Post-surgical rehabilitation
Surgery fixes the structure. Rehabilitation is what turns that into a knee you can trust on a ladder, a shoulder you can work overhead with, or a hip that gets you through a full day. What happens in the weeks and months afterwards matters as much as the operation itself.
What we commonly work with
- Knee replacements and reconstructions
- Hip replacements
- Shoulder repairs, including rotator cuff surgery
- Spinal surgery, including fusions
- Fracture recovery following surgical fixation
- Ankle and foot surgery
How it works
Your surgeon sets the protocol — what you can and cannot do, and when. We work within it. If you have post-operative instructions or a rehabilitation protocol, bring it to your first appointment.
From there, rehabilitation is staged. Early on the focus is on protecting the repair, managing swelling and restoring safe movement. As you progress it shifts to rebuilding strength, then to the specific demands of your work, sport or daily life. Each stage has to be earned rather than rushed, and knowing which stage you are in is half of getting it right.
Starting before surgery
If your surgery is still ahead of you, it is worth coming in beforehand. Going into an operation with better strength and movement, and knowing what the first few weeks will involve, tends to make the early recovery period considerably more manageable.
Working with your team
We are happy to communicate with your surgeon and GP through your recovery so everyone is working from the same plan.
When to seek urgent medical attention
Contact your surgeon or GP promptly if your wound becomes increasingly red, hot, swollen or painful, starts to ooze or smell, or you develop a fever or feel generally unwell, as these can be signs of infection. Seek urgent medical care if your calf becomes painful, swollen, warm or red, which can be a sign of a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis). If you suddenly become short of breath, have chest pain or cough up blood, call 000.
Funding options
We work with NDIS participants who are plan-managed or self-managed, DVA cardholders, WorkCover Queensland claims, and Medicare Chronic Condition Management plan referrals — and we bulk bill every CDM appointment, so there is no out-of-pocket cost. HICAPS is available on site for private health fund claiming.
Book an appointment
You do not need a referral to see a physio privately. Book online any time, or call the clinic on (07) 4962 1255. We are at Shop 11, Palms Shopping Fair, 172 Goondoon Street, Gladstone, open Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm.
Common questions
When can I start physio after surgery?
That depends on the procedure and your surgeon’s protocol. For many operations rehabilitation starts within days. Where your surgeon has set a protocol, we follow it.
Do you work with my surgeon?
Yes. Where a protocol or restrictions have been provided, treatment follows them, and we will communicate with the surgical team where that helps your recovery.
How long does rehabilitation take?
It follows the stages of healing rather than the calendar, and varies widely by procedure. Your physio will map out the stages at the first appointment so you know what to expect.
Can I claim post-surgical rehab on Medicare?
Yes, if your GP refers you under a Chronic Condition Management plan. Nordic Physio bulk bills every CDM appointment. DVA and accepted WorkCover Queensland claims are billed to the insurer.
Reviewed by Eric Wahlander, Director and Senior Physiotherapist at Nordic Physio. Registered with Ahpra (PHY0002305253) and practising in Gladstone since 2019.