Recovering from surgery is a journey and physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping you regain strength, mobility, and confidence. At Restorativ Physiotherapy, we have extensive experience with personalised post-surgical rehabilitation programs designed to support your recovery and get you back to doing what you love.

We are the preferred physiotherapy clinic in the Northern Gold Coast for a number of knee and shoulder surgeons. This close collaboration ensures you receive seamless, multidisciplinary care -from surgical intervention through to tailored rehabilitation. Through open communication with your surgeon, we’re able to align your physiotherapy program with the latest surgical techniques and recovery protocols, helping you achieve the best possible outcomes.

Post Surgical Rehabilitation

Why do I need Physiotherapy after surgery?

Post-surgical physiotherapy helps:

  • Restore movement and function safely and effectively

  • Reduce pain and swelling

  • Prevent complications such as joint stiffness or muscle weakness

  • Improve circulation and promote healing

  • Support mental wellbeing through guided recovery

Whether you've had orthopaedic surgery (like a joint replacement or rotator cuff repair), abdominal surgery, or another procedure, regular physio using evidence-based protocols tailored to your operation will help ensure a positive outcome.

physiotherapy on shoulder after surgery in Pimpama
physiotherapy on shoulder after surgery in Pimpama
What will my surgical recovery be like?

Post surgical Physiotherapy includes:

  1. Initial assessment: We begin with a thorough review of your surgery, current symptoms, and goals. This helps us design a program that’s safe and effective for your specific needs.

  2. Pain management: Managing pain is key to recovery. We use gentle movement, manual therapy, and education to help reduce discomfort. We also work alongside your medical team to ensure your pain relief plan supports your rehab goals.

  3. Guided exercise: You’ll be introduced to exercises that: Improve joint mobility and muscle strength, support posture and balance, help you return to daily activities. These exercises progress gradually, based on your healing and comfort levels.

  4. Education and support: We’ll teach you how to move safely, use any braces or supports correctly, and avoid movements that could delay healing. You’ll also learn how to manage your recovery at home between sessions.

  5. Ongoing monitoring and communication: Recovery isn’t linear. We’ll monitor your progress, adjust your program as needed, and communicate with your surgeon to ensure everything is on track.

Back Surgery (e.g. Laminectomy or Fusion):

  • Hospital stay: 1–3 days

  • Light activity: 2–4 weeks

  • Full recovery: 3–6 months*

How long will my surgical recovery take?

Recovery varies depending on the procedure, your overall health, and how closely you follow your rehabilitation plan. Here’s a general guide to what you can expect:
Knee surgical repair physiotherapy Pimpama
Knee surgical repair physiotherapy Pimpama

Knee Surgery (e.g. ACL rupture or total knee replacement)

  • Walking with aids: 1–2 days post-op

  • Walking unaided: 4–6 weeks

  • Return to low-impact activities: 3–6 months

Shoulder Surgery (e.g. Rotator Cuff Repair or Replacement)

  • Sling use: 2–6 weeks

  • Gentle movement begins: 4–6 weeks

  • Strengthening exercises: 6–12 weeks

  • Full recovery: Up to 6–12 months*

Elbow Surgery (e.g. Tennis Elbow Release or Fracture Repair):

  • Immobilisation period: 1–2 weeks

  • Gentle movement and stretching: 2–4 weeks

  • Strengthening and functional rehab: 6–12 weeks

  • Full recovery: 3–6 months*

Tennis Elbow or Elbow surgical repair physiotherapy
Tennis Elbow or Elbow surgical repair physiotherapy
Ankle surgery repair physiotherapy
Ankle surgery repair physiotherapy

Hip Surgery (e.g. Total Hip Replacement):

  • Walking with aids: Day 1–3 post-op

  • Walking unaided: 3–6 weeks

  • Return to most daily activities: 3–6 months*

Hip joint surgical repair physiotherapy ccomera
Hip joint surgical repair physiotherapy ccomera

Ankle Surgery (e.g. Reconstruction or Replacement):

  • Non-weight bearing: 2–6 weeks

  • Partial weight bearing: Weeks 3–6

  • Full weight bearing and rehab: 6–12 weeks

  • Swelling may persist: Up to 10 weeks or longer

*Depends on injury severity and surgery complexity

WHY CHOOSE US?

At Restorativ Physiotherapy, we understand how challenging it can be to live with the effects of a vestibular disorder. Our clinic has over 20 years experience across all areas of musculoskeletal conditions. We are conveniently located off Junction 49 of the M1, easily accessible from Coomera, Upper Coomera, Pimpama, Jacobs Well and Hope Island.

We pride ourselves on getting to know and building a relationship with our patients and are committed to providing high-quality care tailored to your needs.

Our goal is to empower you to live life fully again. We are here to support you in managing your vestibular condition, improving your quality of life, and helping you feel steady and confident once more. We will help you regain balance and reduce dizziness through evidence-based, personalized treatments.