Surgery is only one part of the recovery process — what you do after surgery is what determines your long-term outcome. At BeachLife Physiotherapy, we work closely with the orthopaedic surgeons at Northern Beaches Hospital, which means your post-operative plan is smooth, coordinated and personalised from day one.

Clear communication between your surgeon and physio makes the whole journey easier: faster referrals, aligned treatment goals, consistent messaging and a seamless transition from hospital to rehab.

Why Post-Surgery Physio Matters
Regardless of the procedure, most surgical recoveries follow similar principles:
• Protect the healing tissue
• Restore movement safely
• Rebuild strength and control
• Return to meaningful activity and sport
Good rehab ensures you hit each stage at the right time — not too early and not too late.

Your Post-Op Physio Roadmap
Every surgery has its own timeline, but most recoveries follow these key phases:

1. Early Phase (Weeks 1–3)
• Pain and swelling management
• Safe movement within guidelines
• Gentle mobility or passive range of motion if appropriate
• Education on weight-bearing, bracing and daily tasks
Good early rehab helps prevent stiffness and improves comfort.

2. Mobility and Activation (Weeks 3–6)
• Restoring movement
• Activating key muscles around the joint
• Improving walking patterns
• Gradual increase in load
This stage sets the foundation for proper strength later on.

3. Strength and Control (Weeks 6–12)
• Targeted strengthening and stability
• Balance, control and functional tasks
• Progressive load based on surgeon guidelines
This is where daily life starts feeling easier and more normal again.

4. Return to Sport or Full Activity (3–6+ Months)
• Higher-level strength work
• Power, conditioning and agility
• Sport-specific tasks
• Objective return-to-sport testing where appropriate
The key here is not just returning — but staying back.

Why Our Surgeon Relationships Matter
Our physios have strong working relationships with many of the orthopaedic surgeons at Northern Beaches Hospital. This means:
• Clear surgery protocols
• Direct communication when needed
• Fast answers to patient questions
• Shared goals and consistent advice
• Less confusion, less stress, better outcomes
Patients appreciate knowing their rehab team is fully aligned with their surgeon.

Your Next Step After Surgery
Leaving hospital can feel overwhelming, but you don’t need to navigate recovery alone. We help patients every week who have had surgery at Northern Beaches Hospital — from shoulders and knees to hips, ankles and spinal procedures.

If you have a surgery date booked or have recently been discharged, booking your post-op plan early makes a huge difference. Our Narrabeen and Frenchs Forest clinics are both close to the hospital and ready to guide your recovery from day one.