Recovering from orthopaedic surgery can be a challenging journey. Whether you have had a knee replacement, ACL repair, or hip surgery, getting back to your normal life requires careful rehabilitation. One of the most important parts of recovery is strength and conditioning physiotherapy, a specialised form of therapy designed to rebuild your strength and improve your movement after surgery.
This guide will help you understand how strength and conditioning physiotherapy supports effective recovery and what to expect during the process.
What is Strength and Conditioning Physiotherapy?
Strength and conditioning physiotherapy focuses on rebuilding muscle strength, improving joint function, and conditioning the body to perform daily activities safely. It is more targeted and intensive than general physiotherapy, aiming to prepare you not just to move, but to move well and with confidence after surgery.
The goal is to restore your physical abilities by strengthening muscles around the operated area, increasing endurance, and improving balance and coordination.
Why Strength and Conditioning is Essential After Orthopaedic Surgery
After surgery, muscles often become weak and stiff because of pain, swelling, or immobilisation. Without proper rehabilitation, this weakness can become permanent, making it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or perform everyday tasks.
Strength and conditioning physiotherapy helps to:
- Prevent muscle loss and weakness
- Improve joint mobility and flexibility
- Enhance overall function and independence
- Lower the risk of re-injury or long-term problems
By following a structured recovery plan, you can regain your strength safely and speed up the healing process.
Common Orthopaedic Surgeries That Benefit from Strength and Conditioning
Many types of orthopaedic surgery require strength and conditioning physiotherapy, including:
- Knee replacements
- Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction
- Hip surgeries
- Shoulder repairs
Each type of surgery has its own recovery timeline and protocols, but the principles of building strength and improving function remain the same.
Typical Strength and Conditioning Protocols in Recovery
Physiotherapy after surgery generally follows several phases to ensure safe progress:
Phase 1: Early Recovery
This phase focuses on managing pain and swelling while encouraging gentle movement to prevent stiffness. Exercises are very mild and mainly help maintain circulation.
Phase 2: Regaining Strength
Once pain reduces, more targeted exercises begin. These focus on strengthening the muscles around the operated joint using light resistance, such as bands or body weight.
Phase 3: Functional Conditioning
At this stage, the goal is to improve balance, endurance, and control. You may start more complex exercises that mimic everyday activities like walking on uneven ground or climbing stairs.
Phase 4: Return to Daily Activities and Sports
The final phase prepares you to go back to your normal routine or sports safely. This includes sport-specific drills or work-related movements tailored to your lifestyle.
Techniques and Exercises Commonly Used
Strength and conditioning physiotherapy uses a variety of methods, including:
- Resistance training: Using weights, resistance bands, or machines to strengthen muscles
- Cardiovascular conditioning: Low-impact activities like cycling or swimming to improve stamina
- Balance and proprioception exercises: Activities to improve coordination and prevent falls
- Stretching and flexibility work: To restore joint movement and reduce stiffness
Your physiotherapist will select exercises based on your progress and surgery type.
The Role of the Physiotherapist in Your Recovery
A physiotherapist is key to guiding your recovery safely. They will:
- Create a personalised exercise programme just for you
- Monitor your progress closely and adjust exercises as needed
- Teach you the correct way to move to avoid strain or injury
- Educate you on how to maintain your improvements long-term
Working closely with your physiotherapist helps ensure the best possible outcome.
Tips to Maximise Your Recovery
To get the most from your strength and conditioning physiotherapy:
- Be consistent with your exercises and attend all sessions
- Listen to your body and inform your therapist if you feel unusual pain
- Follow any home exercise programmes given by your physiotherapist
- Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest to support healing
Remember, recovery takes time, so be patient and keep focused on your goals.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If you experience any of the following, contact your physiotherapist or doctor immediately:
- Increasing pain or swelling
- Redness or warmth around the surgical site
- Difficulty moving the joint or limb
- Signs of infection, such as fever
Early intervention can prevent complications and keep your recovery on track.
Trust Aevi Physio for Your Strength and Conditioning Physiotherapy Needs
At Aevi Physio, we appreciate how important strength and conditioning physiotherapy is for a safe and effective post-surgical recovery. Our expert physiotherapists design personalised programmes to help you rebuild strength, improve mobility, and regain confidence after orthopaedic surgery. Whether you are recovering from knee, hip, or shoulder surgery, our team will guide you every step of the way.
If you are looking for professional support with strength and conditioning physiotherapy to get back to your best, contact Aevi Physio today. We are here to help you recover stronger and safer.