Having surgery is just the first step in recovery—the real work begins afterward. Whether you’ve had a Colles’ fracture (wrist surgery), rotator cuff repair, total knee replacement, meniscus surgery, or ACL reconstruction, physiotherapy is essential for regaining strength, movement, and confidence.
Without proper rehabilitation, you may experience long-term stiffness, muscle weakness, or difficulty returning to daily activities. A well-structured physiotherapy plan helps you recover safely, prevent complications, and get back to doing what you love.
Why Physiotherapy After Surgery?
Physiotherapy helps you:
Reduce pain and swelling through movement, manual therapy, and controlled exercises.
Improve flexibility and mobility by preventing stiffness and restoring movement.
Regain strength and coordination to ensure muscles work properly and support joints.
Return to normal activities safely by rebuilding confidence in movement.
Upper Limb Surgeries: Regaining Strength & Function
1. Colles’ Fracture (Wrist Fracture Surgery)
Common Issue: Weakness and Stiffness After Immobilization
A Colles’ fracture occurs when you fall on an outstretched hand, breaking your wrist. After surgery or casting, your wrist and fingers may feel stiff, weak, and difficult to move.
How Physiotherapy Helps:
Gentle wrist mobility exercises to prevent stiffness and improve movement.
Grip-strengthening exercises to help with holding objects, writing, and daily tasks.
Forearm and hand control training to improve strength for lifting and twisting movements.
Imagine trying to open a jar or type on a keyboard—rehabilitation helps restore fine motor skills and grip strength, making these tasks easier.
2. Rotator Cuff Repair (Shoulder Surgery)
Common Issue: Limited Shoulder Mobility and Weakness
A rotator cuff tear affects the shoulder muscles that help lift and rotate your arm. After surgery, your shoulder may feel weak, tight, or painful when reaching overhead.
How Physiotherapy Helps:
Early gentle movement exercises to prevent shoulder stiffness.
Scapular (shoulder blade) stability training to improve support for arm movements.
Gradual strength exercises to restore function for daily activities like lifting or carrying.
Reaching for something on a high shelf or putting on a jacket can become difficult—physiotherapy helps restore pain-free movement and full use of your arm.
Lower Limb Surgeries: Regaining Mobility & Strength
3. Total Knee Replacement (TKR)
Common Issue: Stiffness, Weakness, and Difficulty Walking
A total knee replacement replaces a damaged knee joint with an artificial one. After surgery, swelling, stiffness, and muscle weakness can make it hard to bend, straighten, or walk properly.
How Physiotherapy Helps:
Knee bending and straightening exercises to prevent stiffness and improve mobility.
Strength training for thigh muscles to support the new knee joint.
Walking and balance training to help regain confidence on your feet.
Climbing stairs or getting out of a chair can remain difficult without proper rehabilitation.
4. Meniscectomy (Knee Cartilage Surgery)
Common Issue: Knee Instability and Weakness
A meniscectomy involves removing part of a torn meniscus, the knee’s shock-absorbing cartilage. Afterward, your knee may feel unstable, weak, or painful when walking.
How Physiotherapy Helps:
Strength exercises for knee support muscles to prevent further joint stress.
Balance and coordination training to improve knee control and prevent falls.
Gradual return to walking and sports to rebuild confidence in movement.
Walking on uneven ground can feel unstable—physiotherapy strengthens your knee to prevent that wobbly sensation and reduce the risk of injury.
5. ACL Reconstruction (Knee Ligament Surgery)
Common Issue: Knee Weakness and Loss of Stability
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is crucial for knee stability. After an ACL tear and surgery, it’s common to experience weakness, instability, and hesitation when making quick movements.
How Physiotherapy Helps:
Early knee movement and muscle activation to restore function without stressing the new ligament.
Balance and agility training to retrain the knee for quick, controlled movements.
Sport-specific drills to prepare for running, jumping, and pivoting safely.
For those looking to return to sports like basketball or jogging, physiotherapy helps rebuild trust in the knee and prevents re-injury.
What to Expect in Physiotherapy
1. Initial Assessment & Personalized Plan
Your physiotherapist will assess pain levels, movement, strength, and function to design a customized rehabilitation program.
2. Pain & Swelling Management
Gentle manual therapy, cold therapy, and movement techniques help reduce swelling and discomfort.
3. Restoring Mobility & Flexibility
Guided stretching and movement exercises prevent stiffness and improve flexibility.
4. Strength & Stability Training
Targeted exercises help regain muscle control and prevent future injuries.
5. Functional Rehabilitation
The final phase focuses on returning to daily activities, work, or sports with confidence and safety.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Recovering from surgery doesn’t have to be frustrating—physiotherapy helps you heal safely and regain independence faster. At ProCare Physiotherapy, we create personalized, step-by-step rehab plans to help you move better, feel stronger, and return to the activities you love.
Book an appointment today and take the first step toward pain-free movement.
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