Physiotherapy After Surgery, at Home

I'll say this about every surgery listed above, because it's genuinely true across the board: the single biggest factor within your control after the surgery itself is done is how consistently you engage with your rehabilitation program. Attending your appointments matters, but what you do between those appointments matters just as much, if not more. A well-designed exercise program only works if it's actually completed, consistently, over the weeks and months your recovery requires. I'll always aim to build a program that fits realistically into your life, but the responsibility for showing up to it, day after day, sits with you, and it's consistently the difference I see between clients who get a good result and clients who get an exceptional one.

Post-surgical recovery is rarely a quick fix, and I've found that clients who commit to a structured, ongoing program tend to achieve considerably better outcomes than those who attend on a purely as-needed basis. For this reason, I offer 3, 6, and 12 week rehabilitation programs, which provide a more intensive and consistent level of physiotherapy support than session-to-session bookings, while also working out considerably more cost-effective over the course of your recovery.

The 3 week program suits clients in the earlier, more acute stages of recovery who want to fast-track their initial progress with intensive, hands-on support. The 6 week program is often a better fit for more significant procedures, allowing time to properly address the functional deficits that come with surgery while building towards a safe return to normal activity. The 12 week program is generally the most appropriate option for major surgeries such as joint replacements, spinal procedures, or reconstructive repairs, providing the sustained, consistent support needed to see you through from the early post-operative stages right through to a genuinely complete recovery.

Choosing a structured program isn't just about cost, though the savings compared to individual sessions are real. It's about ensuring the consistency of care that post-surgical rehabilitation genuinely requires, giving you the best possible chance of maximising both your physical recovery and your overall quality of life. Whichever surgery you've had or are planning, I'm happy to discuss which program best suits your specific situation at your initial consultation.

At the first visit, I read through your surgeon's notes and any protocol they have given you, and ask how you are going with pain, sleep and getting around. I then check your swelling, how the joint is moving and your strength, and watch you walk, get in and out of bed and manage stairs if needed. We set up a simple exercise program that suits this early stage, make sure you are using any walking aids correctly, and talk through what to expect over the coming weeks. It is also a good chance to ask all your questions.

Yes. Some pain and swelling is a normal part of recovery and can last for several weeks, or months after joint replacements. Swelling often increases later in the day or after you have been more active, and elevation, ice and gentle movement can help. However, contact your surgeon, GP or hospital promptly if you notice increasing redness or heat around the wound, discharge, a fever, calf pain or swelling in the leg, or shortness of breath. These can be signs of infection or a blood clot.

It depends on the surgery, which side it was on and your job, so your surgeon has the final say. For driving, you need to be off strong pain medication and able to perform an emergency stop or control the car safely, which often takes around six weeks after lower limb surgery. It is also worth checking with your insurer. Returning to desk-based work can be a few weeks after many surgeries, while physical jobs usually take longer. I can help plan a gradual return and work with your employer if needed.

Most people need less than they think. Your hospital will usually provide walking aids such as crutches or a frame. Other helpful items include ice packs, a firm chair with arms, and for hip and knee surgery, a shower chair or raised toilet seat. A resistance band and a step are useful for exercises later on. I will let you know if anything else would help after seeing your home, and if more significant equipment or home changes are needed, I can suggest a referral to an occupational therapist.

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