Post-Operative Rehabilitation London Bridge

Recovering from surgery can feel challenging, particularly when pain, swelling or reduced movement affects your independence and confidence. Post-operative rehabilitation at Core Physio London Bridge provides structured physiotherapy to help you rebuild movement, strength and physical function at an appropriate pace.

Every recovery is different. Your rehabilitation plan will reflect the operation you have undergone, the guidance supplied by your surgeon, your current abilities and the activities you want to return to.

Whether your goal is to walk comfortably, return to work, resume exercise or eventually get back to competitive sport, our London Bridge physiotherapists will help you progress through the stages of rehabilitation safely and confidently.

Personalised Post-Operative Rehabilitation in London Bridge

Post-operative physiotherapy is not based on a single programme that suits every patient. Two people undergoing similar procedures may progress at different rates because of their general health, previous activity levels, surgical findings and personal goals.

Your physiotherapist will assess how you are moving and create a programme appropriate for your current stage of recovery. Rehabilitation will be adjusted as your pain, mobility, strength and confidence improve.

Where your surgeon has provided a specific rehabilitation protocol or restrictions, these will guide the programme. We will not progress an exercise or activity simply because a certain number of weeks has passed.

What Is Post-Operative Rehabilitation?

Post-operative rehabilitation is physiotherapy provided following surgery. It aims to support your recovery, restore physical function and help you return gradually to everyday activities, work, exercise or sport.

Depending on the operation and your stage of recovery, treatment may focus on:

• Managing pain and swelling
• Restoring joint movement
• Improving muscle activation
• Rebuilding strength
• Walking safely and confidently
• Reducing stiffness associated with reduced activity
• Improving balance and coordination
• Returning gradually to work or exercise
• Preparing for sport-specific movements
• Increasing confidence in the operated area

The programme will be progressed according to your response rather than following a rigid, one-size-fits-all schedule.

Operations We Commonly Rehabilitate

Our physiotherapists can provide rehabilitation following a range of orthopaedic procedures, subject to your surgeon’s guidance and the clinical information available.

These may include:

• ACL reconstruction
• Knee arthroscopy
• Meniscal repair or surgery
• Total or partial knee replacement
• Hip replacement
• Shoulder stabilisation surgery
• Rotator cuff repair
• Shoulder decompression or arthroscopy
• Fracture fixation
• Achilles tendon repair
• Other tendon or ligament procedures
• Foot and ankle surgery

Contact the clinic before booking if you are uncertain whether we can support your particular procedure. We may ask for an operation report, consultant letter or rehabilitation protocol before treatment begins.

When Should Physiotherapy Begin After Surgery?

The appropriate time to begin outpatient physiotherapy depends on the operation and the instructions supplied by your surgical team.

Some rehabilitation begins in hospital on the day of surgery or shortly afterwards. Other procedures require a period of protection before particular movements or strengthening exercises can begin.

Follow the discharge advice provided by your hospital. When arranging your first appointment, tell us:

• The type and date of your operation
• The name of your surgeon or hospital
• Whether you have been given a rehabilitation protocol
• Any restrictions on movement or weight-bearing
• Whether you are using crutches, a brace or another support
• The date of your next surgical review

If you have not been told when outpatient physiotherapy should begin, contact your surgeon’s team for clarification.

Your First Post-Operative Physiotherapy Appointment

The initial appointment begins with a detailed discussion about your surgery and recovery so far. Your physiotherapist will ask about pain, swelling, medication, mobility and the exercises you were given when leaving hospital.

The physical assessment may include reviewing:

• Your current range of movement
• Muscle activation and strength
• Swelling around the operated area
• Your ability to stand, walk or use stairs
• How you use crutches or other walking aids
• Balance and control
• Your ability to complete everyday movements
• The exercises you are currently performing

The assessment will be adapted to the stage of recovery and any precautions supplied by your surgeon.

What Should I Bring to My Appointment?

Please bring any information you received from the hospital, including:

• Your discharge letter
• The operation report, if available
• Your surgeon’s rehabilitation protocol
• Scan or imaging reports
• A list of current medication
• Details of upcoming consultant appointments
• Any brace, crutches or walking aids you are using

Wear comfortable clothing that allows the operated area and nearby joints to be assessed. Shorts can be helpful following hip, knee, ankle or lower-limb surgery.

Following Your Surgeon’s Rehabilitation Protocol

Certain operations have specific restrictions designed to protect healing tissue. These may relate to weight-bearing, joint movement, brace use, lifting or the introduction of particular exercises.

Your physiotherapist will work within these instructions and progress rehabilitation according to:

• The procedure performed
• Your surgeon’s guidance
• The expected healing process
• Your symptoms and physical response
• Movement and strength milestones
• Your personal goals

Do not stop using a brace, crutches or another support unless your surgeon or physiotherapist has advised that it is appropriate.

The Early Stages of Rehabilitation

Early rehabilitation often focuses on protecting the surgical area while maintaining safe movement and independence.

Depending on your procedure, this stage may include:

• Advice on positioning and comfortable movement
• Managing swelling
• Gentle range-of-movement exercises
• Muscle activation exercises
• Walking practice with appropriate aids
• Guidance on stairs and everyday activities
• Maintaining movement and strength in unaffected areas

The aim is not to force rapid progress. Exercises should remain consistent with the restrictions and advice supplied by your surgical team.

Rebuilding Movement and Strength

As healing progresses, rehabilitation can place greater emphasis on restoring movement, control and strength.

Your programme may include:

• Progressive resistance exercises
• Joint mobility work
• Balance and coordination training
• Walking and gait retraining
• Functional exercises such as stepping, squatting or lifting
• Exercise-bike or cardiovascular conditioning
• Exercises related to work or daily activities

Exercises will be progressed gradually. Increasing difficulty too quickly may aggravate symptoms, while progressing too slowly may limit recovery. Regular review allows the programme to remain appropriately challenging.

Managing Pain and Swelling

Some pain, stiffness and swelling can be expected following many surgical procedures. The amount and duration vary according to the operation and the individual.

Your physiotherapist can help you understand how activity affects your symptoms and whether the current exercise level is appropriate. Advice may include modifying activity, elevating the operated limb or following the cold-therapy guidance supplied by your hospital.

Take prescribed medication as directed by your doctor or pharmacist. Contact your surgical team when pain or swelling is unexpectedly severe, continues to worsen or differs significantly from what you were advised to expect.

Returning to Work

The timing of your return to work depends on the operation and the physical demands of your role.

Someone working from home may return earlier than a person whose job involves prolonged standing, lifting, driving or physical activity. A gradual or phased return may be appropriate in some cases.

Rehabilitation can include movements related to your work, helping you rebuild the strength, mobility and tolerance needed to complete your duties.

Your surgeon, GP or occupational health department should advise on medical certification and whether you are fit to return.

Returning to the Gym and Exercise

Returning to exercise should be based on your stage of healing, physical capacity and the demands of the activity rather than time alone.

Your physiotherapist can help you reintroduce appropriate cardiovascular exercise, resistance training and functional movement. Early sessions may look very different from your previous training programme, but exercises can be progressed as your recovery develops.

Tell your physiotherapist which activities you want to resume so that rehabilitation can be planned around those goals.

Returning to Sport

Returning to sport often requires more than achieving full movement or experiencing less pain. Strength, balance, coordination, endurance and confidence may all need to be rebuilt.

Later-stage rehabilitation may include:

• Running preparation
• Jumping and landing exercises
• Acceleration and deceleration
• Change-of-direction drills
• Sport-specific strength work
• Fitness and conditioning
• A gradual return to training

The exact programme will depend on your operation and chosen sport. Clearance from your surgeon may be required before certain activities are resumed.

Rehabilitation After ACL Reconstruction

ACL rehabilitation is a gradual process that develops through several stages. Initial treatment may focus on swelling, knee movement, muscle activation and safe walking before progressing towards strength, running and sport-specific activity.

Later rehabilitation may assess how well you control jumping, landing and changes of direction. Returning to sport should not be based solely on how much time has passed since surgery.

Your programme will follow the instructions supplied by your surgeon and will be adapted to your progress and sporting goals.

Rehabilitation After Knee or Hip Surgery

Following knee or hip surgery, physiotherapy may focus initially on mobility, joint movement, walking and completing daily activities safely.

As recovery progresses, the programme may develop towards improving lower-limb strength, balance, confidence and walking tolerance. Exercises can then become more functional and reflect the activities you wish to resume.

Continue to follow any movement restrictions and precautions provided by your hospital team.

Rehabilitation After Shoulder Surgery

Shoulder rehabilitation can vary considerably according to the procedure performed. Some operations require a period in a sling and restrictions on active movement, lifting or reaching.

Treatment may progress from protected movement towards active control, strengthening and gradual return to work, exercise or sport.

It is particularly important that shoulder rehabilitation follows the surgeon’s protocol, as progressing particular movements too early may place unnecessary stress on healing tissue.

When Should I Contact My Surgical Team?

Physiotherapy does not replace medical follow-up after surgery. Contact your hospital, surgeon, GP or NHS 111 if you are concerned about your wound or recovery.

Seek prompt medical advice if you develop:

• Increasing redness, heat or swelling around the wound
• Fluid, pus or an unpleasant smell from the wound
• A wound that begins to open
• A high temperature or feeling generally unwell
• Pain or swelling in one calf or leg
• Symptoms that are worsening unexpectedly

Call 999 or attend A&E if you have leg pain or swelling accompanied by chest pain, severe breathlessness or difficulty breathing.

Why Choose Core Physio for Post-Operative Rehabilitation?

• Personalised rehabilitation following orthopaedic surgery
• Treatment guided by your surgeon’s protocol
• Regular reassessment and exercise progression
• Support with movement, strength and mobility
• Rehabilitation for everyday activities, work and sport
• Access to strength and conditioning equipment
• Clear explanations and achievable recovery goals
• Experienced London Bridge physiotherapists
• Convenient online booking

Our aim is to give you a clear rehabilitation pathway and help you take an active role in your recovery. Progress will be based on your procedure, clinical presentation and goals rather than a generic programme.

Post-Operative Rehabilitation Near London Bridge, Borough and Waterloo

Our London Bridge clinic welcomes patients who live or work in London Bridge and surrounding areas, including Borough, Southwark, Bankside and Waterloo.

Post-operative rehabilitation is available alongside physiotherapy, sports injury rehabilitation, strength and conditioning, Shockwave Therapy, Dry Needling and massage treatments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral for post-operative rehabilitation?

Private patients can often book directly, but we may require information from your surgeon before starting treatment. Patients using private health insurance should check whether a referral or authorisation is required.

How soon after surgery should I begin physiotherapy?

This depends on the procedure and the guidance supplied by your hospital or surgeon. Some rehabilitation begins shortly after surgery, while other procedures require a period of protection. Follow your discharge instructions or contact your surgical team if you are uncertain.

Do I need to bring my surgeon’s protocol?

Yes, where one has been provided. The protocol explains any restrictions, precautions and expected stages of rehabilitation. Please also bring your discharge letter or operation report if available.

How many appointments will I need?

The number of appointments varies according to the surgery, your progress and the activities you want to resume. Your physiotherapist will discuss the anticipated rehabilitation plan after completing the first assessment.

Will physiotherapy be painful after surgery?

Some discomfort may occur when movement and exercise are reintroduced. Rehabilitation should remain appropriate for the healing stage and should not involve forcing movement aggressively. Tell your physiotherapist how the exercises feel.

Can you help me stop using crutches?

Your physiotherapist can assess your walking and advise on progressing away from crutches when this is permitted by your surgeon and you can walk safely with suitable strength and control.

Can I have physiotherapy if I am still wearing a brace?

Yes, in many cases. Treatment will follow the instructions for brace use and any restrictions on movement or weight-bearing. Bring the brace and written guidance to your appointment.

Can rehabilitation help me return to sport?

Yes. Later-stage rehabilitation can include strength, conditioning, running preparation and sport-specific exercises. The programme and timing depend on the surgery and your progress.

What happens if my recovery is slower than expected?

Recovery rates vary. Your physiotherapist will reassess your movement, strength and symptoms and may contact or refer you back to the surgical team if progress or symptoms cause concern.

How do I book post-operative rehabilitation in London Bridge?

Book a physiotherapy appointment online at our London Bridge clinic. Include details of your operation and bring any hospital documentation to the first appointment.

Book Post-Operative Rehabilitation in London Bridge

Whether you are in the early stages of recovery or working towards a return to exercise and sport, our London Bridge physiotherapists will create a rehabilitation programme based on your operation, progress and goals.