Post-operative rehabilitation is the structured physiotherapy programme that runs from soon after surgery through to the return of full function. It is where the outcome of most orthopaedic operations is actually decided. A well-performed surgery followed by unstructured rehabilitation often produces a disappointing result; a straightforward surgery followed by a well-structured rehabilitation programme often produces an excellent one.
At VBJ Physiotherapy, post-operative rehabilitation is delivered as a phased programme rather than a fixed schedule. Each phase has clinical goals; you progress to the next phase when your body is ready, not when a certain number of weeks has passed.
Any orthopaedic operation restores structure. Only rehabilitation restores function. Range of motion, muscle strength, joint control and confidence — none of them come back on their own after a knee replacement, a shoulder repair or an ACL reconstruction. Left to chance, they typically don't fully return. With structured rehabilitation, most patients return to the activities that matter to them.
Post-operative programmes are broadly organised into four phases. The specific goals, movements and precautions in each phase depend on the surgery performed.
Focus is on protecting the surgical repair, controlling swelling, restoring safe basic movement, and beginning gentle range-of-motion work. For lower-limb surgery this phase also includes gait training and mobility with any assistive devices your surgeon has advised.
Once tissue healing allows, the focus broadens to restoring full pain-free range of motion, activating and strengthening the muscles around the operated joint, and normalising basic movement patterns.
Progressive strengthening under controlled load, functional exercises (squats, step-ups, reaching, lifting, as appropriate to the joint), and gradual return to the activities of daily life.
Higher-load and higher-speed activity, sport-specific tasks where relevant, and criteria-based clearance to return to the activity you were doing before. For non-athletes, this phase is about restoring the confidence to walk longer distances, climb stairs comfortably, drive, and resume work.
Phases progress when clinical criteria are met — range of motion, strength, control, and functional testing — not when a fixed number of weeks has passed. This is the difference between a rehabilitation programme and a to-do list on a printout.
Where your surgery was performed by the VBJ orthopaedic team, communication between the surgeon and the physiotherapist is direct. Where you had surgery elsewhere, we work from your operative report and any post-operative protocol your surgeon has provided, and we can coordinate with them on request. In either case, the plan respects your surgeon's specific precautions.
You can begin post-operative rehabilitation with us even if your surgery was done at a different hospital or by a different surgeon. Please bring:
It varies with the surgery, your age, the tissues involved, general health and activity goals. Simple joint procedures typically progress faster than complex reconstructions. Your programme will be discussed with you at assessment.
This depends on the surgery and your surgeon's specific instructions. Some procedures begin very early (sometimes the day after surgery); others require a period of protection first. Please share your surgeon's post-operative protocol at your first appointment.
Yes. Bring your operative report and any post-operative instructions. We coordinate with your surgeon on request.
Coverage of physiotherapy varies between insurers and policies in India. Please check with your insurer directly; the team can help provide the documentation you need.
Consistency matters — the home programme is designed so progress continues between sessions. If circumstances make attending difficult, tell the team; the plan can usually be adjusted.
Get a clear plan. The team will confirm your appointment after receiving your enquiry.
No. 65/3, 100 Feet Road, Kanakapura Main Road,
Vajarahalli, Balaji Layout,
Bengaluru, Karnataka 560109
Phone / WhatsApp: 74835 72770
Appointments: Please contact the physiotherapy team for current appointment availability.