indicated. Equipment is chosen to fit the stage of rehabilitation — not the other way round.
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