Disclaimer: Always follow the specific post-operative instructions provided by your surgeon. This article is for general educational purposes only. © 2026 Better Physiotherapy Bundoora.
Surgery repairs structure — physiotherapy restores function. No matter how technically successful an operation is, the outcome ultimately depends on the quality of post-surgical rehabilitation. At Better Physiotherapy Bundoora, we provide evidence-based post-operative physiotherapy for a full range of orthopaedic and spinal procedures.
Why Post-Surgical Physiotherapy Is Essential
Surgery creates trauma to muscles, tendons, and soft tissue surrounding the operated joint. Without rehabilitation:
- Joints become stiff as scar tissue forms
- Muscles waste rapidly (studies show up to 30% quadriceps loss in the first week after knee surgery)
- Abnormal movement patterns develop to compensate for pain and weakness
- Risk of re-injury increases when returning to activity without adequate strength
- Final outcomes are significantly worse
Post-surgical physiotherapy addresses all of these factors systematically, following a phased protocol that balances tissue healing with progressive loading.
Surgeries We Rehabilitate
| Surgery | Rehab timeline | Key focus areas |
|---|---|---|
| ACL reconstruction | 9–12 months | Progressive strengthening, return-to-sport testing, neuromuscular training |
| Total knee replacement | 3–6 months | Range of motion, quadriceps strengthening, gait retraining |
| Total hip replacement | 3–6 months | Hip precautions, gait training, progressive strengthening |
| Rotator cuff repair | 4–6 months | Staged mobilisation per surgical protocol, strength rebuilding |
| Shoulder stabilisation | 3–6 months | Protecting the repair, progressive strength and stability |
| Spinal surgery (disc/fusion) | 3–6 months | Core activation, movement retraining, graduated loading |
| Meniscus surgery | 6–12 weeks | Swelling management, strength, return to sport |
| Wrist/hand surgery | 6–16 weeks | Oedema management, range of motion, grip strength |
Prehabilitation — Before Your Surgery
If you have a planned operation, physiotherapy before surgery (prehabilitation) significantly improves your outcomes. Patients who complete prehab have faster post-surgical recovery, shorter hospital stays, better final strength, and lower risk of complications. We recommend prehab for all planned joint replacement, ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and spinal surgery patients.
Our Approach to Post-Surgical Rehab
We follow evidence-based rehabilitation protocols and liaise directly with your surgeon where needed. We will ask you to bring your surgical report and any post-operative instructions on your first visit. Treatment begins within the constraints of your surgical protocol and progresses according to your healing timeline and response.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral from my surgeon to start outpatient physio?
Not usually. You can book directly with us after surgery. It is helpful (but not required) to bring any post-operative instructions or protocol from your surgeon. We will liaise with your surgical team as needed.
I've had surgery elsewhere. Can I start physio at Better Physiotherapy Bundoora?
Absolutely. You do not need to have had surgery at a local hospital. Bring your surgical report and any post-operative protocol, and we will take over your rehabilitation from wherever you are in the process.
What is prehabilitation?
Prehabilitation (prehab) is physiotherapy performed before a planned surgery. It builds strength, range of motion, and fitness before the operation, significantly improving post-surgical outcomes. Prehab reduces hospital stay, speeds recovery, and improves final strength and function. We recommend prehab for all patients planning elective joint replacement or reconstruction surgery.
Is post-surgical physiotherapy painful?
Some discomfort during rehabilitation is normal and expected. Your physiotherapist will always work within your tolerance and follow your surgeon's protocol. Pain that persists or worsens after sessions should be reported — this guides treatment adjustment.
Ashley Haleel
Physiotherapist & Owner — Better Physiotherapy Bundoora