Starting physiotherapy after surgery is one of the most important steps in your recovery.
The right timing depends on a few key factors; the type of surgery, your surgeon’s recommendations, and how your body responds in the first few days afterwards.
In most cases, physiotherapy should begin as soon as it’s safe to do so.
It’s completely normal to feel tired, sore or a little foggy after a general anaesthetic. Once you feel comfortable, that’s usually a good time to book your initial physiotherapy assessment.
When Should Physiotherapy Start After Surgery?
Your recovery plan should be guided by both your surgical and physiotherapy teams.
Starting too early may strain healing tissues, while waiting too long can lead to stiffness, weakness, or delayed function.
The best approach is a phased, individualised plan that supports your body’s natural healing process.
Your physiotherapist can help you find the right starting point; whether you’ve had a hip replacement, knee replacement, meniscal repair, or ligament reconstruction such as surgery for an ACL injury.
What to Expect at Your First Physiotherapy Appointment
Your first session focuses on understanding you… your surgery, your recovery so far, and your goals for the weeks ahead.
During your appointment, we’ll:
- Review what you’ve been told by your surgical team
- Go through your home exercise programme and adjust it if needed
- Prescribe new, tailored exercises
- Provide advice on safe movement and activity
- Help you plan a gradual, confident return to the things that matter most
If you have an operation note (also called a Post-Op Note), please bring it along. It gives us important details such as any movement or weight-bearing restrictions.
Don’t worry if you don’t have one… we can request it directly once we’ve met you.
Why Early Physiotherapy Matters
Early physiotherapy isn’t just about exercise – it’s about education, reassurance, and safe movement.
We’ll help you:
- Manage pain and swelling
- Protect your surgical site
- Restore movement and strength at the right pace
- Build confidence in walking and daily activities
Starting physiotherapy early, with professional guidance, helps reduce complications, supports healing, and speeds up your return to normal function.
Home Visit Physiotherapy After Surgery
In the early days following surgery, getting to a clinic can be difficult.
Our home visit physiotherapy service brings expert post-operative care directly to you.
We’ll work with you in your own environment to:
- Ensure safe mobility around your home
- Check your setup (chairs, stairs, aids)
- Progress your exercise programme
- Coordinate updates with your surgical or hospital team
This joined-up approach ensures you receive consistent, patient-centred rehabilitation from day one.
Getting the Balance Right for a Safe Recovery
Post-operative rehabilitation is about finding the right balance between rest, movement, and progress.
With guidance from an experienced physiotherapist, you’ll move safely from early recovery to full function, whether that’s walking, working, or returning to sport.
If you’ve recently had surgery and are unsure when to start, get in touch with our team.
We’ll guide you safely from day one, in clinic or at home.
✍️ By Camilla Birley