Rehabilitation that respects your surgery.
A staged physiotherapy plan guided by your procedure, your surgeon’s instructions, your current capacity and the activities that matter to you.
protocol first
progression
screening
Is this service relevant to you?
A clear starting point after surgery
Post-operative physiotherapy may be considered when rehabilitation has been recommended and your surgeon or hospital instructions permit it. The assessment determines what is appropriate now—not what a generic timeline says you should be doing.
Recently discharged
You have a discharge plan, precautions or a rehabilitation protocol to follow.
Stiffness or weakness
You need assessment of movement, strength, swelling, gait or functional capacity.
Daily independence
You want to improve safe walking, transfers, stairs or everyday activities.
Return to activity
You are preparing for work, recreation or sport when medically appropriate.
Follow your surgeon or hospital instructions. You can contact us before booking so we can confirm what information or clearance may be needed.
Prepare for your first visit
What to bring after surgery
The more specific the surgical information, the safer and more useful the first appointment can be. Please bring the following where available.
- The operation date and exact procedure
- Discharge summary, referral or operative information
- Your surgeon’s rehabilitation protocol
- Weight-bearing, brace or movement restrictions
- Relevant imaging or reports
- A current medicines list
- Your brace, crutches, walking aid or orthosis
Assessment before progression
Your plan starts with what is safe today
Your physiotherapist will discuss the procedure, your health history, current symptoms, medications, precautions and goals. The physical assessment is selected according to the surgical stage and your tolerance.
Safety after surgery
Know when rehabilitation should wait
New or worsening symptoms after surgery may need medical assessment rather than a routine physiotherapy appointment.
Emergency
Call 000 immediately
For chest pain, sudden difficulty breathing, coughing blood, collapse, severe unexplained symptoms or another medical emergency.
Possible blood clot
Seek urgent medical advice
For new unexplained pain, swelling, warmth or redness— particularly in one calf or thigh.
Read Healthdirect DVT guidanceWound or infection concern
Contact your surgical team or doctor
For spreading redness, increasing warmth or swelling, wound opening, discharge, bad smell, fever or pain that is unexpectedly worsening.
Read Healthdirect wound guidanceThis information is general and cannot diagnose a complication. Follow the instructions from your surgeon and seek medical care whenever you are concerned.
Procedure-informed care
Rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery
We can assess people following a range of orthopaedic procedures, subject to the surgeon’s instructions, clinical suitability and the clinic’s scope of service.
Hip or knee replacement
Knee ligament or arthroscopic procedures
Shoulder procedures
Tendon, ligament or soft-tissue repair
Spinal procedures
Fracture fixation and other orthopaedic surgery
Individual treatment options
What rehabilitation may include
Treatment is not a standard package. Components are selected only when relevant, permitted by the surgical plan and agreed with you.
Education and planning
Precautions, symptom monitoring, pacing, positioning and safe activity advice.
Mobility and gait
Transfers, walking, stairs and appropriate progression of mobility aids.
Exercise rehabilitation
Movement, muscle activation, strengthening, balance and conditioning.
Hands-on physiotherapy
Selected techniques may be considered for comfort or movement when clinically suitable.
Swelling and symptom strategies
Appropriate positioning, movement and self-management advice within your restrictions.
Functional retraining
Preparation for daily tasks, work, recreation or sport when the relevant criteria are met.
A staged pathway
Progress by criteria—not by promises
Recovery differs between procedures and people. Stages may overlap, and progression depends on healing requirements, symptoms, function and medical guidance.
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Protect & understand
Clarify restrictions, precautions and safe daily movement.
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Restore essential movement
Develop permitted range, activation and mobility.
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Build capacity
Progress strength, balance, endurance and task tolerance.
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Reintroduce function
Practise the demands of home, community and work.
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Prepare for higher demand
Advance recreational or sporting tasks where appropriate.
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Transition to self-management
Review progress and establish a sustainable ongoing plan.
Your surgeon’s protocol and clinical presentation determine when activities are introduced. We do not advertise a fixed recovery time or guarantee a particular result.
Questions before booking
Post-operative rehabilitation FAQs
If your question is not answered here, email reception@physiocure.com.au .
When should physiotherapy start after surgery?
Timing depends on the operation and your surgeon’s instructions. Some plans begin with early mobility or education; others require protection before particular movements or loading. Contact us with your discharge information if you are unsure.
Do I need a referral?
A private physiotherapy appointment generally does not require a GP referral. After surgery, however, please provide the surgeon’s referral, protocol or discharge summary where available. Some funding arrangements require additional documentation.
Will rehabilitation be painful?
Rehabilitation does not rely on a “no pain, no gain” approach. Some temporary discomfort may occur with movement or exercise, but your response is monitored and the plan adjusted. Severe, unexpected or worsening symptoms require review.
How long will recovery take?
There is no single timeline. The procedure, tissue-healing requirements, health history, complications, baseline capacity, goals and surgical advice all matter. Your physiotherapist can discuss milestones without guaranteeing a completion date.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear comfortable clothing that permits examination of the relevant area while maintaining privacy. Bring your surgical documents, medicines list and any brace, crutches or walking aid.
How long is the first appointment?
A standard initial physiotherapy consultation is normally 40 minutes. Appointment type and fees should be confirmed on the current Fees page when booking.
Are home visits available?
Home visits may be available depending on location, clinical suitability and appointment availability. Contact reception to discuss access needs and current fees before booking.
Can I claim through private health insurance?
Physiotherapy rebates depend on your insurer, level of cover, waiting periods and annual limits. Please check directly with your fund; the clinic cannot guarantee a rebate or gap amount.
Two Convenient Clinics
Choose the clinic that is most convenient for you.
Ready when your surgical plan allows
Plan your next rehabilitation step.
Book a physiotherapy assessment or speak with the clinic if you need help determining what documents to bring.