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Post-surgery rehab in Sumner.
Recovery after orthopaedic surgery requires more than rest — a structured, progressive physiotherapy program is central to restoring your strength, mobility and independence. Our team works collaboratively with your surgeon’s protocol to guide each phase of your recovery.
What you may be experiencing.
Common post-operative presentations addressed in rehab.
Around the surgical site
In the operated joint or region
Following surgery and any immobilisation period
Walking, climbing stairs, getting dressed
Tightness around the scar affecting movement
Returning to activity, work or sport
Surgeries we work alongside.
Our physiotherapists have experience providing rehabilitation for a range of orthopaedic procedures.
Knee replacement (total/partial)
One of the most common orthopaedic procedures in Australia. Rehab focuses on restoring knee range of motion, quadriceps strength, walking pattern and stair function. Hydrotherapy is often particularly beneficial in the early phase.
Hip replacement (total/partial)
Begins with mobility and walking-aid progression, followed by progressive hip and gluteal strengthening. Surgeon hip precautions are followed strictly in the early phase to protect the surgical repair.
ACL reconstruction
A staged process — one of the most evidence-based protocols in sports medicine. Phases progress from early swelling management and quadriceps activation through strength, power and sport-specific conditioning before return-to-sport criteria are met.
Shoulder & spinal surgery
Following rotator cuff repair, labral repair, shoulder replacement or spinal surgery, rehabilitation follows a specific protocol respecting tissue healing while progressively restoring range, strength and function.
When to seek urgent care
Some post-operative symptoms warrant immediate medical attention rather than a physio assessment. Please contact your surgical team or attend an emergency department if you experience:
- Increasing redness, heat, swelling or discharge from the surgical wound (suspected infection)
- Fever or chills following surgery
- Calf pain, swelling, redness or warmth (suspected DVT)
- Chest pain or shortness of breath (suspected pulmonary embolism)
- A sudden “pop” or marked loss of function at the surgical site
- New numbness, tingling or weakness in the limb
How physiotherapy supports recovery.
A three-stage approach — assess, treat, then build long-term resilience.
1
Assess
Review of your surgeon’s protocol, op notes and discharge instructions, then a baseline assessment of range, strength, pain, swelling and function.
- Surgeon protocol review
- Baseline movement & strength
- Pain & swelling assessment
- Functional capacity testing
2
Treat
A phased program aligned with tissue healing timelines, combining manual therapy with progressive exercise within any surgical precautions.
- Manual therapy & mobility work
- Progressive strengthening
- Hydrotherapy (where suited)
- Gait & functional retraining
3
Manage
Long-term conditioning, return to higher-demand activity and (where relevant) return to sport, with NDIS, DVA or private-health funding pathways supported.
- Home exercise program
- Return-to-sport / work plan
- Funding & protocol coordination