Surgery repairs the structure.
Rehabilitation helps
you regain the function.
Surgery is an important part of recovery for many injuries and orthopaedic conditions. But healing and returning to everyday activities are not exactly the same thing.
At Yokohama Physio, we provide individualised rehabilitation to help you regain appropriate movement, strength and function after surgery.
Recovery built around your goals.
The type of surgery, stage of healing and your individual goals determine what rehabilitation is appropriate.
ACL reconstruction
Rehabilitation focused on restoring movement, strength and function, with progression towards running and sport where appropriate.
Knee and hip surgery
Recovery following orthopaedic procedures, with goals such as comfortable walking, stairs and daily activity.
Fracture fixation
Rehabilitation after surgically managed fractures, respecting weight-bearing restrictions and stages of bone healing.
Return to work, life and sport
Rebuilding the strength, movement and physical confidence required for your individual daily and sporting demands.
Healing the tissue matters. Restoring function matters too.
Successful surgery does not automatically restore previous strength, mobility or movement confidence. Rehabilitation should support the healing process while progressively preparing you for the activities that matter to you.
Why can movement still feel difficult after surgery?
Surgery can repair, reconstruct or replace damaged structures. But pain, swelling, reduced movement and loss of strength may remain during recovery.
Periods of reduced activity can also affect endurance, balance, coordination and confidence in movement.
Depending on the procedure, other parts of the body may need attention as you return to walking, squatting, climbing stairs or more demanding activities.
Rehabilitation should consider these factors while respecting surgical precautions and tissue healing.
Questions worth asking
- Which procedure was performed?
- What are the surgeon's current restrictions?
- How are pain, swelling and movement progressing?
- What strength or functional limitations remain?
- How does the body respond to increasing activity?
- What are your personal recovery goals?
Some procedures require protected movement, limited weight-bearing or restrictions on particular exercises during healing. These precautions take priority over attempts to progress more quickly. We work within your surgical guidance and recommend medical review when necessary.
We assess your recovery. Not just the operated area.
Your assessment is based on your surgical history, current stage of recovery and the movements and activities you need to regain.
Review surgery and recovery
We discuss your procedure, surgeon's instructions, symptoms, previous rehabilitation and personal recovery goals.
Examine relevant function
We assess suitable movement, strength, balance and daily activities, within the precautions appropriate for your stage of recovery.
Guide safe progression
We develop or adapt rehabilitation exercises and activities, monitoring symptoms and function as recovery progresses.
More than restoring strength alone.
Strength matters, but post-surgical rehabilitation may also need to address swelling, mobility, coordination and confidence in everyday movement.
Movement and mobility
Appropriate exercises to restore movement and functional mobility within surgical precautions.
Progressive strengthening
Building relevant muscle strength and physical capacity with progression matched to healing and tolerance.
Balance and coordination
Improving confidence and control during walking, stairs, single-leg tasks and other activities where appropriate.
Functional rehabilitation
Preparing for your specific needs, whether that's daily independence, returning to work or resuming sport.
Some discomfort can occur during recovery, but pain should not be dismissed automatically. We consider the procedure, stage of healing, exercise demands and symptom response before deciding whether to modify or progress activity.
From healing to meaningful movement.
Recovery is rarely a straight line. These stages are illustrative rather than a fixed timetable, and progression depends on your procedure.
Protect healing tissues
Follow surgical precautions, manage symptoms and maintain safe activity during the early stages of recovery.
Restore movement and basic function
Gradually regain appropriate mobility, walking ability and daily movement as permitted.
Rebuild strength and capacity
Progress exercise, balance, endurance and functional tasks to meet increasing demands.
Return to your chosen activities
Prepare for work, recreation, running or sport using suitable functional goals and readiness criteria.
Rehabilitation after ACL reconstruction is different from rehabilitation after fracture fixation, meniscus repair or joint replacement. We do not use the same progression for every surgical procedure.
Experienced care. Individual rehabilitation.
BHSc Physiotherapy / BSc Sports & Recreation
15+ years of clinical experience
My experience includes orthopaedic rehabilitation and working with people recovering from serious injuries and surgery.
I focus on understanding the individual's current limitations, relevant movement and physical capacity, while respecting surgical guidance.
The aim is to support a safe and meaningful return to the activities that matter to each person.
Learn More About Yuji ↗Questions about rehabilitation after surgery
When should I start physiotherapy after surgery?
The appropriate time depends on the procedure, your surgeon's instructions and your condition. Some rehabilitation begins very early, while other procedures require specific restrictions. Always follow your surgical team's guidance.
Can I attend physiotherapy after ACL reconstruction?
Yes. We can provide individual rehabilitation based on your surgery, current progress, surgeon's protocol and goals. Return to running and sport requires appropriate progression and readiness testing.
Can you help after fracture fixation?
Rehabilitation may help restore suitable movement, strength and function after fracture fixation. Loading must respect bone healing and weight-bearing restrictions. Please bring your surgeon's instructions and relevant reports.
Is pain during rehabilitation normal?
Some soreness or discomfort may occur during recovery, but significant or progressively worsening pain should not be ignored. Symptoms need to be interpreted in the context of the surgery, healing stage and exercise demands.
How long will rehabilitation take?
Recovery times vary considerably depending on the operation, individual health, complications, physical demands and goals. Major ligament reconstruction and fracture rehabilitation may take many months. A personalised plan is more useful than one fixed timetable.
Do I need to bring my surgical records?
Please bring or share your operation report if available, any rehabilitation protocol, current precautions, relevant imaging reports and details of previous physiotherapy. These help us plan appropriate care.
What happens during my initial consultation?
We review your surgery and medical history, discuss your recovery goals, examine appropriate movement and function, and provide treatment or exercise guidance where suitable. Sessions are available in English and Japanese.
Fever, increasing wound redness or drainage, sudden marked swelling, worsening severe pain or new neurological symptoms may require prompt assessment. New calf swelling or pain can indicate a blood clot. Chest pain or sudden breathlessness requires emergency care. Follow your surgical team's postoperative advice.
Your surgery is one step. Let's work towards your recovery.
Whether you're recovering from ACL reconstruction, fracture surgery or another orthopaedic procedure, start with an individual consultation at Yokohama Physio.
Book Initial Consultation ↗