Post-Operative Rehabilitation
Surgery is only one part of recovery. The right rehabilitation is what helps you return properly.
Post-operative rehabilitation should be more than just "doing exercises." It should be structured, progressive, and matched to both the surgery you had and the level you want to return to.
Is this you?
You may relate to this if you:
- Want to return to sport, training, or higher-level function properly
- Want a clearer rehabilitation plan after surgery
- Feel stuck, behind, or unsure in your recovery
- Want to rebuild strength, confidence, and movement properly
- Do not want to just "get through rehab," but return well
The quality of your rehabilitation plays a major role in how well you recover.
Common post-operative cases we help with
We commonly help patients after a range of orthopaedic procedures. Select the area relevant to you to explore the surgeries we commonly rehabilitate.
The procedure matters — but so does having the right plan for your stage of recovery and your end goal.
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus repair
- Meniscectomy
- Cartilage procedures
- Patellar stabilisation surgery
- Shoulder stabilisation surgery
- Labral repair
- Rotator cuff repair
- Hip arthroscopy
- Labral repair
- Achilles tendon repair
- Ankle ligament reconstruction
- Ankle arthroscopy
- Elbow arthroscopy
- Tendon procedures around the elbow
- TFCC-related surgery
- Tendon repair
- Fracture fixation
- Fracture fixation
- Other post-operative orthopaedic rehabilitation
How post-operative rehabilitation is structured
At MaxWell Performance, we use VALD strength testing where appropriate to measure progress objectively and help guide decision-making through rehab.
Inflammation and swelling control
The early focus is on settling pain and swelling, restoring movement, protecting the surgical area, and helping you regain confidence with basic function. Progress is guided by pain and inflammation settling, range of motion improving, and the area tolerating basic movement better.
Strengthening
Once early symptoms are under control, the focus shifts toward rebuilding strength, improving control, and restoring confidence through more progressive loading. Key strength criteria need to be met — often aiming for 90% or more of the non-affected side — before moving on.
Plyometric, force absorption, and running
As strength improves, rehab progresses into landing mechanics, force absorption, deceleration, and where appropriate, a return to running progression. Strength testing, movement quality, and force absorption capacity are assessed before progressing further.
Return to sport
This stage focuses on preparing you for the specific demands of your sport, training environment, and movement requirements. Running tolerance, sport-specific demands, and return-to-sport criteria are all assessed before clearance.
Injury prevention
The final phase is about maintaining strength, movement quality, and load tolerance so that you are not just back, but better prepared to stay there.
Recover with Clarity and Confidence
We believe post-operative rehab should be structured, objective, and individualised — not something to just get through, but to progress through properly.
We use a clear phased approach guided by objective testing, with the focus on rebuilding strength and function rather than just reducing symptoms. Rehab is matched to the demands of your sport and your life, with clear communication throughout about what is safe, what is next, and what still needs to be achieved.
We run you through your rehabilitation in our own facility, with access to both a fully equipped gym and track space, so your recovery can progress from early-stage rehab all the way through to higher-level return to sport.
Book an assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon after surgery should I start physiotherapy? expand_more
That depends on the procedure and your surgeon's protocol, but in many cases rehab begins early. If you are unsure, we can help guide you based on your surgery and current stage.
Do I need my operation notes or surgeon's protocol? expand_more
Yes — it would be a great help. If you have any operation notes, discharge instructions, or rehab guidelines, bring them along. That said, we can also contact your surgeon directly for instructions if needed.
How many sessions will I need? expand_more
That depends on the surgery, how far along you are, and what you want to return to. Some people need shorter-term guidance, while others require a longer and more structured progression.
Can you help if I feel behind in my recovery? expand_more
Yes. Many post-operative patients come in because they feel stuck, uncertain, or not as far along as expected. A clear assessment and structured plan can help.
Ready to get started?
If you are recovering from surgery and want a clearer, more structured path forward, we are here to help.