Post-Surgery Rehabilitation in Sydney CBD.
Structured, evidence-based rehabilitation after orthopaedic and spinal surgery. Senior physiotherapists. Protocols built around your surgeon’s recommendations, your goals, and your life.
The surgery is done. The real work starts now — and how you rehabilitate determines the outcome as much as how you were operated on.
Our physiotherapists have extensive orthopaedic backgrounds and work closely with surgeons across Sydney to deliver structured, progressive rehabilitation after a wide range of procedures.
Rehabilitation evidence evolves constantly. We attend orthopaedic conferences, read the current literature, and update our protocols accordingly. You won’t get a generic post-op sheet and a see-you-next-week. You’ll get a physio who knows your procedure, understands your surgeon’s approach, and builds a program around where you are right now.
We also offer pre-surgical physiotherapy — in many cases a structured course of physio in the 4–6 weeks before surgery significantly improves post-surgical outcomes. Ask us about prehab if you have a procedure coming up.
ACL rehabilitation is one of the most structured and time-sensitive rehab pathways in physiotherapy. Graft protection in the early stages, progressive loading of the knee, hip and core, and a carefully graduated return to sport — typically over 6–9 months. We tailor intensity and progression to your goals, whether that’s returning to elite competition or getting back to weekend sport without re-injury.
Keyhole knee surgery covers a wide range of procedures — meniscal repair or removal, cartilage work, loose body removal. Recovery varies significantly depending on what was done. Your physiotherapist will assess your strength, balance, motor control, and biomechanics, liaise directly with your surgeon, and build a program around your specific procedure and goals.
Knee arthroplasty rehabilitation typically spans 3–6 months and begins while you’re still in hospital. Once discharged, physiotherapy is essential for restoring range of motion, rebuilding strength, and getting you back to the activities you had before your joint deteriorated. We work with patients from day one post-discharge through to long-term maintenance.
Post-surgical Achilles rehabilitation involves a highly structured CAM boot protocol with graduated range of motion progression over 6–12 weeks, followed by a progressive return-to-sport program. Getting this right is critical — over-load the tendon too early and you risk re-rupture. We manage this process carefully and at the right pace.
Rotator cuff repair, labral reconstruction, shoulder stabilisation, and reverse total shoulder replacement all require carefully staged rehabilitation. Protecting the repair in early stages while preventing stiffness, then progressively rebuilding strength and function — we manage each phase with close surgeon communication.
Total hip replacement rehabilitation focuses on restoring mobility, rebuilding hip and glute strength, and safely returning to daily activities — with precautions specific to your surgical approach. Most patients see significant functional improvement within 3 months, with ongoing optimisation beyond that.
Spinal surgery rehabilitation requires careful management of spinal loading, postural correction, core stability, and progressive return to function. We work with patients following laminectomy, discectomy, and multi-level fusion — and often recommend 4–6 weeks of pre-surgical physiotherapy to optimise surgical outcomes before the procedure.
Post-surgical rehabilitation at City Physio & Pilates is built for patients who want to recover properly — not just get back to baseline.
One of the few physio clinics in Martin Place with a dedicated Pilates studio under the same roof.
For many post-surgical patients — particularly those recovering from spinal surgery, hip or knee replacement, or lower limb reconstruction — Pilates-based rehabilitation is one of the most effective tools for rebuilding strength, motor control, and movement quality in a low-load, controlled environment.
At City Physio, the clinical handover between your physiotherapist and our Pilates instructor is seamless. Your physio communicates your surgical history, current capacity, and rehabilitation goals directly. Your Pilates program is built around that information from day one — not adapted on the fly.
This is the difference between a Pilates class and clinical Pilates rehabilitation. One team, one plan, one building.
Post-surgical rehab — what you need to know.
When should I start physiotherapy after surgery?
As soon as your surgeon clears you — which for many procedures is within days of the operation. Early physiotherapy doesn’t mean aggressive loading; it means appropriate movement, swelling management, and protecting the repair while preventing stiffness and muscle loss. The earlier you start the right rehab, the better your long-term outcome. Call us before your surgery and we can advise on timing.
Do I need a referral from my surgeon?
No referral is required to book with us. However, we will ask for your surgical notes, discharge summary, and any specific protocols your surgeon has provided. If you don’t have these, we can liaise with your surgeon’s rooms directly. Clear communication between your physio and your surgeon is a non-negotiable part of how we work.
How long will my rehabilitation take?
It depends entirely on the procedure. ACL reconstruction is typically 6–9 months to return to sport. Total knee and hip replacements are usually 3–6 months to full function. Achilles repair is 6–12 months depending on the severity. Spinal surgery varies significantly by procedure and pre-surgical status. Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic timeline at your initial assessment.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring your surgical notes or discharge summary, any imaging (X-rays, MRI), letters from your surgeon or specialist, and your private health insurance card if applicable. Comfortable, loose clothing that allows access to the surgical site. If you’ve been given a specific protocol by your surgeon, bring that too.
Is post-surgical rehabilitation covered by private health insurance?
Physiotherapy consultations are covered under physiotherapy extras with most major private health funds. Bring your HICAPS card and we’ll process your rebate on the spot. If you’re a workers compensation or CTP patient, your physiotherapy should be covered under your claim — contact us before booking and we’ll advise on the paperwork required.
What is prehabilitation and do I need it?
Prehab is physiotherapy in the weeks before your surgery — typically 4–6 weeks. Strong evidence supports better post-surgical outcomes in patients who enter surgery with higher strength, better range of motion, and a well-conditioned surrounding musculature. It also means you start your post-surgical rehab from a better baseline. If you have a procedure coming up, ask us about a prehab program.
Can I do Pilates as part of my post-surgical rehabilitation?
For many patients, yes — and it’s one of the things that makes City Physio genuinely different. Our on-site Pilates studio and the direct communication between your physiotherapist and Pilates instructor means your Pilates program is built around your surgical history and current capacity from day one. It’s not a class you join — it’s clinical rehabilitation in a Pilates environment. Read more about our Pilates programs.
Post-surgical rehab often works best alongside:
The surgery is done. Let’s make sure it counts.
Book online or call us. If you’re not sure which appointment type is right for your procedure, call us first and we’ll advise.
hello@cityphysio.com.au · Shop 10, Level 6, 25 Martin Place
— The City Physio team