How physiotherapy can get you moving again after surgery
The operation is over. Now let’s help you get the best possible result and keep you moving towards your best quality of life.
If your surgeon or specialist has recommended physiotherapy after your procedure, there’s a good reason why. It can be considered an important part of the recovery process in improving joint range of motion, enhancing muscle strength, reducing pain levels and fostering an earlier return to the activities you enjoy.1
What is a post-surgery physiotherapy rehabilitation plan?
A post-surgery physiotherapy rehabilitation plan is a personalised, carefully designed program by our HBF physiotherapists to support recovery after an operation. It can be beneficial after a range of procedures including:
- Hip and knee replacements and arthroscopies
- Shoulder surgery
- ACL and other ligament reconstructions
- Spinal surgery
- Surgery following sports injuries
“Many of our clients are unaware of how much physiotherapy can help after surgery. Physiotherapists can be your guide through what can be a difficult time with a combination of education, reassurance, manual therapy and exercise. We can also liaise directly with your surgeon and GP to ensure optimal post-operative care.”
– Kelby Smith, HBF Physio Managing Executive & Clinical Team Member
What does physiotherapy rehabilitation involve?
No two recoveries or surgeries are the same, which is why our HBF physiotherapists will tailor your plan to your surgery, your goals and your lifestyle. Post-surgical physiotherapy rehabilitation can include:
- Assessment and goal setting
Where your physiotherapist will assess your movement, strength, pain levels and mobility and work with you to establish some realistic recovery goals.
- Improving movement
After surgery, it’s common (and often expected) to experience stiffness.2 Early, gradual exercises are advised to gently help improve your range of motion and help you move more comfortably.
- Rebuilding strength
After surgery or a period of being less active, your muscles can lose strength. A gradual exercise program, such as Clinical Pilates or a supervised gym program (either in one of our clinics or at your gym of choice), can help you rebuild muscle strength and improve movement.
- Ongoing support and progression
As you continue to recover, your exercises and program will be adjusted along the way, with your physiotherapist there to guide and support you.
Why is physiotherapy important after surgery?
Taking it easy has its place, but so does gradually getting back to movement. Physiotherapy can help:
- Improve range of motion3
- Regain strength4
- Reduce pain and stiffness
- Improve balance and confidence
- Support a faster return to work5, sport or daily activities
- Reduced chances of re-injury1
How soon should I start physiotherapy after my surgery?
Recovering from surgery takes more than the procedure itself. That’s why many orthopaedic surgeons and specialists encourage early physiotherapy, which can start within 24 hours at the hospital3 and continue as you recover at home or in a clinic.
It can play a big role in helping people recover sooner, with recovery being most successful when they work alongside their physiotherapist and stay committed to their rehabilitation journey.6
Book your post-operative care with HBF Physio
The small steps you put in place in the days and weeks after surgery can have a big impact on your recovery.
If you or someone you know has surgery planned, get in touch with one of our HBF Physio clinics to learn how we can support the journey from hospital to home and beyond.
No matter your health fund, everyone is welcome at HBF Physio.
References
1 National Journal of Clinical Orthopaedics: Role of physiotherapy in early recovery after orthopaedic surgeries
2 Pinnacle Orthopaedics: Overcoming knee replacement stiffness
3 Orthopaedics SA: Benefits of post-operation physiotherapy
4 Health Direct: Rehabilitation after illness or injury
5 Australian Physiotherapy Association: Physiotherapy in occupational health
6 National Library of Medicine: The impact of early rehabilitation and the acceptance of the disease on the quality of life of patients after hip arthroplasty
