Recovery after surgery extends far beyond the operating theatre. Post-operative physiotherapy determines whether you regain full function or settle for a compromised outcome. Patients who begin physiotherapy within 48-72 hours post-discharge demonstrate 34% faster return to baseline mobility compared to those who delay treatment beyond two weeks.
When Should Post-Operative Physiotherapy Start?
Post-operative physiotherapy should commence within 24-72 hours after hospital discharge for most surgical procedures. The Australian Physiotherapy Association’s 2025 clinical guidelines recommend initiating gentle movement and assessment within the first week for orthopaedic surgeries. Earlier intervention prevents muscle atrophy, reduces surgical site stiffness, and establishes protective movement patterns before compensatory habits develop.
Evidence-Based Timing for Common Surgeries
We track recovery milestones with functional outcome measures. The guide below is dependent on the surgeon’s precautions and protocols and is based on each individual’s needs.
Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty):
- Initial assessment: 2-5 days post-discharge
- First structured session: Within 7 days
- Expected timeline: 12-16 weeks to functional independence
Knee Replacement (Total Knee Arthroplasty):
- Initial assessment: 1-3 days post-discharge (earlier than hip due to stiffness risk)
- First structured session: Within 5 days
- Expected timeline: 14-20 weeks to 90° flexion within the first 2–4 weeks, by the 14-20 week mark, the goal is often closer to 110-120°
Spinal Fusion:
- Initial assessment: 5-10 days post-discharge
- First structured session: Within 14 days
- Expected timeline: 16-24 weeks to return to light functional activities
- During the first 6-12 weeks, the primary goal is to protect the fusing vertebrae. You must strictly avoid:
- Bending at the waist
- Twisting the torso
- Heavy Lifting (usually restricted to items over 2-4.5 kg)
Rotator Cuff Repair:
- Initial assessment: 7-14 days post-discharge (tissue protection priority)
- First structured session: Week 2-3
- Expected timeline: 20-26 weeks to overhead function
ACL Reconstruction:
- Initial assessment: 2-7 days post-discharge
- First structured session: Within 10 days
- Expected timeline: 24-32 weeks to return to sport (12 months for competitive athletes)
- We encourage not rushing back before 9 months to avoid the high risk of re-injuring the graft while it is still maturing
What Happens During Your First Home Visit?
Your initial post-operative physiotherapy session prioritises safety assessment, pain management, and establishing baseline mobility measurements. We assess surgical site healing, current range of motion, weight-bearing capacity, and home environment risks before introducing any therapeutic movement.
Equipment we’ve used in Melbourne homes:
- Kitchen benches for calf raises and upper limb weight-bearing
- Dining chairs for supported squats and step-ups
- Bed for lying and seated exercises
- Outdoor steps for graduated stair training
- Resistance bands, weights, balance pads
Red Flags: When to Contact Your Surgeon
While most post-operative recovery progresses smoothly, certain symptoms require immediate medical review.
Contact surgeon same-day if:
- Sudden increase in wound drainage or foul odour (infection risk)
- Wound separation or dehiscence
- Fever >38°C with localised warmth at surgical site
- Calf pain, swelling, or tenderness in one leg (DVT risk)
- Chest pain or shortness of breath (pulmonary embolism risk)
- Sudden loss of function or inability to bear weight previously achieved
Contact surgeon within 24-48 hours if:
- Pain levels increasing week-over-week despite appropriate medication
- Unable to achieve expected mobility milestones
- Persistent numbness or tingling in surgical limb
- Gait pattern deteriorating rather than improving
Access Post-Operative Physiotherapy in Melbourne
YouGo Physio provides specialist post-operative rehabilitation across Melbourne’s south-east. We’re registered NDIS and Support at Home providers with experience managing hip replacements, knee replacements, spinal fusions, rotator cuff repairs, ACL reconstructions, and general surgical procedures.
Service areas: Edithvale, Chelsea, Bonbeach, Aspendale, Carrum, Mordialloc, Mentone, Parkdale, Patterson Lakes, Moorabbin.
Get started: Call to discuss your surgery and recovery timeline
Recovery happens at home. We bring the expertise to make it happen safely, efficiently, and completely.
