What You're Experiencing

Persistent pain, stiffness, or weakness following orthopaedic surgery such as knee replacement, ACL reconstruction, or spinal surgery.

When to seek help: This symptom should be assessed by a physiotherapist within the next 1-2 weeks to prevent it from worsening.

Likely Causes

This symptom is commonly caused by one or more of the following conditions. A physiotherapist can identify the exact cause through a thorough assessment.

1 Normal post-surgical healing
2 Scar tissue formation
3 Muscle weakness from disuse
4 Inadequate rehabilitation

What a Physiotherapist Will Do

1. Assessment

Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough examination including movement tests, palpation, and posture analysis to identify the root cause of your pain or stiffness after surgery.

2. Diagnosis

Based on the assessment, they'll explain which of the likely causes applies to you and discuss the best treatment approach.

3. Treatment

Treatment typically combines hands-on therapy for immediate relief with targeted exercises to address the underlying cause. Most patients notice improvement within 2-4 sessions.

4. Home Programme

You'll receive specific exercises and advice to continue your recovery at home, helping you get better faster between sessions.

Related Conditions & Treatments

Learn more about the conditions and treatments related to this symptom:

condition ACL Injury → condition Knee Pain → treatment Exercise Therapy →

Helpful Articles

Knee Replacement Rehab 12 Weeks →Physio After Bone Fracture →Best Exercises Acl Injury →

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after surgery should I start physiotherapy?

This depends on your surgery type. Many orthopaedic surgeons recommend starting physiotherapy within 1-2 weeks post-surgery. Your surgeon will provide specific guidelines. Early rehabilitation improves outcomes, restores movement faster, and reduces the risk of complications like stiffness and blood clots.

When should I start physiotherapy after surgery?

This depends on the type of surgery. Some patients begin physiotherapy within 24 hours (e.g., hip replacement), while others wait 2-6 weeks. Follow your surgeon's guidelines, but don't delay — early physiotherapy leads to better outcomes.

Is it normal to have pain during post-surgery physiotherapy?

Some discomfort during exercises is normal, but sharp or increasing pain is not. Communication with your physiotherapist is key — they will adjust the programme to challenge you without causing harm.