Physiotherapy after surgery makes a real difference to how quickly and how fully you recover. We follow your surgeon's guidance and build a plan that restores movement, strength and independence safely.
Why physiotherapy after surgery matters
Surgery is only the first step. How well you recover depends largely on the rehabilitation that follows. Physiotherapy helps reduce swelling and stiffness, restore movement, rebuild muscle strength and get you back to walking, working, driving and the activities you enjoy.
Many patients from Slough and Ealing choose private physiotherapy to add to, or speed up, the support they receive after NHS or private surgery.
Operations we commonly support
We regularly treat patients after hip and knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, knee arthroscopy, shoulder surgery including rotator cuff repair and stabilisation, spinal surgery such as discectomy and decompression, and after fractures that have been fixed or treated in a cast.
Every rehabilitation plan follows your surgeon's protocol and any precautions you've been given.
What recovery looks like
In the first weeks, the focus is on controlling pain and swelling, protecting the repair, and regaining safe movement and walking. As healing progresses, we gradually build strength, balance and endurance, then move towards your personal goals, whether that's managing stairs comfortably, playing with grandchildren or returning to sport.
Progress is rarely a straight line. Good days and harder days are normal, and your physiotherapist will adjust your programme as you go.
Prehabilitation: getting ready for surgery
Evidence shows that people who are stronger and better prepared before surgery often recover more quickly afterwards. Prehab sessions focus on strength, movement and knowing what to expect, so you go into your operation with confidence.
When to contact your surgical team
Contact your surgeon, GP or NHS 111 promptly if you notice increasing redness, heat or discharge from the wound, fever, calf pain or swelling, sudden shortness of breath, or a sudden increase in pain or loss of movement.
Post-operative physio in Slough and Ealing
Our physiotherapists can see you from the early weeks after discharge, at our Slough or Ealing clinic. We provide clear home programmes, liaise with your consultant where needed, and supply progress reports for insurers.
Post-Surgery Rehab conditions we treat in Slough & Ealing
- Hip replacement
- Restore walking, strength and confidence.
- Knee replacement
- Regain bend, straightening and strength.
- ACL reconstruction
- Protocol-led rehab back to sport.
- Shoulder surgery
- Rotator cuff repair and stabilisation rehab.
- Spinal surgery
- Safe recovery after discectomy or fusion.
- Fracture recovery
- Rebuild movement after a break.
More conditions we help with
- Physio after knee replacement
- Bending, straightening and walking without a limp after total or partial knee replacement.
- Physio after hip replacement
- Safe movement, strength and getting back to walking and daily tasks.
- Meniscus repair or arthroscopy
- Graded loading after keyhole knee surgery.
- Rotator cuff repair
- Protected, staged rehab over several months after shoulder surgery.
- Ankle fracture and ORIF
- Restoring ankle movement, balance and walking after a fracture with plates or screws.
- Spinal fusion and discectomy
- Gentle, protocol-led rehab after back or neck surgery.
- Achilles tendon repair
- A staged return from walking boot to full activity.
- Wrist fracture
- Restoring grip, movement and strength after a broken wrist.
Not sure if we can help? See our A–Z of conditions we treat or call 020 3371 0995.
Surgery at any hospital
We welcome patients after surgery at any NHS or private hospital, including Wexham Park, Heatherwood, Hillingdon, Ealing, Charing Cross and local private hospitals. Bring your discharge letter or rehab protocol if you have one and we will follow your surgeon’s guidance.
If you are not able to travel yet in the first weeks after your operation, call us to discuss the best way to start your rehabilitation.
Post-Surgery Rehab treatments and techniques
- Protocol-led rehab
- Following your surgeon's timeline and precautions.
- Scar & swelling management
- Techniques to reduce swelling and improve scar mobility.
- Gait & balance retraining
- Walking well, with or without aids.
- Strength training
- Progressive exercise for lasting recovery.
- Prehabilitation
- Getting stronger before surgery for a better outcome.
- Home programme
- Clear exercises to do between sessions.
Your post-surgery rehab recovery timeline
- Weeks 0–2Swelling control, safe movement, walking practice.
- Weeks 2–6Range of movement and early strength.
- Weeks 6–12Progressive strength and function.
- 3 months +Return to full activity.
Post-Surgery Rehab prices
- Initial assessment and treatment60 min£75
- Follow-up treatment45 min£60
- Short follow-up30 min£45
Self-pay prices. Insured? We can bill most major insurers directly. All prices
Who post-surgery rehabilitation is for
Anyone recovering from orthopaedic or spinal surgery, whether NHS or private, from the first weeks after discharge onwards.
You may benefit if you notice: you've recently had joint or spinal surgery; you've been given exercises but need guidance; stiffness or weakness is slowing your recovery; you want to return to work, driving or sport; you're preparing for surgery (prehab).
Post-Surgery Rehabilitation: frequently asked questions
When should I start physio after surgery?
Can you see me if I had surgery on the NHS?
Do you offer prehab before surgery?
How long after a knee replacement should I have physio?
Do I need my surgeon's notes?
Can I have private physio after NHS surgery?
What is prehab?
Book post-surgery rehabilitation near you
Appointments are available at Gogodoc Physio Slough, for patients from Slough, Langley, Burnham, Farnham Royal, Windsor, Cippenham and Iver, and Gogodoc Physio Ealing, for patients from Ealing Broadway, West Ealing, Hanwell, Acton, Southall and Greenford.
Post-surgery physiotherapy restores movement, strength and confidence after an operation. It follows your surgeon's protocol, from early mobility to returning to work and sport. Gogodoc Physio supports patients in Slough and Ealing after NHS or private surgery, including hip and knee replacements, ACL repair and shoulder and spinal surgery.
Reviewed by the Gogodoc Physio clinical team, led by Sen Ramanathan, Clinical Director, Principal Practitioner · Updated October 2026This guide is general information and not a substitute for individual clinical advice. For severe or sudden symptoms, contact your GP or NHS 111.