Rehabilitation

Your Recovery Is Part of the Treatment

Successful surgery is only half of the story - a well-structured rehabilitation programme is just as important to your final outcome. Recovery timelines vary by procedure, but the general principles of good rehabilitation apply across almost all knee surgery.

The Early Phase

In the first days and weeks after surgery, the focus is on managing pain and swelling, protecting the surgical site, and gradually restoring range of motion. You will typically be seen by a physiotherapist soon after surgery to begin gentle guided exercises and, where relevant, practice safe use of crutches.

Building Strength and Function

As healing progresses, rehabilitation shifts toward restoring muscle strength, balance and normal movement patterns. This phase is progressed gradually and individually, guided by your physiotherapist based on your healing and comfort rather than a fixed timeline alone.

Returning to Activity and Sport

For patients returning to sport, the final phase focuses on sport-specific training, building confidence, and objective testing of strength and function before a full return to competitive activity. This staged approach helps reduce the risk of re-injury.

Getting the Most from Rehabilitation

• Consistency Matters: Regular engagement with your prescribed exercises between physiotherapy sessions has a significant impact on your overall recovery.

• Communicate Openly: Let your physiotherapy and surgical team know about any pain, swelling or concerns promptly, so your programme can be adjusted appropriately.

• Be Patient with the Process: Recovery is rarely perfectly linear, and small setbacks are a normal part of the process for many patients.

• Follow the Staged Plan: Progressing too quickly can risk setbacks, while progressing appropriately gives the best long-term outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does physiotherapy start?

This varies by procedure but often begins within the first days after surgery, sometimes even before you leave hospital.

How long does full recovery take?

This depends significantly on the specific procedure performed, ranging from a matter of weeks for simpler arthroscopic surgery to many months for ligament reconstruction or joint replacement.

What if I fall behind my expected recovery timeline?

Every patient's recovery is individual. If progress seems slower than expected, this is reviewed together with your surgical and physiotherapy team to identify and address the cause.

Dr Farrier's Note

"I see rehabilitation as a genuine partnership between surgeon, physiotherapist and patient. The effort you put into your recovery is just as important as the surgery itself in determining your final outcome."