Physiotherapy After Orthopaedic Surgery and Fractures in Blacktown
Post-surgical rehab for joint replacement, ligament injuries and fractures.
Recovering from orthopaedic surgery or a fracture takes time, guidance and the right exercise at the right stage. At Blacktown Physioclinic, our physiotherapists provide individualised rehabilitation after joint, ligament, tendon and fracture surgery, as well as after fractures managed in a cast, boot or brace. Your rehabilitation is guided by your surgeon's instructions and your own goals.
Recovering from neck or lower back surgery? See Physiotherapy after spinal surgery.
Who this may help
Physiotherapy rehabilitation may help if you:
- have had, or are scheduled for, joint replacement surgery
- have had ligament or tendon surgery
- are recovering from a fracture, whether surgically fixed or managed without surgery
- are preparing for surgery and want to start rehabilitation beforehand
- want help returning to daily activities, work or sport after surgery
- have been referred by your surgeon, GP or insurer for post-operative rehabilitation
Common procedures and injuries
Joint replacement
- Total and partial knee replacement
- Total hip replacement
- Shoulder replacement
Ligament and tendon surgery
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction
- Meniscus repair or meniscectomy
- Rotator cuff repair
- Achilles tendon repair
Fractures
- Fractures of the upper limb, managed with or without surgery
- Fractures of the lower limb, managed with or without surgery
This list is not exhaustive. If your procedure isn't listed, call reception to check whether we can help.
Your first appointment
Initial and follow-up appointments are 30 minutes. At your first visit, your physiotherapist will:
- discuss your surgery or injury, your medical history and your goals
- review your surgeon's instructions, precautions and any rehabilitation protocol
- assess movement, strength, swelling, walking and everyday function, within your precautions
- explain your rehabilitation plan and what you can do at home
What to bring: your surgical or hospital discharge notes, your surgeon's rehabilitation protocol or restrictions, relevant imaging reports, a list of your medications, any brace, sling or walking aid you have been given, and your referral or claim details if applicable.
How rehabilitation is approached
Every rehabilitation plan is individualised and follows your surgeon's guidance. Progress is based on how you are recovering, not on a fixed timetable. Rehabilitation commonly includes:
- protecting the repair and managing pain and swelling
- restoring safe movement of the joint
- rebuilding strength, balance and control
- practising walking, stairs and everyday tasks
- progressing towards your work, sport or leisure goals
Before surgery: pre-operative physiotherapy may help you prepare for surgery and plan your recovery.
We cannot predict exactly how long your recovery will take. Your physiotherapist will discuss your progress with you at each stage.
Facilities and locations
We have two clinics on Main Street, Blacktown:
- Lower Ground, 67–73 Main Street, Blacktown NSW 2148 — home to our rehabilitation gym
- Level 1, 117–119 Main Street, Blacktown NSW 2148
Where clinically appropriate, your program may include supervised exercise in the rehabilitation gym. Free underground parking is available at Warwick Lane Car Park. Our exercise physiologists can support longer-term strengthening and conditioning where suitable.
Working with your surgeon and GP
We follow the precautions and instructions provided by your surgeon. If anything in your recovery is unexpected, or if we need clarification about your restrictions, we may contact your surgeon or GP with your consent. Always follow your surgeon's advice about weight-bearing, braces, slings and returning to driving, work or sport.
When to seek medical attention
Seek emergency medical attention
After surgery or a fracture, these symptoms need emergency assessment. Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately if you experience:
- chest pain, sudden shortness of breath or coughing up blood
- collapse or fainting
- severe pain that is not controlled by your prescribed pain relief, especially with a cast or brace that feels too tight
- fingers or toes beyond a cast or brace that become cold, pale or blue, or that become numb or cannot be moved
Arrange urgent medical assessment
Some discomfort is expected while you heal. Contact your surgeon, GP or hospital urgently (the same day) if you notice:
- new calf pain, tenderness or swelling in one leg
- fever or chills
- increasing redness, warmth, swelling or discharge around the wound
- a wound that opens or bleeds
- a cast that becomes damaged, wet, loose or rubs the skin
- pain that is concerning, unexpected or progressively worsening, rather than the gradually improving discomfort expected while healing
- a sudden change in how the joint feels or moves, such as a clunk, giving way or new deformity
Possible blood clot: new calf pain or swelling in one leg can be a sign of a blood clot. Seek urgent medical assessment. Call 000 if you also have chest pain, difficulty breathing or collapse.
Health funds and Medicare
Private health insurance — physiotherapy
Blacktown Physioclinic participates in the Bupa Members First and nib First Choice networks for physiotherapy only. These networks cover all our physiotherapists and both clinic locations. On-the-spot HICAPS claiming is available for eligible physiotherapy consultations. Your rebate and any out-of-pocket expense depend on your fund and level of cover; confirm your benefits with your insurer.
Medicare
Medicare rebates may be available for eligible patients with a valid GP referral. Eligibility and referral requirements apply.
Other funding
- Workers compensation: NSW workers compensation, with an approved claim
- CTP: motor vehicle accident claims, with an accepted claim
- DVA: may apply depending on your eligibility and referral. DVA details
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral?
You don't need a referral for private physiotherapy. Some funding types, such as workers compensation, CTP, DVA and Medicare, have their own referral or approval requirements. Referrers can send a referral here.
Can I start physiotherapy before my surgery?
Yes. Pre-operative sessions can help you prepare and understand what to expect after surgery. Check with your surgeon first.
When should I start physiotherapy after surgery?
This depends on your surgery and your surgeon's instructions. Many surgeons give a start date or protocol. Bring this to your first appointment.
Will you follow my surgeon's protocol?
Yes. Your rehabilitation is guided by your surgeon's instructions and precautions, alongside your own goals.
I had spinal surgery. Is this the right page?
Rehabilitation after neck and lower back surgery is covered on our spinal surgery rehabilitation page.
Is parking available?
Yes. Free underground parking is available at Warwick Lane Car Park.
General information only. It does not replace individual assessment or medical advice.
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