Post-Operative Physiotherapy in Glasgow

Surgery is only half the recovery, the other half is the rehab. Most orthopaedic procedures depend on a structured, progressive physiotherapy programme afterwards to deliver the full result. The technical work of the surgeon gives you the opportunity to recover; the work you do with your physiotherapist over the following weeks and months is what delivers the outcome.

Our physiotherapists work with patients recovering from a wide range of orthopaedic procedures including knee replacements, hip replacements, ACL reconstructions, meniscus repairs, shoulder surgeries (including rotator
cuff repair, labral repair, stabilisation procedures), and spinal procedures. We follow your surgeon’s protocol and progression criteria carefully.

Patients come to us at every stage of post-operative recovery, from the early days following discharge through to the return-to-sport phase. Common reasons for seeking post-op physiotherapy include:

• Restoring range of motion after the immediate post-op period
• Building strength back in the operated limb
• Re-learning movement patterns after surgery
• Managing pain and swelling in the recovery period
• Progressing safely through your surgeon’s rehab protocol
• Returning to work, sport, or specific activities post-surgery
• Late-stage rehab to reach full recovery

Post-operative assessment is different from a general MSK assessment. We review your surgeon’s protocol and any specific precautions, your current range of motion compared to the affected side’s pre-op baseline and the other side, weight-bearing status if relevant, scar healing and swelling levels, and the strength of the operated limb. We’ll then position you in your rehab pathway and plan progression carefully.

Treatment is led by your surgeon’s specific protocol and timelines. Within that framework, we use a carefully graded exercise rehabilitation programme to progressively rebuild range of motion, strength and functional ability. Manual therapy is used to support joint mobility recovery where appropriate to the procedure.

We liaise directly with your surgeon or consultant where helpful, particularly for return-to-activity criteria or if any concerns arise during your recovery. We can also coordinate with your GP and any other healthcare team involved in your care.