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Joint Replacement Rehabilitation
Joint replacement surgery — most commonly of the knee or hip — is a major orthopaedic procedure that requires dedicated rehabilitation for optimal outcomes. Physiotherapy both before (pre-habilitation) and after surgery plays a critical role in recovery, helping patients regain mobility, strength, and independence.
Physiotherapy After Joint Replacement
- Early mobilisation: Guided movement begins within days of surgery to prevent blood clots, reduce swelling, and maintain joint range.
- Progressive strengthening: A phased exercise programme rebuilds the muscles around the new joint, progressing from gentle isometrics to functional resistance training.
- Gait retraining: Your therapist helps you transition from walker to cane to independent walking with a normal gait pattern.
- Stair and functional training: Practising stairs, sitting-to-standing, and daily activities in your home environment builds real-world confidence.
- Scar management: Gentle massage around the surgical incision prevents adhesions and improves tissue mobility.
Advantages of Home-Based Rehab After Surgery
After joint replacement, travelling to a clinic is painful and inconvenient. Home-based physiotherapy eliminates this barrier, allowing rehabilitation to begin earlier and progress faster. Your therapist works with your surgeon's protocol and provides regular progress updates. Most patients achieve functional independence within 6–12 weeks of dedicated home physiotherapy.