When to See a Physio After Surgery: Your Complete Recovery Guide
Post-surgery physiotherapy timing varies by procedure but often starts within 24 hours in hospital to prevent stiffness and promote healing. Starting early reduces pain, builds strength, and speeds return to daily activities, with outpatient sessions typically beginning 1-2 weeks post-discharge. This guide covers all key factors, timelines, benefits, and red flags drawn from top Australian clinic insights for maximum topical coverage.
Ideal Starting Timelines
Physiotherapy after orthopaedic or general surgery like joint replacements, ACL repairs, or shoulder procedures begins in hospital within 24-48 hours, focusing on gentle mobility and breathing exercises to avoid clots and stiffness. Outpatient rehab starts at the 2-week surgeon follow-up, emphasising anti-stiffness exercises in the first 6 weeks, then strength building over months. For soft tissue or spine surgeries, wait 2-3 days post-injury phase using PEACE & LOVE protocol before physio to allow initial healing.
Signs Needing Urgent Physio
Seek a physiotherapist immediately if pain worsens, swelling persists beyond expected recovery, or mobility limits daily tasks like dressing or walking. Red flags include severe pain preventing weight-bearing, numbness, altered gait compensating elsewhere, or stiffness weeks post-op signaling scar tissue or incomplete healing. Post-shoulder surgery, contact physio if overhead reach or sleep is disrupted.
Pre-Op vs Post-Op Physio
Pre-operative “prehab” strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and shortens hospital stays for surgeries like hip/knee replacements or rotator cuff repairs. Post-op phases progress from pain management and basic movements (days 1-2) to sport-specific drills for ACL or shoulder recoveries. Prehab reduces complications; post-op prevents re-injury via gradual loading.
Key Benefits and Techniques
Physio enhances range of motion, muscle strength, pain relief, and reduces re-injury risk while accelerating recovery. Techniques include manual therapy for joint mobilisations, hydrotherapy for low-impact movement, resistance bands for strength, and neuromuscular re-education for balance. It also addresses psychological recovery through education and progress tracking.
Surgery-Specific Guidance
| Surgery Type | Pre-Op Focus | Post-Op Start | Progression Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hip/Knee Replacement | Quad/glute strengthening, cycling | Day 1-2 hospital mobility | Full gait, stairs, beach walks |
| ACL/Meniscus Repair | Hamstring balance drills | 1-2 days gentle ROM | Running, sports return |
| Shoulder/Rotator Cuff | Scapular stability | 24-48 hours passive motion | Overhead reach, sports swings & throws |
| General/Abdominal | Breathing exercises | Post-op day 1 | Walking, clot prevention |
| Spine/Ortho | Core stability | 2-3 days or hospital | Pain-free daily function |
Choosing & Accessing Post-Op Physio in Sydney
Consult your surgeon first for referrals to specialists in your procedure, then see private physios for tailored plans (no referral needed in most cases). In Sydney public hospitals like Royal Prince Alfred (RPA) or Prince of Wales, inpatient physiotherapy supports elective and emergency surgeries with early mobilisation programs; outpatient services follow via GP referral or self-referral through local health districts. Private clinics across Sydney’s CBD, North Shore, Eastern, Western & Southern Suburbs offer seamless access without referrals. Prioritise experienced providers offering hands-on manual therapy, exercise physiology, and digital progress tracking for faster, tailored post-surgery recovery.
Our Post Op Physio Service Areas
Clinical Physio Solutions specialises in post operative physiotherapy, with conveniently located Sydney clinics making expert post-surgery rehabilitation easy to access for every patient. Our team delivers individualised physiotherapy post operative care for optimal recovery after orthopaedic, spinal, abdominal, and sports surgeries across the following suburbs:
Whether recovering, residing, or supporting loved ones after surgery in Sydney’s inner west, north, eastern suburbs, or beyond, our clinics offer flexible appointments, modern rehabilitation equipment, and expert guidance tailored for every stage of post-operative recovery. Each location is staffed by physiotherapists experienced in post-surgical protocols and collaborative care planning.
Book an appointment at your nearest Clinical Physio Solutions location in Sydney. Expert physiotherapy post operative care is always close by for faster healing and lasting results.
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