Post-Operative Rehabilitation

Whether you’re in a care home for respite or as a permanent resident, our specialist physiotherapists provide the intervention needed to help you achieve the best possible outcome from your surgery.

HCPC & CSP Registered

Appointments within 24–48 hours

Enhanced DBS Checked

Highly experienced physiotherapists

What is Post-Operative Rehabilitation?

Recovering from joint replacement or fracture surgery requires timely, structured rehabilitation to rebuild strength, flexibility and functional abilities. Starting physiotherapy early can help minimise stiffness, pain, muscle weakness, and other post-operative complications, promoting a quick recovery. Our physiotherapists work closely with each individual to deliver a personalised rehabilitation plan tailored to the type of surgery, stage of recovery, physical abilities, and personal goals. Any precautions or protocols advised by the surgical team are carefully incorporated into the programme to ensure continuity of care and safe recovery. As rehabilitation progresses, the programme is regularly reviewed and adapted to reflect an individual’s changing needs and new goals. Treatment typically progresses from early mobilisation and pain management strategies to strength training, increasing joint range of motion, balance retraining, mobility progression, and functional rehabilitation. Through targeted physiotherapy and goal-oriented exercises, we support residents in returning to their daily activities as safely and independently as possible. For respite residents, our goal is to support a safe and confident return home.

What Surgery Are You Recovering From?

Hip replacement surgery
Knee replacement surgery
Hip fracture surgery, including hemiarthroplasty, dynamic hip screw and ORIF
Fracture fixation, such as wrist, ankle, shoulder, patella or tibia surgeries
Laminectomy, discectomy and spinal fusion
Vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty for spinal compression fractures
Spinal decompression surgery and foraminotomy

This list is not exhaustive — if you have a query about a specific surgery or procedure not listed here, please get in touch with our team.

How Does Rehabilitation in Respite Help in Recovery?

Structured, focused recovery away from daily life
Access to intensive, goal-driven rehabilitation by specialist physiotherapists
Rehabilitation assistants support sessions, helping deliver intensive rehab from the early stages
Early therapeutic input to minimise the risk of post-surgical complications
Tailored rehab plan that evolves with you as your recovery progresses
Targeted exercises to build muscle strength and increase joint range of motion
Progressive mobility training to support safe, independent movement
Seamless coordination with the care team to support your recovery
A structured and supported route back to independence and home

Who Benefits Most from Post-Operative Rehabilitation?

Recently undergone hip or knee replacement surgery
Recovering from surgical fixation of fractures after trauma
Muscle weakness or reduced range of motion after upper limb surgery
Pain, stiffness or swelling limiting recovery
Need gait retraining to walk safely with or without aids
Need intensive physiotherapy to maximise recovery
Multiple long-term conditions affecting recovery
Need help regaining independence with daily activities
Would benefit from rehab in a supportive care home environment
Reduced confidence in moving safely after surgery
At risk of complications from limited movement
Need a structured plan to safely return to previous activity levels

Our Rehabilitation Process

Referral & Background Review

We review the resident's surgical notes, discharge summary and any post-operative precautions or protocols provided by the surgical team before our first visit.

Initial Assessment

Our specialist physiotherapists conduct a comprehensive assessment of pain, range of motion, muscle strength, mobility (including any walking aids or assistive equipment used), balance, and functional ability. This establishes a clear baseline, identifies any limitations or risks, and helps set personalised rehabilitation goals to guide recovery.

Personalised Rehabilitation Plan

Following a thorough assessment, we develop an individualised rehabilitation programme tailored to the type of surgery, stage of recovery, current abilities, and personal goals. The plan is designed to promote safe, progressive improvement, restore mobility and function, and follow any relevant post-operative protocols or precautions to optimise recovery.

Structured Rehabilitation Programme

A well-structured and intensive rehabilitation programme is delivered by our physiotherapists and rehabilitation assistants. Therapy sessions are hands-on, goal-focused, and tailored to the individual's stage of recovery, with an emphasis on restoring movement, rebuilding strength, improving mobility, and achieving the best possible outcome from surgery.

Ongoing Progress Reviews

Progress is closely tracked throughout the rehabilitation journey, with regular reviews to monitor recovery and ensure the programme remains effective. As strength, mobility, and function improve, exercises and treatment plans are adjusted to safely increase their intensity and complexity, helping residents continue to make meaningful progress towards their goals.

Ongoing Progress Reviews

We work closely with residents, whether they are on a permanent or respite admission, as well as their families and the care team, to plan the next stage of recovery. This may involve supporting a safe return home or transitioning to an ongoing maintenance programme to preserve mobility and function.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after surgery can rehabilitation begin?

We aim to begin rehabilitation as early as possible, in line with any protocols specific to your surgery type.

Can you work with residents who have dementia or cognitive impairment?

Yes. Our Physiotherapists adapt their approach and communication for individuals with dementia or cognitive impairment, to get positive engagement in the rehabilitation process.

How often will a Physiotherapist visit?

The frequency of visits depends on an individual's needs and stage of recovery. We typically recommend intensive therapy input, which can range from daily to alternate-day sessions. These can be supported by rehabilitation assistants depending on the Physiotherapist's recommendations.

Is rehabilitation available for both respite and permanent residents?

Yes. Our rehabilitation programmes are available to residents on both a respite and permanent basis.

Do you offer any discounts on block bookings?

Yes, we offer discounts on block bookings of five or ten sessions. Please check with us for details.

Quick Enquiry

Our Team is Ready to Help

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020 8087 3132

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info@carehomephysio.co.uk

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Also on our Services

Need home visit physiotherapy?

For individuals living at home rather than in a care home, visit our parent service.

Visit UKHomephysio.co.uk →

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Tell us a little about what you need and our team will be in touch to discuss the right support for you or your loved one.

Get Back on Your Feet, Sooner

Speak to our team about how we can support post-operative rehabilitation in your care home