Post-operative Rehabilitation

What is it?

Post-operative rehabilitation is essential for successful recovery after surgery on joints, tendons or bones. At Physical Studio we offer a specialized rehabilitation programme that guides you from the first day after surgery to a full return to your daily activities and sport.

After surgery the body is in a recovery phase. Finding the right balance between loading and rest is crucial. Too little movement leads to stiffness and muscle loss, while too much loading can delay recovery. Our therapists have extensive experience with post-operative protocols and know exactly how the rehabilitation process progresses.

At Physical Studio we work closely with orthopaedic surgeons and other specialists. We follow the latest rehabilitation protocols and adapt them to your individual situation and goals.

Common causes

• ACL reconstruction
• Meniscus surgery
• Shoulder surgery (rotator cuff repair)
• Hip or knee replacement
• Achilles tendon surgery
• Ankle ligament reconstruction
• Spinal surgery

How we diagnose

After surgery we receive the surgical report and rehabilitation protocol from your surgeon. We perform an extensive intake examination to determine your current functional status. With ultrasound we monitor the healing process of tendons and soft tissues. We use VALD Force Decks to objectively measure strength differences between the operated and non-operated side. These measurements are essential for determining the right loading throughout your rehabilitation.

Treatment approach

Our post-operative rehabilitation programme is structured in phases according to your surgeon's protocol. In the first phase we focus on wound healing, swelling reduction and restoring basic mobility. In the build-up phase we work on strength, stability and coordination with progressive exercise therapy. In the final phase we prepare you for return to sport or daily activities with personal training and sport-specific exercises. Throughout rehabilitation we monitor your progress with objective measurements.

Expected recovery

Recovery times after surgery vary widely per procedure. After meniscus surgery you can often be fully recovered within 6-8 weeks. An ACL reconstruction requires a 9-12 month rehabilitation programme. After a knee or hip replacement, 3-6 months of rehabilitation is common. We guide you throughout the entire process and use objective criteria to determine when you are ready for the next phase.

When to seek help

Start rehabilitation as soon as possible after your surgery, ideally within the first week. Contact us before the surgery so we can create a rehabilitation plan and start immediately after the procedure. If you experience unexpected complaints during rehabilitation, contact us or your surgeon immediately.

Frequently asked questions

Related conditions

Back Pain

Lower back pain, herniated disc, and other back conditions

Neck Pain

Neck pain caused by strain or poor posture, whiplash, or radiating symptoms.

Shoulder Pain

Frozen shoulder, impingement and rotator cuff issues

Knee Pain

ACL injuries, meniscus and patellofemoral conditions