Service
Rehabilitation Before and After Your Surgery
Successful surgery is only one part of the recovery journey. Effective rehabilitation before and after an operation can play a vital role in restoring strength, mobility, confidence and long-term function.
At The Forge Clinic, we provide personalised pre and post-operative rehabilitation programmes designed to help patients prepare for surgery, recover effectively and return to the activities that matter most to them.
Whether you are planning a joint replacement, recovering from ligament reconstruction or rebuilding strength following orthopaedic surgery, our experienced rehabilitation team will guide you through every stage of the process.
We support patients from Richmond, Kew, Sheen, Ham, Twickenham, Mortlake, St Margarets and Petersham.
Service
Pre & Post-Operative Rehabilitation at The Forge Clinic
Pre and post-operative rehabilitation is a structured approach to preparing for surgery and supporting recovery afterwards.
Research consistently shows that physical preparation before surgery, often referred to as “prehabilitation”, can improve recovery outcomes by helping patients maintain strength, mobility and confidence before their procedure.
Following surgery, rehabilitation focuses on restoring movement, rebuilding strength, managing symptoms and helping patients return safely to everyday activities, work, exercise and sport.
At The Forge Clinic, rehabilitation programmes are tailored to the individual, their procedure and their recovery goals.
Treatment may include:
- Manual therapy
- Exercise rehabilitation
- Strength and conditioning
- Mobility restoration
- Taping techniques
- Acupuncture where appropriate
- Lifestyle advice
- Functional movement retraining
- Return-to-activity planning
Every programme is designed around your surgeon’s recommendations and current stage of recovery.
Injury Prevention
Why Is Prehabilitation Important?
Many patients spend weeks or months waiting for surgery. This period provides a valuable opportunity to improve physical function before the procedure.
Entering surgery with better strength, mobility and fitness may support a smoother rehabilitation process afterwards.
Pre-operative rehabilitation can help:
- Improve muscle strength
- Maintain joint mobility
- Improve confidence
- Prepare for post-operative exercises
- Improve movement patterns
- Address compensatory habits
- Set realistic recovery expectations
It also provides an opportunity to discuss any concerns you may have and understand what rehabilitation will involve after surgery.
Conditions
Surgeries We Commonly Support
Our Physiotherapists regularly provide rehabilitation before and after a wide range of orthopaedic procedures.
These include:
If your surgery is not listed, our team will be happy to discuss your rehabilitation requirements and advise whether we can support your recovery.
Home-Based Care
Home Visits Following Surgery
We understand that travelling to appointments immediately after surgery is not always possible.
For patients living locally, we also offer Home Visits, allowing rehabilitation to begin in the comfort of your own home when required.
Our home visit service enables patients to access professional rehabilitation support during the early stages of recovery when mobility may be limited.
Approach
How We Help You Recover
Our rehabilitation approach focuses on helping you achieve meaningful improvements rather than simply completing exercises.
Your treatment programme may include:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on treatment techniques may be used to support movement, reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility where appropriate.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Progressive exercises form the foundation of most rehabilitation programmes and are tailored to your stage of recovery.
Movement Retraining
Following surgery, movement patterns often change. We help patients restore efficient movement and reduce compensatory habits.
Return-To-Activity Planning
Whether your goal is walking comfortably, returning to work, playing sport or enjoying hobbies again, we create a structured pathway to help you get there safely.
Ongoing Education
Understanding your recovery process is an important part of rehabilitation. We provide clear guidance and support throughout every stage.
Post-Surgical Recovery
What To Expect After Surgery
Every recovery is different. Your rehabilitation programme will be based on your procedure, surgeon’s recommendations, current function and personal goals.
In the early stages, treatment may focus on:
- Managing pain and swelling
- Protecting healing tissues
- Restoring gentle movement
- Improving confidence with mobility
As recovery progresses, rehabilitation often shifts towards:
- Restoring strength
- Improving flexibility
- Rebuilding endurance
- Correcting movement patterns
- Returning to work
- Returning to sport and exercise
Regular reassessment allows us to adapt your programme as you progress.
Why The Forge Clinic
Why Choose The Forge Clinic For Post-Operative Rehabilitation In Richmond?
01
Experienced Rehabilitation Team
Our Physiotherapists have extensive experience supporting patients before and after orthopaedic surgery.
02
Personalised Recovery Plans
Every rehabilitation programme is tailored to the individual, procedure and recovery goals.
03
Collaborative Care
We work closely with consultants, surgeons and other healthcare professionals where appropriate to support your rehabilitation journey.
04
Evidence-Informed Practice
Our treatment plans are guided by current best practice, NICE guidance and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy standards.
05
Focus On Long-Term Outcomes
Our goal is not simply recovery from surgery, but helping patients return to meaningful activities with confidence and resilience.
06
Convenient Richmond Location
We support patients from Richmond, Kew, Twickenham, Sheen, Ham, Mortlake, St Margarets and Petersham.
Team
Meet The Rehabilitation Team
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start rehabilitation before surgery?
The earlier rehabilitation begins, the more opportunity there is to improve strength, mobility and conditioning before your procedure. However, even a short period of prehabilitation can be beneficial.
How soon after surgery should I start physiotherapy?
This depends on the procedure and your surgeon’s recommendations. Many patients begin rehabilitation shortly after surgery, but timelines vary.
Can you communicate with my surgeon?
Yes. Where appropriate and with your consent, we can liaise with your consultant or surgical team to help coordinate your rehabilitation.
What if I am still experiencing pain after surgery?
Some discomfort can be expected during recovery. Assessment helps determine whether your symptoms are consistent with normal healing and what strategies may support progress.
Can rehabilitation help me return to sport?
Yes. Rehabilitation often includes sport-specific progression to help patients return safely to training and competition.
What if I cannot get to the clinic?
We offer Home Visits for eligible patients living within our local catchment area.