Right, so you’ve had the surgery. Or maybe it’s coming up. Either way, you’re probably thinking about what happens next with the whole physio thing.
Here’s the deal – every single person who walks through our Preston clinic has a different story. Some are getting back to footy. Others just want to walk the dog without wincing. Let’s talk about what typically happens, keeping in mind your journey will be unique.
What We Know From Experience
We’ve been doing this for a while now, and if there’s one thing we’ve learned? No two recoveries are the same. Sure, the research says structured physio programs generally help people do better. But “better” for you might be completely different from the next person.
Your mate might be back on the golf course at 8 weeks. You might still be working on stairs at 12. Both completely normal. Frustrating? Yeah, sometimes. But comparing yourself to others is like comparing apples and… I dunno, power tools. Makes no sense.
The Usual Timeline (With a Grain of Salt)
OK, so most surgeons and physios work with a rough timeline. But honestly? It’s more like guidelines than actual rules. Here’s what often happens:
First Few Weeks – The “Take It Easy” Phase
This is when everything feels weird and sore. You might be:
- Shuffling around with a frame (glamorous, right?)
- Doing ankle pumps while watching Netflix
- Icing your knee until it’s numb
- Wondering if this was a good idea (it was, trust the process)
Nothing too flash. Just keeping things moving without overdoing it.
Weeks 3–6 – The “Getting There” Phase
Things usually start improving here. Maybe you’re:
- Walking to the shops without planning a rest stop
- Actually bending that knee past 90 degrees
- Starting to remember what normal feels like
- Getting sick of your exercises (but doing them anyway… mostly)
Some days you’ll feel like you’re flying. Others? Not so much. Totally normal.
After 6 Weeks – The “Now We’re Talking” Phase
This is when many people start feeling more human. Might include:
- Proper strengthening work (hello, squats)
- Balance stuff so you don’t face-plant
- Getting back to things you actually enjoy
- Maybe even forgetting about your surgery for a few minutes
But remember – your timeline might look nothing like this. And that’s fine.
Real Talk About Recovery
Based on what we see at the clinic:
- Pain is weird after surgery: Some days are great. Some aren’t. Your knee might hurt more when it’s cold. Or when you’ve done too much. Or for no reason at all. Bodies are strange.
- Swelling sticks around: Especially knees. They can look like balloons for ages. Annoying? Yes. Normal? Also yes.
- Exercises are boring: Let’s be honest – heel slides aren’t exactly thrilling. But they work. Do them while watching telly if it helps.
- Progress isn’t linear: You might smash it one week, then feel like you’ve gone backwards the next. It’s not backwards. It’s just… sideways. Still counts.
- Ice is magic: But don’t overdo it. No one needs frostbite on top of everything else.
What Actually Happens in Physio
Every physio’s got their own style, but sessions usually involve:
- Checking how you’re tracking
- Hands-on work if you need it
- Adjusting exercises based on how you’re going
- Answering your twentieth “is this normal?” question (answer: probably yes)
- Maybe some dry needling or other techniques if they’ll help
Sometimes it’s exciting when you hit a milestone. Sometimes it’s same-old-same-old. That’s rehab for you.
Things That Affect Your Recovery
Why do some people bounce back while others take longer? Could be:
- What type of surgery you had exactly
- How active you were before
- Your age (sorry, but it matters)
- Whether you actually do your exercises
- What you’re trying to get back to
- Sometimes just luck of the draw
There’s no magic formula. Just consistency and patience.
Finding Good Support
Around Preston, we work pretty closely with local surgeons. Makes a difference when everyone’s on the same page.
Down in Melbourne, places like PJS Orthopaedics Melbourne have similar setups with surgeons and physios working together. (Just so we’re clear – we’ve got no connection with PJS. They’re just an example of integrated care in another area.)
When to Worry (And When Not To)
Most weird sensations are normal. Clicking, pulling, tightness – usually fine. But call your surgeon if you get:
- Pain that’s ramping up instead of settling
- Fever or feeling properly crook
- Wound looking angry
- Can’t do something you could do yesterday
- That gut feeling something’s off
Better to check and be told it’s nothing than ignore something important.
The Truth About Recovery
Look, I’m not going to sugarcoat it. Recovery can be:
- Slower than you’d like
- More boring than you’d expect
- Occasionally painful
- Sometimes frustrating
But for most people? Worth it when you can finally do the things you love again without your hip or knee complaining.
Your recovery won’t look like anyone else’s. That person in your exercise class who was back to normal in 6 weeks? Good for them. That’s their story. You’re writing yours.
Work with your team. Do your exercises (even when you can’t be bothered). Be patient with yourself. Trust the process. You’ll get there.
And hey, at least you’ll have some good scar stories, right?
This is general info based on common experiences – definitely not medical advice. Your surgeon and physio know your specific situation way better than any blog. Always check with them about what’s right for you. Everyone’s different, and what works for one person might not work for another.
