Post-op Physiotherapy in Cheltenham
your guided path to post-op recovery, get your life back on track
What is post operative physio
One of the most common side effects post surgery is pain, you don't need to be stuck on the constant cycle of tablets, physiotherapy provides very effective natural pain relief. Physiotherapy is also an essential part of your recovery back to full fitness, and we will liaise with your surgeons during your treatment with us.
After surgery we find patients are often very nervous about moving the affected area, whether that is their shoulder, knee, hip, back, etc., as they feel they might cause further damage. Whilst understandable that is often the wrong approach, exercise is good for recovery but under strict guidance.
After surgery and throughout your recovery, your experienced post-op physio will assess your mobility, strength and function. We will then periodically adjust the intensity of your rehabilitation program to match your recovery progresses.
Nerve pain after surgery
Scarring around nerves is one of the most common issues that arise after surgery, the scar tissue constricts the nerve and makes the nerve unhealthy by restricting the transport of essential chemicals. The objective of physiotherapy is to recover nerve functionality, reduce pain, and promote recovery through specific exercises that match your injury. Manual therapy techniques, such as massage and myofascial release, aim to remodel scar tissue with controlled application of pressure and friction, to generate changes in the properties of scar tissue. This potentially reduces adhesions and improves the quality of the tissue surrounding the nerve.
recovery after knee surgery
Physiotherapy is crucial for recovery after knee surgery, whether it's for a total knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair, or other procedures. Its not an optional extra, a structured physiotherapy program directly impacts the success of the surgery by helping to manage pain and swelling, restore the knee's full range of motion, and rebuild the strength and stability of the surrounding muscles. Starting often within hours or days of the operation, early mobilization guided by a physiotherapist is vital to prevent stiffness, reduce the risk of complications like blood clots, and ensure proper healing.
Recovery after ankle surgery
Physiotherapy is indispensable for a successful recovery after ankle surgery, whether it's for a fracture, ligament repair, or other complex procedures. Following surgery, a physiotherapist plays a vital role in managing post-operative swelling and pain. As healing progresses, the focus shifts to carefully restoring range of motion, gradually progressing from passive to active movements, and implementing controlled weight-bearing protocols as advised by the surgeon. This comprehensive approach, guided by a physiotherapist's expertise, is critical for maximizing function, preventing re-injury, and achieving the best possible long-term outcome.
recovery after hip replacement
Total hip replacement (THR), or Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), is a procedure that removes damaged bone and cartilage and replaces it with prosthetic components. THR is one of the most cost-effective and consistently successful surgeries performed in orthopedics. We are honoured to be the preferred hip surgery after care provider in the Cheltenham and surrounding Gloucestershire areas for the world-renowned surgeon Professor Damian Griffin OBE who is an internationally-recognised expert in hip arthroscopy and hip preserving surgery, who is regularly teaching and lecturing all over the world.
NICE Guidelines
Recommends rehab after surgery begins on the same day as the surgery for joint replacement patients. People undergoing hip, knee or shoulder replacement surgery should receive rehabilitation on the same day, or within 24 hours after their operation.
“Straight Back Physio were fantastic and recommended by my orthopaedic surgeon. They supported me in getting back to full fitness after spine and hip surgery. I am now happily running, horse riding and snowboarding. Great team.”
Billy, Google review
Benefits of post surgery physiotherapy
The benefits of post surgery physiotherapy are extensive.
Pain management:
Having an operation can be incredibly painful, making it difficult to move and perform daily tasks. Physiotherapy can help to alleviate this pain by improving blood flow to the affected area, reducing inflammation and releasing endorphins, the body's natural painkillers.
Improved range of motion:
After surgery, it's common to experience stiffness and limited range of motion in the affected area. This can make it challenging to perform basic tasks such as walking, reaching or bending. Physiotherapy after your operation will help to improve your range of motion by stretching and strengthening the muscles around the affected area.
Faster recovery
Getting effective physiotherapy treatment speeds up recovery after surgery by reducing swelling and inflammation, improving circulation and promoting healing. A skilled physiotherapist will help you recover faster by developing a customised rehabilitation plan, tailored to your specific needs and goals so you can get back to your normal activities swiftly.
Reduced risk of complications:
Following surgery, there is a risk of complications such as blood clots, infections or pneumonia. Physiotherapy helps reduce risk by improving circulation, strengthening the immune system and promoting healthy breathing.
Improved balance and coordination:
After an operation, it's common to experience a loss of balance and coordination. This can make it challenging to perform basic tasks such as walking or standing. Physiotherapy helps to improve your balance and coordination by strengthening the muscles that support these functions, which also reduce the risk of falls and other accidents and new injuries.
Improved quality of life:
Physiotherapy helps improve your overall quality of life, by reducing pain and stress, while improving mobility and mental health. This is especially important during the recovery process.
Benefits of rehabilitation after surgery
Our post-operative rehabilitation plans are highly individualised, tailored to suit your specific needs and goals. It could include stretches and exercises for you to do at home, targeted gym work or pilates, depending on what you need.
Whilst your operation is performed within hours, your post-operative rehabilitation may take many months or even a year, depending on your surgery. You won’t necessarily need physiotherapy for this whole time, but implementing the correct rehabilitation after surgery will put you firmly on the route to a faster and better recovery.
Successful rehabilitation after surgery involves doing the right exercises at the right time, with the right balance between not enough and too much exercise. That balance, and the intensity of stimulation, will change during the weeks and first few months after your surgery.
You can be reassured that we will design the right post-op rehabilitation program for you to ensure your tissues are being stimulated enough to recover by themselves, we will safely increase the workloads and stimuli on the repaired joint during rehabilitation to speed up the recovery process.
“The biggest problem patients face after their operation is not understanding what movement they should and shouldn’t be doing. We provide comprehensive guidance and support in this area, working with each patient to ensure they balanced strengthening their injured area with the right amount of rest. This is the recipe for success.”
Sarah Fossella, Founder and Lead Physiotherapist
Book now
At Straight Back Physio we believe in giving our patients the opportunity to engage and explain their injury history, lifestyle etc. to our physiotherapists therefore each new patient is given 45minutes on their first appointment with follow ups being 30 minutes in length.
Recover faster, our chartered physios can usually get you back to redoing the activities you can't do now within 4 to 8 sessions.
We understand that some people may want to find out a bit more about the cost before they book an appointment at our physiotherapy clinic. Our unique save as you recover packages can save you up to 20% on the cost of a single session.
Insured
For insured clients we can either work directly with your insurance provider or offer receipts for cash-based plans, allowing you to reclaim your expenses.
Not Covered by Insurance
If you want see the best physiotherapist in your area, feel free to book an appointment at our Cheltenham physiotherapy clinic without needing a referral from your GP.
Why Choose Us
No other local physiotherapy clinic can match our level of expertise and rehabilitation services, thanks to our extensive experience and in-house gym facilities. You'll receive the full benefits of physiotherapy through a tailored combination of interventions designed to guide you on your path to recovery.