Hunjan Hospital Ludhiana
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
What physiotherapy and rehabilitation involve after orthopaedic surgery, fractures and injuries, typical recovery ranges, and the warning signs and risks.
What physiotherapy and rehabilitation involve
Physiotherapy is a treatment that can ease pain and improve movement if you have an injury, illness or disability. It includes exercises to improve joint movement and strengthen muscles, hands-on (manual) therapy, and advice on managing your symptoms.[1]
Rehabilitation at Hunjan Hospital focuses on recovery after orthopaedic surgery, fractures and musculoskeletal injuries. Your programme is planned with you around your own goals, such as walking without a stick, managing stairs or returning to work or sport, and is adjusted as you progress.
- Rehabilitation after knee, hip or shoulder replacement
- Recovery after a fracture or fracture surgery
- Sprains, strains, and ligament or tendon injuries
- Osteoarthritis and long-term joint pain
- Back and neck pain
- Exercises before a planned joint replacement
After surgery, your physiotherapist follows your surgeon's instructions so that exercises match what is safe at each stage of healing.
Your first physiotherapy assessment
At your first appointment, the physiotherapist asks about your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle. They may examine the affected area and check your strength and balance, and then discuss the treatment options and how many sessions you may need.[1]
You will usually be given exercises to do at home between sessions, and these are an important part of recovery.[1] Wear loose, comfortable clothing so the area can be examined and moved easily, and bring your discharge summary and any instructions or restrictions from your surgeon.
Who may benefit from physiotherapy
Physiotherapy may help if you:
- Have had a knee or hip replacement; following the exercises early in recovery helps long-term strength and movement in the joint[2,3]
- Are recovering from a fracture; specific exercises help restore muscle strength, joint movement and flexibility[9]
- Have a sprain or strain that is taking longer than usual to get better[10]
- Have osteoarthritis; exercise is one of the most important treatments, whatever your age or level of fitness[7]
- Have back pain; staying active, and activities such as walking, swimming, yoga or pilates, may help[8]
Typical recovery after knee or hip replacement
These ranges come from published patient information and are a general guide only. Your own progress depends on your general health, the operation and your surgeon's advice.
- In hospital
First steps
You will start with crutches, sticks or a walking frame and be shown exercises to continue at home. People usually go home 1 to 3 days after a hip replacement, or 1 to 4 days after a knee replacement.[2,3]
- Weeks 1 to 6
Early recovery at home
Do your home exercises as advised; following them early in recovery helps long-term strength and movement.[2,3] After a knee replacement, keep your leg raised as much as possible to reduce swelling.[2]
- Around 6 weeks
Walking and driving
After a knee replacement, you may be able to try walking without an aid after about 6 weeks, if you feel ready. Wait at least 6 weeks before driving after a total hip or total knee replacement, and check with your doctor that you are fit to drive.[2,3]
- 6 to 12 weeks
Work and daily activities
Return to work is usually about 6 weeks after a hip replacement and about 6 to 12 weeks after a knee replacement, depending on the type of work you do.[2,3]
- Several months
Continued improvement
It may take several months, or longer, to recover fully.[2,3]
Risks and when to get help
Exercises need to match your stage of recovery. Tell your physiotherapist about any new or worsening symptoms.
- Doing too much exercise too quickly, or the wrong type of exercise, may damage your joints, which is why exercises are increased step by step.[7]
- After a sprain or strain, avoid strenuous exercise such as running for up to 8 weeks, as there is a risk of further damage.[10]
- After a knee or hip replacement, contact a doctor urgently if you have throbbing or cramping pain in the leg, a high temperature or feel hot, cold or shivery, oozing or pus from the wound, or redness, swelling or pain that is not getting better.[4,5]
- Call an ambulance if you have pain and swelling in the leg together with difficulty breathing or chest pain, which can be a sign of a blood clot in the lungs.[4,5]
- With back pain, get emergency help for loss of feeling around the genitals or bottom, new bladder or bowel problems, or pain, weakness or numbness in both legs.[8]
- Results vary from person to person, and physiotherapy may not fully relieve symptoms in every case.
Questions about physiotherapy
Patient pathway
Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation treatment journey in Ludhiana
Patients receive a step-by-step clinical assessment focused on symptoms, diagnosis, treatment choices, recovery expectations, and follow-up care.
Consultation
The doctor reviews symptoms, history, current medicines, and previous reports.
Diagnosis
Imaging, lab tests, or specialist assessments may be advised when required.
Treatment plan
Options may include medication, therapy, minimally invasive care, surgery, or rehabilitation.
Recovery support
The team explains risks, recovery timelines, warning signs, and follow-up steps.
References
Sources are provided for general information; a qualified clinician can advise on your situation.
- Reference 6: Effects of home-based prehabilitation on pre- and postoperative outcomes following total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis(opens in a new tab)
Bone & Joint Open, 2023boneandjoint.org.ukdoi:10.1302/2633-1462.45.BJO-2023-0021
This page was prepared with AI assistance and is awaiting review by a hospital clinician.
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