PRIMUS PHYSIO
Structured rehabilitation after knee, hip, shoulder and spinal surgery — helping patients in Newcastle-under-Lyme and Stoke-on-Trent recover fully and return to normal life.
Surgery repairs the structural problem — but it cannot rebuild strength, restore movement or retrain the nervous system. That is what physiotherapy does. Without proper rehabilitation, even a technically successful operation can leave you with persistent weakness, stiffness, altered movement patterns and a slower return to the activities that matter to you.
At Primus Physio, post-surgical rehabilitation follows evidence-based protocols while being tailored to your specific procedure, surgeon's guidelines and personal goals — whether that is returning to work, daily activity or competitive sport.
Each surgery type has a different recovery timeline, precautions and rehabilitation programme. Here is what to expect from the most common procedures.
Rehabilitation begins within days of surgery. Early focus is on swelling control, restoring knee bend and achieving full extension. Progresses to strength work, gait retraining and return to walking, stairs and daily activities. Full recovery typically 3–6 months.
Post-operative precautions vary by surgical approach — we work within your surgeon's specific guidelines. Early rehab focuses on safe movement, gait retraining and hip strengthening. Return to driving typically 6–8 weeks; full activity 3–6 months.
One of the most structured rehabilitation pathways. Nine to twelve months for return to sport. Each phase — swelling control, quad activation, strength, proprioception, running, agility, sport-specific — must be completed before progressing. Rushing this increases re-injury risk significantly.
Initial period in a sling with restricted movement to protect the repair. Physiotherapy begins with gentle range-of-motion exercises, progressing to strengthening from around 6–8 weeks. Full recovery for return to sport or heavy lifting typically 4–6 months.
Decompression and fusion procedures each have different post-operative protocols. Physiotherapy focuses on safe movement, core stabilisation, posture correction and a graduated return to activity. We work closely to your surgeon's discharge guidelines throughout.
Meniscus repairs require a more cautious recovery than meniscectomy. Early phases involve protected weight-bearing and range-of-motion work, progressing to strength and return to sport over 4–6 months depending on repair type and location.
A structured, phased approach that adapts as your recovery progresses — from the first days after surgery through to full return to activity.
Techniques to reduce post-operative swelling, manage pain and settle irritated tissue in the early stages of recovery — allowing rehabilitation to progress more quickly.
Targeted exercises and hands-on treatment to restore full movement at the operated joint, working within your surgeon's precautions at each stage.
A phased strengthening programme that rebuilds the muscles around the operated area safely — increasing load as healing allows to restore full function and protect the repair.
Surgery often alters how you move. We address compensatory patterns, retrain normal gait and restore confidence in movement — reducing the risk of problems developing elsewhere.
Exercises and progressions that replicate the demands of your daily life, work or sport — so rehabilitation prepares you for the real world, not just a clinic setting.
For patients with sporting goals, a structured return-to-sport protocol with clear criteria at each phase — ensuring you return safely and with confidence.
Recovery is not linear — but it follows a general pattern of phases. Progress between phases depends on achieving specific goals, not just time.
Manage swelling and pain, maintain safe movement within surgical precautions, prevent muscle wasting.
Regain full joint range of motion, begin early strengthening, restore normal walking pattern.
Progressive loading to rebuild muscle strength and endurance around the operated area and the whole kinetic chain.
Return to work, driving, sport and daily activities with confidence — and a long-term plan to maintain the gains made.
Primus Physio is a recognised provider for AXA Health, WPA, Aviva and Vitality Health. Most private health insurance policies include a course of post-operative physiotherapy following elective or emergency surgery.
We handle all clinical coding and insurer reporting — so the process is seamless and you can focus on your recovery.
If you had surgery through private health insurance, it is worth checking whether your policy includes post-operative physiotherapy. Most do.
"Luqman has been my choice of physio after my back operation. His professionalism and attention to detail make him my first choice."
— Robert"Luqman helped me recover after breaking my lower back. I highly recommend him to anyone needing post-surgery rehabilitation."
— Paul"Excellent service — gave me a structured plan and explained every stage of my recovery clearly. Back to full function ahead of schedule."
— Patient reviewSame-week appointments in Newcastle-under-Lyme. AXA, WPA, Aviva & Vitality accepted.
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