Before and After Orthopaedic Surgery

Orthopaedic surgery can be life-changing whether it’s a knee replacement, an ACL repair, or a shoulder reconstruction. But surgery is only part of the journey. How well and how quickly you recover often depends on the quality of your rehabilitation. At Prime Sports Physiotherapy in Edinburgh, we specialise in pre and post-operative physiotherapy, guiding you through every stage of the process so you can get the best possible outcome from your surgery.

Physiotherapy before and after surgery plays a vital role in recovery. Pre-surgery (“prehab”) prepares your body by improving strength, flexibility, and confidence which can make surgery easier and speed up healing. Post-surgery rehab is equally important. It helps manage pain and swelling, restore movement, rebuild strength, and safely guide you back to independence, work, and sport.

At Prime, you’ll benefit from:

• Specialist expertise – our physiotherapists regularly work with patients recovering from major joint surgeries.
• Tailored rehab plans – personalised programmes for knee, hip, shoulder, ankle, and spinal procedures.
• Hands-on treatment – to reduce stiffness, manage scar tissue, and ease discomfort.
• Progressive exercise rehab – step-by-step programmes that restore mobility, strength, and function.
• Ongoing support – we adapt your plan as you recover, ensuring safe progress at every stage.

We provide physiotherapy for patients before and after a wide range of orthopaedic procedures, including:

• Knee replacements and ACL reconstructions
• Hip replacements and labral repairs
• Shoulder reconstructions, rotator cuff repairs, and stabilisations
• Ankle ligament repairs and Achilles surgery
• Spinal procedures and decompressions

   

Whatever the surgery, our goal is the same: to help you regain confidence in your movement and return to the life and activities you enjoy.

Before surgery (Prehab): Your physiotherapist will complete a detailed assessment, discuss your procedure, and create a tailored programme. This often includes exercises to strengthen key muscles, improve flexibility, and prepare your body for the best possible recovery.

After surgery (Rehab): In the early stages, treatment may focus on pain relief, swelling reduction, and gentle exercises to restore movement. As you progress, we’ll introduce strengthening, balance, and functional training tailored to your needs whether that’s walking without assistance, returning to work, or competing in sport. Every step of your recovery is carefully monitored and adjusted for your safety.

Recovering from surgery is a journey but you don’t have to do it alone. With expert physiotherapy, you’ll be supported before and after your operation to achieve the best possible outcome.