Post-Surgery Physio at Home: What to Expect and Why It Matters

Surgery fixes a structural problem. Physiotherapy determines how well you actually recover from it. Whether you've had a knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, or spinal surgery, the quality and consistency of your post-operative rehabilitation is the single biggest modifiable factor in your outcome.

Why post-op physio matters more than people realise

After surgery, the body responds with inflammation, muscle inhibition, and protective movement patterns. Left unaddressed, these lead to prolonged weakness, stiffness, and compensatory patterns that can cause secondary problems years later. Physiotherapy systematically works through each stage of recovery — from early swelling control to late-stage strength and function — ensuring you progress at the right pace, not too slow and not too fast.

Why home visits are ideal for post-op rehab

In the early weeks after surgery, getting to a clinic can be genuinely difficult. You may not be able to drive, sitting in a car may be painful, and the effort of travelling may leave you too fatigued for effective treatment. A home visit removes all of these barriers. Seth comes to you with everything needed for treatment, and you can rest immediately afterwards — which is exactly what early recovery requires.

Common post-operative conditions we treat

• Knee replacement (total and partial) — from week 1 through full return to activity
• ACL reconstruction — 9–12 month progressive rehabilitation program
• Rotator cuff repair — staged return of shoulder mobility and strength
• Hip replacement — early mobilisation, gait retraining, and strength rebuild
• Lumbar spinal surgery — decompression, fusion, and disc surgery rehabilitation
• Shoulder labrum repair — progressive return to overhead function

What the first appointment involves

The first post-operative visit typically occurs within the first week of discharge from hospital. Seth will review your surgical notes, assess your wound, range of motion, swelling, and current function, and begin a graded exercise program appropriate to your stage of recovery. He'll also liaise with your surgeon if needed and provide written guidelines for your home program between visits.

How many sessions will I need?

This varies significantly by procedure and individual. Minor arthroscopic surgeries may require 4–6 sessions over a few weeks. Major reconstructions like ACL or joint replacement typically involve 10–15+ sessions over 3–9 months. Seth will give you a realistic timeline and clear milestones at your first appointment so you know what to expect throughout the process.