Orthopedics
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation
Recovery after orthopedic surgery often involves restoring movement and strength over time. Rehabilitation should follow your surgeon’s instructions and be adapted to the procedure and your progress.
Following the surgical plan
Recovery starts with the operation-specific instructions from your surgical team. Bring your discharge summary and details of wound care, medication and any limits on movement or weight-bearing. The rehabilitation clinician can use these to plan safe goals with you.
Recognising a setback
Ask which symptoms are expected and when to contact the surgical team. A wound that becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or discharges needs prompt advice. Stop an exercise that causes concerning worsening symptoms. Seek urgent medical care if you feel seriously unwell.
Use the operation-specific instructions as the starting point
Bring your discharge summary, operation details and any instructions about a brace, wound care, movement or weight-bearing. Tell the clinician which follow-ups are already arranged with the surgeon. Different operations need different precautions, so a general rehabilitation timetable cannot replace the instructions supplied for your procedure.
Explain how pain, swelling or stiffness affects daily tasks and whether symptoms are improving or getting worse. If there has been a change in the recovery plan, bring the most recent written advice so the teams work from the same information.
Coordinate the surgical review with rehabilitation
The orthopedics review considers progress after the operation and whether the medical plan needs reassessment. Physiotherapy may focus on movement, strength and daily function within the agreed restrictions. Ask who will clarify a restriction if instructions appear to conflict.
Discuss goals such as dressing, walking, work or travel and when they can be reviewed. Know how to seek prompt advice about an increasingly painful wound, discharge, fever or other concerning changes. Sudden breathlessness or chest pain needs emergency medical help rather than a routine rehabilitation appointment.
Frequently asked questions
When can rehabilitation start after surgery?
Timing depends on the procedure and your surgeon’s instructions. Confirm restrictions before beginning exercises.
Should I exercise through increasing pain?
No. Stop an exercise that causes concerning or worsening symptoms and contact your treating team.
What should I bring to physiotherapy?
Bring your discharge summary, surgical instructions, medicines and information about any restrictions or follow-up.
What if the wound becomes red, hot or starts discharging?
Contact your surgical team promptly. Seek urgent medical help if you feel seriously unwell or have severe symptoms.
Sources and further reading
These sources provide general health information. Recommendations and services may differ by location; discuss your care with your clinician.