Surgery can be life changing. Whether it is a knee replacement, spinal procedure or cancer treatment, the goal is usually to relieve pain or improve function. But surgery is just one part of the journey. What happens after the operation is equally important, and physiotherapy plays a major role in helping people recover, rebuild strength and return to everyday life.

In hospitals across Australia, physiotherapists are a familiar presence in recovery wards. They work with patients who have just come out of surgery, helping them take their first steps, breathe more deeply or start moving stiff joints. For some people, this happens just hours after their operation. Early movement can make a big difference. It reduces the risk of complications such as blood clots and chest infections, and it helps get the body working again.

After patients leave hospital, physiotherapy often continues. Depending on the type of surgery, they might need weeks or even months of rehabilitation. This can involve targeted exercises, pain management techniques and support with daily tasks. Physiotherapists tailor these plans to each individual, considering their age, fitness level and goals. For example, a younger patient may aim to return to sport, while an older person may focus on walking safely and climbing stairs.

Joint replacements are a common reason people seek physiotherapy. Hip and knee replacements are increasingly common in Australia, particularly as the population ages. These surgeries can bring great relief, but the recovery process can be challenging. Physiotherapists help patients rebuild muscle strength, improve flexibility and relearn how to walk comfortably and safely. Without this support, some people struggle to regain full movement or continue to rely on walking aids longer than necessary.

Spinal surgery is another area where physiotherapy is crucial. After procedures such as discectomies or spinal fusions, people often need help retraining their posture, strengthening their core and learning how to move without placing stress on healing areas. Physiotherapy reduces the risk of re-injury and helps patients build confidence in their bodies again.

Cancer surgery often requires a different type of rehabilitation. Some patients lose strength and range of motion in areas affected by surgery, such as the chest or shoulder. Others experience fatigue or swelling, particularly after lymph node removal. Physiotherapists provide gentle, guided support to manage these side effects and restore function over time.

There is also growing recognition of the benefits of prehabilitation. This refers to physiotherapy that takes place before surgery. By improving strength, flexibility and fitness in the lead-up to an operation, patients may recover more quickly and face fewer complications. Hospitals and surgeons are increasingly encouraging patients to work with physiotherapists before major procedures to help prepare both body and mind.

In rural and regional areas, access to post-surgical physiotherapy can be more difficult. Telehealth is helping bridge the gap, allowing patients to attend sessions from home using video calls. This model gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic and has continued, especially in remote communities. While it does not replace hands-on therapy, it can be a valuable tool in providing ongoing support and checking progress.

Private and public health systems both offer physiotherapy, but access can vary. Public hospitals may provide some outpatient rehabilitation, though waiting lists can be long. Private health insurance often covers physiotherapy sessions, but out-of-pocket costs may apply. Some patients are eligible for government support through programs like Medicare’s Chronic Disease Management plan or through home care packages for older adults.

Recovering from surgery can take a physical and emotional toll. Many people feel frustrated or discouraged when they cannot do simple tasks like before. Physiotherapists are not only movement specialists but motivators and educators. They help patients understand what to expect, track their progress and build routines that fit their daily lives. This emotional support is often just as important as the physical treatment.

Returning to independence is a key milestone in recovery. Physiotherapy helps people get back to work, hobbies and social activities. For some, that might mean driving again. For others, it could be gardening, playing with grandchildren or simply walking to the shops without fear. These goals might seem small, but they represent big steps towards recovery and wellbeing.

Surgical techniques are improving all the time, but the human body still needs time to heal. Physiotherapists play a crucial role in that process. They help reduce pain, improve movement and give people the tools to care for themselves after surgery.

For many Australians, the road to recovery does not end in the operating theatre. It continues in living rooms, community centres and physiotherapy clinics, where skilled professionals support each step of the way. By guiding patients through safe, effective rehabilitation, physiotherapy helps ensure surgery leads not just to healing, but to a stronger, more confident return to life.