This is the branch of physiotherapy concerned with rehabilitation and restoration of joint mobility, muscle strength, balance and proprioception and return to optimal function after a surgery. This may take weeks or even months to achieve depending on the surgery.

Pre-surgery physiotherapy (before the surgery) helps by priming the body (as much as the condition allows) for the surgery, so that the loss of physical mobility and strength can be minimized, rehabilitation can be optimized and recovery time may be reduced after the surgery.

Common surgeries that require physiotherapy include ACL reconstruction, total hip or knee replacement, neck or back fusion, and post fracture surgery.