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Who is surgical physiotherapy for — and how it helps

Pre- and post-surgical physiotherapy supports anyone preparing for or recovering from surgery, including if you are:
Scheduled for orthopaedic surgery (knee, hip, shoulder or spine)
Recovering from joint replacement
Rehabilitating after ligament or tendon repair
Returning to sport after surgery
Experiencing stiffness or weakness following surgery
Looking to rebuild strength and mobility safely
Physiotherapy helps prepare your body before surgery and guide your recovery afterwards - improving strength, mobility and confidence through each stage of rehabilitation.

What we assess and treat

Your physiotherapist will assess how your body is moving and recovering before and after surgery.

What we assess

Joint mobility and range of motion
Muscle strength and activation
Movement patterns and posture
Balance and coordination
Pain and swelling levels
Functional movements such as walking, lifting or climbing stairs

Common concerns we support

Knee surgery (ACL, meniscus, joint replacement)
Hip replacement or arthroscopy
Shoulder surgery (rotator cuff repair, stabilisation, replacements)
Spinal surgery
Tendon repairs
Fracture rehabilitation
You’ll leave with a clear rehabilitation plan tailored to your stage of recovery.

How physiotherapy supports surgical recovery

Surgery often affects strength, mobility and movement patterns. Our physio action plans help to restore function gradually and safely.

Our physiotherapists help you:

  • Build strength before surgery (“prehabilitation”)
  • Reduce stiffness and swelling after surgery
  • Restore joint movement and flexibility
  • Rebuild muscle strength and stability
  • Improve balance and coordination
  • Progress safely back to daily activities, work or sport

Treatments and rehabilitation support

Your physiotherapy plan may combine hands-on treatment with structured rehabilitation exercises.
Treatments we may use

Manual therapy and massage
Help reduce stiffness and improve joint movement.

Exercise-based rehabilitation
Targeted strengthening and mobility exercises to rebuild function.

Pain and swelling management
Techniques to help reduce inflammation and improve comfort.

Hydrotherapy
Low-impact exercise to support early rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation support

This may include:

Gradual strength rebuilding

Mobility and flexibility work

Functional movement training

Balance and coordination exercises

Return-to-work or return-to-sport planning

Fees and ACC

If your condition is covered by ACC, we can help lodge your claim and you may only need to pay a surcharge.
View physiotherapy fees

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Frequently asked questions

Should I see a physiotherapist before surgery
Yes. Pre-surgical physiotherapy or prehabilitation can help strengthen muscles and improve recovery outcomes after surgery.

When can I start physiotherapy after surgery?
This depends on the type of surgery. Many people start physiotherapy shortly after surgery, once cleared by their surgeon.

How long does post-surgical physiotherapy take?
Recovery timelines vary depending on the procedure and your goals. Your physiotherapist will guide you through a staged rehabilitation plan.

Support your recovery

Whether you're preparing for surgery or recovering afterwards, our physiotherapists can help guide your rehabilitation.
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