Physiotherapy first session

Overview

Your first physiotherapy session after surgery is a meeting with a physiotherapist (a health professional who helps you move better and feel stronger). This session is all about assessing how you are recovering and starting a plan to help you get back to your daily activities safely.

Yes, physiotherapy after surgery is very common. Most people who have operations on joints, bones, or muscles will have a first session to help them recover.

Anyone who has had surgery, especially on the hips, knees, shoulders, spine, or after abdominal or chest surgery. It is also used after some heart or lung operations.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain or discomfort at the surgery site
• Swelling or bruising around the wound
• Stiffness or difficulty moving the affected body part
• Feeling weak or unsteady when trying to move

Symptoms in children

• Fussiness or crying when moved
• Holding the body part very still
• Not wanting to get out of bed or play

Symptoms in older adults

• More trouble with balance and walking
• Increased fear of falling
• Slower recovery of strength and movement

Causes

Main causes

• Surgery itself – any operation affects your tissues, muscles, and joints.
• Being still after surgery – lying in bed can make muscles weak and joints stiff.
• Pain and swelling – these can make you afraid to move, which slows recovery.

Risk factors

• Having a long surgery or being in hospital for many days
• Older age
• Having other health problems like diabetes or arthritis
• Not being active before the surgery

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have signs of infection (fever, wound redness, pus)
• If you feel a sudden, sharp pain or hear a pop in the operated area
• If you cannot move the body part at all

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you are not making progress with your exercises after a few days
• If pain is not getting better or is getting worse
• If you have questions about your recovery plan

Diagnosis

The first physiotherapy session is part of your recovery, not a diagnosis of a new condition. The physiotherapist will assess your current state by talking with you, looking at your wound, and checking how well you can move.

Tests that may be done

• Range of motion tests – moving the joint to see how far it can go
• Strength tests – pushing against the therapist’s hand
• Pain assessment – asking you to rate your pain on a 0–10 scale
• Walking test – if you are able, seeing how you walk

What to expect at your appointment

The session usually lasts 30–60 minutes. You will be in a comfortable gown or loose clothes. The physiotherapist will explain each step. You might do a few simple exercises right away. They will give you a written or printed plan to follow at home.

Treatment

The main treatment is a personalised exercise programme. The physiotherapist will also teach you how to move safely and may use hands-on techniques to ease stiffness. They may suggest using ice or heat to help with pain and swelling.

Self-care at home

• Do your prescribed exercises gently every day as instructed.
• Rest when you feel tired, and avoid overdoing it.
• Keep the wound clean and dry.
• Use ice packs (wrapped in a cloth) for 15–20 minutes to reduce swelling.
• Follow your surgeon's advice about lifting and driving.

Medical treatments

Your physiotherapist may use techniques like gentle massage, stretching, or electrical stimulation. They will not prescribe medications but can advise you on when to take the pain relievers recommended by your surgeon. Always check with your doctor before taking any new medicine.

When is surgery considered?

Not applicable – this article is about physiotherapy after you have already had surgery.

Living with this condition

In the first few days, you may need help with tasks like bathing, dressing, or cooking. Plan your day so you have time for rest and your exercises. Use assistive devices like a walker or crutches if your physiotherapist recommends them.

Lifestyle tips

• Set small goals each day, like walking to the kitchen or doing one extra exercise.
• Ask family or friends for support with chores.
• Keep a diary of your pain and progress to share with your physiotherapist.
• Stay positive – recovery takes time.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein (meat, eggs, beans) to help tissues heal. Drink enough water. Do only the exercises your physiotherapist gives you – do not try other activities until they say it is safe.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Recovering from surgery can be frustrating or scary. You might feel down, anxious, or impatient. These feelings are normal. Talk to your healthcare team about how you are feeling – they can help. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a crisis support service immediately.

Prevention

You cannot prevent the need for physiotherapy after surgery, but you can prepare for it. Being as active as possible before surgery and following your recovery plan closely can help you heal faster and avoid setbacks.

Complications

If left untreated

• Muscle weakness and joint stiffness that may become permanent
• Difficulty walking or doing daily tasks
• Increased risk of falls
• Longer overall recovery time
• Blood clots in the legs (deep vein thrombosis)

Long-term outlook

With regular physiotherapy and patience, most people recover well after surgery. It may take weeks or months to feel fully back to normal, but every small step forward is progress. Your physiotherapist will adjust your plan as you improve. Stay consistent and ask questions – you are on the road to recovery.

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