RehabifyWhat rehab covers
- Pain and swelling control, so you can move and sleep
- Joint movement, such as bending and straightening the knee after a replacement
- Strength, of the muscles weakened by injury, surgery or rest
- Walking and balance, with advice on when to move from a walker to a stick to no aid
- Daily tasks, such as stairs, toilet, getting in and out of a car
- Bone health, after a fracture from a minor fall, which can be a sign of osteoporosis
Who should see a doctor
Signs to get checked
- Anyone after a fracture or orthopaedic surgery who wants a planned rehab programme
- Stiffness, pain or weakness that is not improving as expected
- Difficulty walking, or fear of falling after surgery
- A fracture after a minor fall
What happens at Rehabify
- 01
History
Your injury or operation, your surgeon's instructions, weight-bearing limits and your goals.
- 02
Examination
Wound area, swelling, movement, strength, walking and balance.
- 03
Your notes
Discharge summary, operation notes and X-rays are reviewed. The plan follows your surgeon's advice.
- 04
Your plan
Pain control, a staged exercise programme, walking aid advice and goals for each stage.
The doctor decides the right tests and treatment for you after examining you, and stays in touch with your surgeon when needed.
Before and after your visit
How to prepare
- Bring your discharge summary, operation notes, X-rays and list of medicines
- Wear loose clothes that allow the operated area to be seen
- Bring your walking aid and any brace
- Bring a family member if you need help getting around
After your visit
You leave with a written plan, home exercises and a review date. You can send questions on WhatsApp between visits.
When to get help urgently
Medical emergency
Contact your surgeon or go to an emergency department if the wound becomes red, hot, swollen or leaks fluid, if you have fever, if the calf becomes painful and swollen, or if pain suddenly gets much worse. Call 108 or 112 straight away for chest pain or sudden breathlessness.
Common questions
When should rehab start after a knee replacement?
Usually within a day or two of surgery in hospital, then continuing for several weeks after you go home. Your surgeon sets the early limits.
How long does rehab take?
It depends on the injury or operation. Many people make most of their progress in the first 3 months, and keep improving for up to a year.
Is pain during exercises normal?
Some discomfort is expected. Pain that is sharp, getting worse each day or comes with swelling and redness should be checked.
Can I do rehab at home?
Much of it, yes, with a home programme and video consult follow-ups. Some stages need hands-on sessions.
Why check my bones after a fracture?
A fracture from a minor fall may be a sign of osteoporosis. Treating it lowers the risk of another fracture.
Sources
- [1]
National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guideline NG157. Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder
- [2]
NICE guideline NG38. Fractures (non-complex): assessment and management
- [3]
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) OrthoInfo. Total knee replacement exercise guide
This page is for general education and does not replace a consultation. The right plan depends on your examination.