Rehabilitation after surgery or a hospital stay.

Tell us what treatment or hospital stay the enquiry relates to and whether rehabilitation has already been arranged. The physiotherapist may need discharge information, details of restrictions and the relevant clinical contact before treatment is agreed. The need for further advice will depend on the procedure and the person’s circumstances.

After joint surgery, for example, any weight-bearing or movement restrictions must be understood. A general guide cannot replace the surgeon’s instructions. Physiotherapy should not begin on the assumption that every person can follow the same exercises or recovery timetable.

Assessment considers the person’s current movement and the activities they need or want to resume. Goals might involve standing from a chair, walking between rooms, managing access or building tolerance for everyday tasks. Pain, fatigue and other conditions need to be taken into account.

An agreed programme may include suitable movement practice, exercise and pacing, with clear guidance for independent activity and supported activity. The physiotherapist reviews response and adapts the plan when appropriate. A return to a previous level of function cannot be guaranteed.

A home visit can identify practical issues with access, stairs, furniture and the support available. Family involvement can be useful if the person wants it, but responsibilities must be realistic. Where personal care or supervision is also needed, it should be arranged separately from the physiotherapy appointment.

In a care or nursing home, the programme needs to connect with the resident’s care plan and staff support. If an NHS rehabilitation team remains involved, agree how private sessions will complement that work. Equipment, adaptations or additional clinical needs may require another service.

Before agreeing follow-up sessions, discuss the goals, expected review point, session arrangements and costs. Ask how progress will be communicated and whom to contact if the programme is difficult to manage. A review may lead to a different approach, onward advice or ending treatment when further sessions are not useful.

New or worsening symptoms after discharge may need advice from the surgical team or another medical service. Follow the discharge instructions for urgent concerns rather than waiting for a routine physiotherapy visit. At enquiry stage, provide only broad information; detailed documents can be shared through an agreed secure process.