Physiotherapy is an important part of the rehabilitation process after any sports-related surgeries. Our team of physiotherapists work closely with a number of surgeons to assist with the rehabilitation of a number of common sports-related surgeries. This includes surgeries such as ACL reconstructions, arthroscopic surgery, achilles repairs and shoulder surgery. Following surgery, your physiotherapist plays an essential role in your rehabilitation team. Part of their responsibility is to help reduce pain, improve range of motion, strengthen and to make sure you are ready to return you back to the sport that you love. Importantly, physiotherapists can also assist to prevent the risk of future injury as part of your return to play rehabilitation.

How does a physiotherapist help after surgery?

Depending on the type of surgery, the role of your physiotherapist will vary depending on the time frame post-operatively, restrictions or protocols and the type of sport that you are returning to.

Physiotherapists help following sports-related surgeries with the following:

• Pain management: Physiotherapists can use a variety of techniques to help reduce pain, including massage, dry needling and ice or heat.
• Range of motion: Physiotherapists can help to restore and improve range of motion to get your joints moving freely.
• Strength training: Physiotherapists can help to strengthen muscles by using a variety of exercises, including weights, resistance bands, and bodyweight exercises. These exercises can be done at home but ME Physio also has an onsite fully-equiped gym.
• Proprioception: Proprioception is the ability to sense the position and movement of your body in space. It is really important to regain your proprioception in order to prevent the likelihood of re-in jury. This is important with all surgeries but crucial following ACL reconstruction and ankle surgery. Your physiotherapist will help to improve proprioception by using exercises that challenge your balance and coordination.
• Return to sport: Once you have made sufficient progress and had appropriate time to recover, your physiotherapist will help you gradually return to your sport. Not only will this involve gradually increasing the intensity of exercise but also completing a range of exercises and tests designed to replicate similar movements to your chosen sport. At ME Physio, our team also have access to state of the art technology in our Ax-IT system which allows us to objectively test your strength and power.

When will I be back to sport after surgery?

The length of time it takes to complete rehabilitation after sports-related surgeries will vary depending on your specific surgery and whether you have passed specific protocols and return to play tests.

Importantly, not only do surgeries take time to recover and repair, but you also need to complete the appropriate rehabilitation to safely return and prevent recurrent injury.

As a rough guide, see the below time frames for a range of common sports-related surgeries.

Return to sport time frames:

ACL Reconstruction: 9 – 12 months.

Arthroscopic surgery: 6 – 8 weeks.

Achilles tendon repair: 10 – 12 months.

Our team at ME Physio have extensive experience in assisting in your prehabilition and rehabilitation following sports-related surgery. Combined with on our onsite gym and range of post-operative services including Hydrotherapy, Pilates and Strength and conditioning, you can be assured that you’ll be in the right place to get started with getting stronger and healthier. To get your post-operative care started, call our team or book an appointment online.