Post Surgical Rehabilitation
What is Post Surgical Rehabilitation?
Post surgical rehabilitation is sometimes necessary after a patient undergoes a surgical procedure such as orthopaedic, cardiac, thoracic, neurological and/or abdominal. These surgeries all affect a patient afterwards in ways that can be helped with the use of physiotherapy, including but not limited to:
- Orthopaedic- pain, loss of strength and range of motion, poor posture, swelling, loss of balance and coordination
- Cardiac/thoracic- pain, loss of mobility, breathing problems, poor posture
- Neurological- weakness, breathing problems, loss of mobility and loss of sensation
- Abdominal- pain, breathing problems, incontinence, loss of mobility
How can Post Surgical Rehabilitation help?
Physiotherapy after surgery should be done while a patient is still in hospital, but the patient should continue to do physiotherapy after he or she has left the hospital in order to fully recover and return to daily independent life in a healthy way. Other benefits include but are not limited to:
- pain management
- muscle strengthening
- reducing stiffness by way of stretching techniques
- Improving posture
- Reduce stress and anxiety after undergoing a stressful surgery
- increased circulation and movement
- clearing of secretions of fluids, increasing lung volumes and preventing future infections and pressure sores
Who should seek Post Surgical Rehabilitation?
Anyone can benefit from post surgical rehabilitation if they have undergone a surgery and are experiencing symptoms of pain, weakness, lack of balance, mobility and coordination, stress and reduced independence. Surgery can be stressful both physically and emotionally, affecting your recovery success. Our physiotherapists conduct an assessment and create a program that is specially tailored for your individual needs so that you can recover as quickly and efficiently as possible and prevent future injuries from arising. Most common post surgical rehabilitation procedures:
- ACL reconstruction rehabilitation
- Total knee replacements rehabilitation
- Patella reconstruction rehabilitation
- Shoulder surgery rehabilitation
- Spinal surgery rehabilitation
- Hip replacement and hip arthroscopy rehabilitation
- Wrist fracture rehabilitation
- Carpal tunnel release rehabilitation
- Ankle fractures and reconstruction rehabilitation
F.A.Q.
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Post-surgical rehabilitation physiotherapy is a specialized treatment program designed to help patients recover after surgery. It focuses on reducing pain, restoring movement, strengthening muscles, and helping you return to daily activities safely and effectively.
Physiotherapy after surgery helps:
- Speed up healing
- Prevent stiffness and scar tissue buildup
- Restore muscle strength and joint mobility
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Lower the risk of complications like blood clots and infections
- Improve balance and function for daily activities
Physiotherapy can help after many types of surgeries, including:
- Orthopedic surgery (knee replacement, hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, spinal surgery)
- Fracture repair (plates, screws, rods)
- Arthroscopic procedures (knee meniscus, shoulder labrum)
- Neurosurgery (spinal decompression, laminectomy)
- General surgery (abdominal surgery, hernia repair — for mobility and function)
Your surgeon and physiotherapist will decide the best time. In many cases, physiotherapy starts within days after surgery, even while you’re still in the hospital. Early rehab helps prevent complications and sets the foundation for a full recovery. Contact us for consultation.
A typical session may include:
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises
- Pain management techniques (ice, laser, electrical stimulation)
- Swelling control
- Strengthening exercises (progressive)
- Balance and walking training
- Education on safe movement and protection of the surgical area
Recovery time depends on the type of surgery and your overall health.
- Minor procedures may require 4-6 weeks of rehab.
- Major surgeries like joint replacements may require 3-6 months of physiotherapy.
Our specialist will create a personalized plan based on your goals.
Some discomfort is normal as your body heals and as you regain movement. However, our physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that are safe and will work to minimize pain as much as possible.
Yes. Physiotherapy techniques, such as stretching, manual therapy, and laser therapy, can help reduce excessive scar tissue formation and improve flexibility around the surgical site.
In most cases, yes. Post-surgical rehabilitation is usually covered under extended health insurance plans, workers’ compensation, or motor vehicle accident benefits. Always check your specific plan details.
Skipping physiotherapy can lead to:
- Joint stiffness and muscle weakness
- Longer recovery times
- Increased pain and swelling
- Higher risk of complications
- Poor overall surgical outcomes
Following your rehab plan is key to achieving the best possible recovery. Contact us for consultation.
