About Post-Surgery Physiotherapy
Recovering from surgery can be a challenging and sometimes lengthy process. Whether you’ve undergone a joint replacement, ligament repair, or spinal surgery, a well-structured physiotherapy plan can significantly enhance your recovery, help you regain strength and mobility, and prevent long-term complications. Persistent post-surgical pain, also known as chronic postsurgical pain, is a common condition that is evident following surgeries of varying complexities. Studies have shown acute post-surgical pain becomes persistent in 10–50% of patients, with 2–10% experiencing severe pain.
Whilst the common goal of physiotherapy in post-surgical instances is to gradual increase range of motion, strengthen the associated muscles and joints and to gradually return patients to normal activities of daily living, occupational environments and sport, there is also consistent evidence to suggest that physiotherapy had a positive impact in symptom reduction (persistent pain), quality of life, physical function and depression.
At Sydney Muscle & Joint Clinic, we specialise in evidence-based physiotherapy to support patients through every stage of their post-surgery rehabilitation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of post-surgery physiotherapy for my recovery?
Surgical procedures, while often necessary to address injuries or medical conditions, can temporarily disrupt your body’s natural movement patterns, range of motion, and strength. Post-surgery physiotherapy plays a critical role in helping you return to your normal activities, reduce the likelihood of persistent post-surgical pain, and improve overall function.
Physiotherapy not only helps manage post-operative pain but also prevents complications such as joint stiffness, muscle atrophy, and improper healing. It can speed up the recovery process, improve your quality of life, and ensure that your surgical outcomes are maximised.
How soon after my surgery can I start physiotherapy?
We will liaise with your surgeon and treating team about any contraindications or precautions regarding your post-surgery rehabilitation protocols. How soon you can start will depend on the type of surgery you have and any contraindications identified by your surgeon.
What can I expect during my first post-surgery physiotherapy session?
We will evaluate your current capacity and assess your functional status including pain levels, mobility, and strength. This information along with the instructions from your surgeon will help to tailor your treatment plan and allow us to monitor your progress over time. The following parameters will be the core principles of your treatment: pain management, strengthening and conditioning, education and guidance and ongoing monitoring and adjustments.
What types of post-surgery rehabilitation programs do you offer?
- Joint Replacements: Hip, knee, and shoulder replacements
- Orthopaedic Surgeries: Ligament repairs, tendon repairs, fracture treatments
- Spinal Surgeries: Discectomy, laminectomy, spinal fusion
- Sports Injuries: ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repairs, meniscus surgery
- Arthroscopic Surgeries: Knee, shoulder, and ankle arthroscopies