Conditions · After surgery
ACL and post-surgery rehab in Brisbane
Recovery after orthopaedic surgery depends on the work you do in the weeks and months that follow. Our Rehab & Recovery service is exercise-based and physio-led, built around your surgeon's protocol, at our Milton and Mansfield clinics.
- Follows your surgeon's protocol
- Medicare care plan, NDIS, WorkCover, CTP
- HICAPS on site
Reviewed by Ellie Lee, Physiotherapist · October 2026
Surgery we commonly help people recover from
ACL reconstruction
A staged program from early range of motion through to running, jumping and return to sport testing.
Knee replacement
Bending, straightening, walking and stair confidence, then strength for daily life.
Hip replacement
Safe movement within your precautions, then walking, balance and strength.
Shoulder surgery
Rotator cuff repair and stabilisation surgery, progressed in line with healing timeframes.
Ankle and foot surgery
Including fracture fixation and ligament repair.
Spinal surgery
Gradual return to activity and core strength, once cleared by your surgeon.
How your rehab progresses
- Protect and move. Swelling control, safe range of motion and walking, within your surgeon's limits.
- Rebuild strength. Progressive strength and balance work for the operated area and the rest of the body.
- Return to function. Stairs, work tasks, lifting and the activities you care about.
- Return to sport. For ACL and sporting patients, running, change of direction and testing before clearance.
What to bring
- Your surgeon's discharge notes or rehab protocol
- Your Medicare care plan referral, NDIS details, or WorkCover or CTP claim number, if using one
- Comfortable clothing that lets us see the operated area
We can send progress updates to your surgeon or GP on request. Rehab at BTS is exercise-based. If Winback TECAR is suitable later in recovery, it is offered through a physiotherapy appointment.
When to contact your surgeon or GP
- Redness, heat, discharge or a bad smell from the wound
- Fever or feeling unwell
- Calf pain, swelling or redness, or sudden shortness of breath (call 000)
- A sudden increase in pain or a new giving-way episode
Post-surgery rehab questions
When should I start physio after surgery?
Follow your surgeon's advice. Many people start within the first one to two weeks, and some protocols begin earlier. Book as soon as you have your discharge instructions.
How long does ACL rehab take?
Return to sport after ACL reconstruction commonly takes nine months or more. The timeline depends on your progress and passing strength and movement tests, not on time alone.
Do you use machines in rehab sessions?
No. Rehab & Recovery sessions are exercise-based. Winback TECAR is part of our physiotherapy service and can be added if suitable.
Can I use a Medicare care plan for rehab?
Yes. With a GP referral under a Medicare care plan, eligible patients receive a Medicare rebate for a limited number of allied health sessions each calendar year.
Related
Rehab & Recovery · Knee pain · Sports injuries · Clinical Pilates · Fees & claiming