Post-Surgery Rehabilitation in Howick: What to Expect From Physio After Your Operation
Surgery is often not the end of the story — it is frequently the beginning of the part that determines how well you actually recover. Whether you have had a joint replacement, a ligament reconstruction, a spinal procedure, or soft tissue repair, the rehabilitation that follows is a critical part of the overall outcome.
At Velca in Howick, physiotherapy is offered for people recovering from orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. This article explains what post-surgical rehabilitation typically involves, how it is structured, and what to expect when you start physio after your operation.
Part 1: When Should You Start?
This depends on the procedure, and your surgeon's guidance takes priority. In general:
Some procedures benefit from pre-surgical physiotherapy ('prehab') to build strength before the operation — evidence suggests people who are stronger going in often recover more quickly
Many procedures involve early post-operative physiotherapy — starting within days to weeks of surgery, sometimes while still in hospital
Others require a period of protection before load or movement is introduced
If you have not received clear guidance from your surgeon, a physiotherapy consultation at Velca can help clarify the appropriate starting point for your procedure.
Part 2: What Post-Surgical Physiotherapy May Involve
Phase 1: Protection and early recovery
Managing swelling, pain, and inflammation in the early post-operative period
Gentle range of motion work within the surgeon's guidelines
Circulatory exercises to reduce the risk of complications
Education about what to expect, what to avoid, and how to care for the surgical site
Phase 2: Restoring movement and early strengthening
Progressive range of motion work to restore joint mobility
Targeted strengthening of muscles around the surgical site
Balance and proprioception work — particularly important after lower limb procedures
Gait re-education if walking has been affected
Phase 3: Functional rehabilitation
Higher-load strengthening progressing towards daily life and sport demands
Functional movement patterns — stairs, squatting, lifting, and activities relevant to your goals
Return-to-sport testing for those with athletic goals
Part 3: Common Procedures We See
Knee
Total and partial knee replacement — early mobilisation, quadriceps activation, progressive strengthening
ACL reconstruction — a structured 9-12 month programme with phase-based return-to-sport criteria
Meniscal surgery — timeline depends on whether meniscal preservation or debridement was performed
Hip
Total hip replacement — early protected mobilisation followed by progressive strengthening
Hip arthroscopy — dependent on the procedure; may include labral repair protocols
Shoulder
Rotator cuff repair — period of immobilisation followed by carefully graduated range of motion and strengthening
Shoulder stabilisation — rehabilitation focuses on restoring controlled movement and preventing re-dislocation
Spine
Discectomy and laminectomy — early ambulation, core activation, and gradual return to activity
Spinal fusion — longer protected phase guided by the specific levels fused and surgical approach
Part 4: Do I Need a Referral?
No referral is required to book at Velca. However, if your surgeon has provided a rehabilitation protocol, please bring it to your first appointment. We are happy to communicate directly with your surgical team if needed.
