Musculoskeletal and Orthopaedic FAQs

Pre-operative physiotherapy ("prehab") helps improve strength, mobility and confidence whilst reducing anxiety/apprehension by preparing you for what to expect before surgery. Evidence shows that patients who complete prehab often recover faster and have better post-operative outcomes, because being prepared is easier than reacting to the situation after the event.
Prehab is recommended for knee replacement, hip replacement, rotator cuff repair, ACL reconstruction, meniscal repair, tibial osteotomy, and sub-acromial decompression.
Sessions include personalised exercises to improve joint range, muscle strength, balance, cardiovascular fitness and relaxation/stress management. There’s also focus on mobility, activity pacing, understanding the procedure, and what to expect after surgery. Where needed, education on walking aids and how to complete daily tasks comfortably/safely is also included.
Most patients benefit from 2–6 sessions, depending on the surgery type, current fitness level, and post-operative goals.
Yes. Strengthening, manual therapy, pacing strategies, and advice on activity modification can help reduce symptoms before surgery.

This depends on your surgeon’s protocol. Many patients start within a few days to 2 weeks post-operatively. Some procedures (like rotator cuff repair or ACL reconstruction) generally have specific timelines.
Treatment includes safe mobility, swelling management, wound care advice, range-of-motion exercises, strengthening, gait re-education, and progressive functional training.
Recovery time varies. Here are some examples:
- Knee or hip replacement: 3–12 months
- Rotator cuff repair: 4–12 months
- ACL reconstruction: 9–12+ months
- Meniscal repair: 3–6 months
- Tibial osteotomy: 6–12 months
- Sub-acromial decompression: 2–6 months
Discomfort is normal. Your physiotherapist will guide you on safe pain levels and strategies to help manage it.
No referral is needed for private physiotherapy, although we work closely with surgeons, and your post-op protocol is carefully followed.

Common causes include muscle strain, joint stiffness, disc irritation, reduced mobility/postural, strength and conditioning, stress, or sudden movements. Most episodes are treatable with targeted physiotherapy.
Yes. Treatment focuses on relieving nerve irritation, improving spinal mobility, strengthening supporting muscles, and advising on activity modification, and aiding prevention. If further assessment is required, your physiotherapist will advise.
Initially (over the first 72 hours) follow the PEACE principle: Protect, Elevate, Avoid anti-inflammatories early, Compress, Educate — then follow the LOVE principle: Load, Optimism, Vascularisation, Exercise.
Not usually. Most MSK issues can be diagnosed clinically. Imaging is recommended only if symptoms do not improve, or if there are signs that further investigation is necessary.
This varies depending on the condition. Simple muscle strains may need 1–3 sessions; persistent or complex conditions may require a longer treatment plan.

Absolutely. Physiotherapy reduces pain, improves mobility, strengthens supporting muscles, and supports joint health.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and other inflammatory conditions all benefit.
Treatment may include joint mobility exercises, strengthening, pacing strategies, pain management advice, and tailored activity plans.
No. The right type and amount of exercise protect joints, reduce pain, and improve long-term function. Your therapist will guide you safely.
No. While arthritis is long-term, physiotherapy helps manage symptoms effectively, supporting independence and quality of life.