How does post-operative rehabilitation work?

A physiotherapist first considers the operation, tissue healing, pain, swelling, strength, balance, and the surgeon's restrictions. Early care may include positioning, breathing, gentle joint movement, and safe transfers. Later sessions build muscle control, walking or arm use, coordination, and confidence with daily tasks. The pace differs after ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, hip fracture surgery, or tendon and tibial plateau injuries because each repair has different loading limits. Rehabilitation is active treatment: the home programme matters between appointments, and exercises are adjusted when symptoms or function change.

Use walking aids, slings, braces, or a protective boot exactly as instructed. Perform the prescribed exercises with the recommended repetitions and stop to check in if a movement causes sharp, new, or escalating pain. Record practical changes such as walking distance, stair ability, sleep, or reaching overhead. Keep the wound protected and attend reviews so restrictions can be updated. Good rehabilitation balances enough challenge to stimulate recovery with enough rest for healing.

Tell your surgical or rehabilitation team about increasing wound redness, drainage, fever, rapidly worsening swelling, or pain that changes suddenly. Seek urgent help for sudden breathlessness, chest pain, a new pale or cold limb, severe calf swelling, or new loss of movement or sensation. After a fall or a pop followed by sudden weakness, stop the exercise and request prompt assessment.

Ask which movements and loads are restricted, what milestones guide progression, how to manage swelling, and who to contact if your home exercises increase pain.