Physiotherapy at home after surgery

People often ask for home physiotherapy after:

• joint replacement, such as a knee or hip replacement
• surgery after a fracture, for example a broken hip, wrist or ankle
• spine surgery
• a long hospital stay, after which walking and getting about feel harder than before.

Whatever the operation, follow your surgeon’s and hospital team’s instructions first. Your physiotherapist works within them: for example, any limits on how much weight you can put through a leg, or movements to avoid for now.

Your physiotherapist assesses you at the first visit and agrees goals with you. Typical goals include:

• getting in and out of bed, chairs and the car safely
• walking further and more confidently, and moving on from a walking aid when it’s safe to
• managing steps, thresholds and the bathroom at home
• getting back the movement and strength you need for your routine.

In the weeks after an operation, getting to a clinic can be tiring or difficult. A home visit means you practise in the space where you need to manage, with the bed, chairs, toilet and steps you actually use. Your physiotherapist can also suggest simple changes to make the home easier, such as clearing a walking route or where to place a chair.

Oreka and your physiotherapist don’t replace your surgical team. Contact your doctor or hospital if you notice:

• increasing redness, heat, swelling or discharge around a wound
• a fever
• new or worsening calf pain or swelling
• pain that is getting worse instead of better.

For sudden breathlessness, chest pain or any emergency, call 995.

Each visit is 60 minutes at home, starting on the hour. At the first visit, your physiotherapist asks about your health and goals, sees how you move, and agrees a plan with you. Initial and follow-up visits cost the same.