Pre & Post-Operative Rehabilitation in New South Wales & Queensland
Whether you are preparing for planned surgery or recovering after a procedure, the Complete Allied Health Care (CAHC) rehabilitation team is with you at every stage. Our multi-disciplinary team — AHPRA-registered Physiotherapists, ESSA-accredited Exercise Physiologists, and AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapists — delivers structured pre and post-operative rehabilitation across 20 NSW clinics and 4 QLD clinics, with home visits available for patients who cannot attend in the early post-operative period.
Research suggests that pre-operative Physiotherapy may support improved recovery outcomes for up to 24 months following surgery — your CAHC Physiotherapist works with you and your surgeon in the lead-up to your procedure to optimise your physical condition before the operation. Following surgery, your CAHC team delivers rehabilitation aligned with your surgeon’s recovery guidelines, progressing at the right pace for your tissue healing stage. All post-operative milestones are guided by your operating surgeon’s protocol.
Pre and post-operative rehabilitation at CAHC is accessible through Medicare CDM, DVA, WorkCover, CTP, NDIS (eligibility depends on your individual NDIS plan goals), and private health insurance — as well as self-funded appointments with no GP referral required.
Surgery Types We Rehabilitate
CAHC’s rehabilitation team supports patients before and after a wide range of surgical procedures. The most common surgical pathways we support include:
Knee Replacement Rehabilitation — Total and Partial (TKR / PKR)
CAHC supports patients before and after total and partial knee replacement surgery — from pre-operative strength and range-of-motion work to post-operative mobility restoration and return to daily activities. Post-knee replacement rehabilitation at CAHC progresses from initial swelling management and gentle mobility through to progressive quadriceps and hip strengthening, gait retraining, and functional conditioning — with all milestones guided by the operating surgeon's protocol. Your surgeon will advise on weight-bearing status, movement precautions, and activity progression throughout your recovery.
Hip Replacement Rehabilitation — Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA)
Pre-operative conditioning for total hip arthroplasty focuses on hip abductor strength, balance, and aerobic capacity — areas that influence early post-surgical mobility and stability. Post-operatively, CAHC Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists support progressive hip strengthening, gait retraining, and safe return to daily activities within your surgeon's weight-bearing status and movement precautions. Your surgeon will define the specific hip precautions for your procedure; your CAHC team works within those guidelines throughout.
ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation
ACL reconstruction rehabilitation is one of the most structured and criteria-based rehabilitation pathways in orthopaedic surgery — typically spanning nine to twelve months from surgery to return-to-sport readiness, with clear progression criteria at each phase. CAHC Physiotherapists and Exercise Physiologists support ACL patients through all stages: early post-operative mobility and swelling management, progressive neuromuscular control and strengthening, sports-specific conditioning, and return-to-play readiness assessment in consultation with your treating surgeon. Return-to-sport decisions are made collaboratively with the operating surgeon — CAHC does not clear patients for return to sport independently of surgical guidance.
Shoulder Surgery Rehabilitation — Rotator Cuff, Labrum, Shoulder Replacement
Shoulder surgery rehabilitation at CAHC covers a range of procedures including rotator cuff repair, labrum repair (SLAP and Bankart procedures), shoulder replacement (total shoulder replacement and reverse shoulder arthroplasty), and acromioplasty. Post-operative shoulder rehabilitation follows a phased approach: an initial sling-protected period with gentle pendulum and range-of-motion exercises, progressive strengthening as tissue healing allows — particularly rotator cuff and scapular stabiliser work — and functional return to work and sport milestones. Movement precautions and tissue protection protocols are determined by the operating surgeon; CAHC Physiotherapists work strictly within those guidelines.
Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation — Lumbar and Cervical
Post-spinal surgery rehabilitation at CAHC supports patients following lumbar discectomy, spinal fusion, laminectomy, and cervical procedures. Rehabilitation after spinal surgery is closely directed by the operating surgeon's protocol — particularly regarding loading, posture, lifting restrictions, and activity precautions in the early post-operative period. CAHC Physiotherapists provide gentle mobility work, posture and movement education, and progressive core and functional conditioning, all in alignment with the surgical team's guidelines. Your surgeon's protocol is the primary guide; CAHC keeps the treating surgeon informed throughout the rehabilitation process.
Other Surgical Procedures
CAHC also supports rehabilitation following other orthopaedic and musculoskeletal procedures including ankle reconstruction and ligament repair, elbow surgery, wrist and hand surgery (in conjunction with the CAHC Occupational Therapy team for specialist hand therapy), fracture fixation and post-immobilisation rehabilitation, and abdominal or thoracic surgery where Physiotherapy is indicated for respiratory management and early mobility recovery.
Your surgeon’s protocol is the primary guide for your rehabilitation at CAHC — we work within your surgical team’s guidelines and provide progress updates at agreed intervals.
The Multi-Disciplinary Surgical Rehabilitation Team
CAHC’s surgical rehabilitation offering extends beyond Physiotherapy alone — a key differentiator for surgeons and GPs comparing CAHC against single-discipline practices. A single referral to CAHC can give your patient access to all three disciplines below, coordinated within the same provider network.
Physiotherapy — AHPRA Registered
AHPRA-registered Physiotherapists lead the post-operative rehabilitation process at CAHC, conducting the initial post-operative assessment, establishing the rehabilitation program within the surgeon’s protocol, monitoring tissue healing and pain response, and progressing treatment through each phase. Physiotherapists are the primary rehabilitation contact for the surgeon’s rooms throughout the patient’s program.
Exercise Physiology — ESSA Accredited
ESSA-accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) deliver functional conditioning, return-to-sport and return-to-work programs, and chronic disease management for patients whose surgical recovery intersects with other health conditions. For example, a knee replacement patient who also has type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Exercise Physiologists provide the physical conditioning layer that takes patients from the early rehabilitation phase through to full functional restoration and community participation.
Occupational Therapy — AHPRA Registered
AHPRA-registered Occupational Therapists contribute to post-surgical rehabilitation for patients who need home modification assessments, assistive technology prescription, or functional adaptation support — particularly relevant following lower limb surgery (hip and knee replacement) and hand and upper limb surgery. CAHC’s OT team provides specialist hand therapy following wrist and hand procedures, and functional capacity assessments for WorkCover and CTP return-to-work programs.
For Surgeons and Surgical Specialists
CAHC accepts direct surgical referrals for both pre-operative prehabilitation and post-operative rehabilitation across all major orthopaedic and musculoskeletal surgical procedures. Our team works as a clinical rehabilitation partner to the referring surgeon — not as an independent provider.
What CAHC provides to the referring surgeon:
- An initial assessment report to the surgeon’s rooms following the patient’s first CAHC appointment, confirming baseline status and the rehabilitation program in place.
- Regular progress reports at clinically appropriate intervals (typically at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 12 weeks, or as agreed at the time of referral).
- Proactive notification if a patient is not progressing as expected, or if any finding warrants surgical review.
- Communication of any patient-reported concerns about surgical outcomes — CAHC does not manage post-surgical complications; all clinical concerns are directed back to the treating surgeon.
CAHC’s multi-disciplinary model means a single surgical referral gives the patient access to Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, and Occupational Therapy within the same provider — reducing the administrative overhead of managing multiple allied health referrals across separate practices. Home visit Physiotherapy is available for patients who cannot attend a clinic in the early post-operative period, which is particularly relevant for day-surgery and early-discharge patients.
CAHC’s multilingual team includes practitioners who speak Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Norwegian, and Laotian — directly relevant for surgeons with culturally and linguistically diverse patient populations across Greater Sydney & Queensland.
What to Expect — Your Pre and Post-Op Journey at CAHC
Before Surgery — Pre-Operative Assessment Book your pre-operative assessment as soon as your surgery date is confirmed — the earlier, the better. Your CAHC Physiotherapist will assess your current strength, mobility, and functional capacity, explain what to expect post-operatively, and design an individualised pre-operative exercise program tailored to your specific procedure and timeline. Even if your surgery is only two to three weeks away, a pre-operative assessment is worthwhile.
Before Surgery Day — Schedule Your Post-Op Appointment Contact CAHC before your surgery date to schedule your first post-operative appointment — ideally for one to two weeks after your expected discharge date, or as directed by your surgeon. If you are using WorkCover, CTP, or private health insurance, CAHC can begin contact with your case manager or health fund in advance to arrange funding approvals, so there is no delay when you are ready to begin rehabilitation.
Early Post-Operative Rehabilitation Your first post-operative appointment focuses on assessing your pain levels, swelling, range of movement, and weight-bearing status — all within your surgeon’s discharge protocol. Treatment begins at the appropriate pace for your tissue healing stage. If you cannot attend a clinic, home visit Physiotherapy is available for the early post-operative period.
Progressive Rehabilitation and Return to Function Rehabilitation progresses through structured phases toward your return-to-work, return-to-sport, or return-to-daily-life goals — with your surgeon’s milestones as the guide throughout every stage. Your CAHC Physiotherapist communicates with your surgeon’s rooms if any concern arises during your recovery.
Bring to your first appointment: your surgeon’s discharge summary or post-operative instructions; your Medicare card and/or health fund card; a referral letter from your GP or surgeon if using Medicare CDM, DVA, WorkCover, or CTP; comfortable, loose clothing that allows access to the surgical area; and any assistive devices (crutches, sling, brace) provided by the hospital.
Fees & Funding
Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) Plan
Patients with a chronic condition of six months or longer who require post-surgical rehabilitation may access up to five allied health sessions per calendar year with a GP-initiated CDM plan referral. CDM plan eligibility is determined by the GP based on the patient’s primary chronic condition — not all surgical rehabilitation scenarios will qualify. Rebate amounts are subject to change — confirm current rates with your GP or the clinic.
Private Health Insurance (Extras / Ancillary)
Post-surgical Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Exercise Physiology are covered by most major private health funds under Extras or Ancillary cover — the most common funding pathway for elective surgery rehabilitation. CAHC offers HICAPS on-the-spot claiming at all clinic locations. Annual limits and per-service rebates vary by fund and level of cover. Patients are strongly advised to confirm their cover with their fund before their surgery date so approvals are in place when rehabilitation begins.
DVA (Department of Veterans' Affairs)
DVA Gold Card holders: post-surgical rehabilitation is covered for all clinically necessary treatment — no out-of-pocket cost for eligible services. DVA White Card holders: covered for accepted service-related conditions. A D904 referral form from your GP or surgeon is required before treatment begins. Rebate amounts are subject to change — confirm current rates with your GP or the clinic.
Post-surgical rehabilitation for surgery arising from a workplace injury is covered under approved WorkCover NSW claims. SIRA approval for the rehabilitation treatment plan must be obtained before services begin. CAHC’s free Insurance Claims Advisory service handles all insurer correspondence and paperwork on the patient’s behalf — no administrative burden on the patient or the referring GP.
Post-surgical rehabilitation following surgery arising from a NSW motor vehicle accident is covered under CTP claims within the 52-week statutory benefits period. CAHC’s free Insurance Claims Advisory manages all CTP correspondence and approvals.
Post-surgical rehabilitation may be accessible under the NDIS Capacity Building — Improved Daily Living support category for participants whose plan goals include functional recovery. Eligibility depends on your individual NDIS plan goals — speak with your support coordinator or contact CAHC to confirm.
Self-Funded / Out-of-Pocket
No GP referral is required for private surgical rehabilitation appointments at CAHC. Contact your nearest clinic for current fee information.
For GPs — Referring Post-Operative Patients
GPs can refer post-operative patients to CAHC via a Medicare CDM plan (for eligible chronic conditions), a DVA referral, a WorkCover or CTP claim, or a standard referral letter for private patients — no GP referral is required for private appointments. CAHC accepts post-operative referrals across all major surgery types listed above.
If the operating surgeon’s post-operative protocol is needed before the first CAHC appointment, the CAHC team will liaise with the surgical rooms directly — GPs do not need to coordinate this separately. A single GP referral to CAHC can give the patient access to Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, and Exercise Physiology within the same network, reducing the administrative overhead of managing multiple referrals.
Submit a referral
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Pre-operative Physiotherapy, or “prehabilitation,” is structured therapy in the weeks before surgery, aimed at building strength, mobility, and cardiovascular capacity in the areas most relevant to your procedure. Research suggests it may support better outcomes for up to 24 months after surgery, though patients should discuss their individual situation with their surgeon.
At CAHC, your AHPRA-registered Physiotherapist begins with a baseline assessment, then designs an individualised program alongside education on what to expect post-surgery. It’s most beneficial ahead of joint replacement, spinal surgery, ACL reconstruction, and shoulder surgery, though any elective surgery patient may benefit. Home visits are available for patients with mobility limitations.
Post-operative rehabilitation is the structured recovery program that begins after surgery, restoring strength, mobility, and function through exercise therapy, manual therapy where appropriate, and education. Timing depends on your surgeon and procedure.
At CAHC, your first appointment starts with an assessment of your surgical site, pain, and weight-bearing status as directed by your surgeon, followed by a staged program from early mobility through to functional conditioning. Care can involve Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, and Occupational Therapy within the same network.
Contact CAHC before your surgery date so your first post-operative appointment can be scheduled as soon as you’re cleared to begin.
Book your pre-operative Physiotherapy assessment as soon as your surgery date is confirmed. Most patients benefit from four to eight weeks of pre-operative Physiotherapy before their procedure, though research suggests that even two to three weeks of targeted prehabilitation can be beneficial. Your CAHC Physiotherapist will tailor your pre-operative program to the time available between your assessment and your surgery date. Your surgeon can advise on any activity restrictions or precautions to observe during the pre-operative period.
Prehabilitation — or “prehab” — is structured Physiotherapy and exercise conducted in the weeks before a planned surgical procedure. The aim is to build strength, improve mobility, and optimise physical condition before the operation. Research suggests that pre-operative Physiotherapy may support improved post-surgical outcomes for up to 24 months following surgery, though individual responses vary depending on surgery type, age, and overall health status.
Discuss your specific situation with your surgeon — they can advise whether prehabilitation is recommended for your procedure and timeline. Contact CAHC to book a pre-operative assessment as soon as your surgery date is confirmed.
The timing of post-operative Physiotherapy is determined by your surgeon based on your specific procedure and individual recovery. For many procedures — including knee and hip replacement and shoulder surgery — Physiotherapy typically begins within one to two weeks of discharge. For spinal surgery and other procedures, the timeline may differ. Your surgeon will advise when it is appropriate to begin rehabilitation. Contact CAHC before your surgery date so your first post-operative appointment can be scheduled as soon as your surgeon clears you to start.
Rehabilitation duration varies significantly by surgery type, individual health factors, and personal goals. As a general guide: knee and hip replacement typically involve three to six months of active rehabilitation; ACL reconstruction rehabilitation typically spans nine to twelve months from surgery to return-to-sport readiness; shoulder surgery rehabilitation ranges from three to twelve or more months depending on the specific procedure. Your surgeon and CAHC Physiotherapist will discuss your expected rehabilitation timeline at your first appointment — all milestones are guided by your surgeon’s protocol.
Medicare Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plans cover up to five allied health sessions per calendar year for patients with an eligible chronic condition of six months or longer. Post-surgical rehabilitation may qualify under a CDM plan where the patient’s primary chronic condition is relevant to the rehabilitation need — however, CDM eligibility is determined by the GP and does not cover all surgical rehabilitation scenarios. Private health insurance Extras cover is the more common funding pathway for elective surgery rehabilitation. Rebate amounts are subject to change — confirm current rates with your GP or the clinic.
Yes. CAHC’s multi-disciplinary model means a surgeon or GP can refer once and the patient can access Physiotherapy, Exercise Physiology, and Occupational Therapy within the same provider network. Each discipline’s involvement is clinically determined based on the patient’s needs at each stage of rehabilitation — for example, Occupational Therapy may be most relevant in the early post-operative period for home modifications and assistive equipment, while Exercise Physiology becomes more prominent in the functional conditioning and return-to-activity phases. CAHC coordinates all disciplines under a single referral relationship and communicates progress back to the referring clinician.
Yes, home visit Physiotherapy is available for patients who cannot attend a clinic in the early post-operative period. This is particularly relevant for patients who cannot drive following surgery, patients with complex mobility limitations, or day-surgery and early-discharge patients who are recovering at home. Contact CAHC before your surgery date to arrange home visit Physiotherapy for the early post-operative period — this ensures your rehabilitation begins promptly without waiting for you to be mobile enough to attend a clinic.
Please bring: your surgeon’s discharge summary or post-operative instructions (essential — this allows your CAHC Physiotherapist to work within your surgical team’s guidelines from your very first appointment); your Medicare card and/or private health fund card; a referral letter from your GP or surgeon if you are accessing CAHC via Medicare CDM, DVA, WorkCover, or CTP; comfortable, loose clothing that allows easy access to the surgical area; and any assistive devices provided by the hospital, such as crutches, a sling, or a brace.
Yes — ACL rehabilitation is one of the most structured programs CAHC’s Physiotherapy and Exercise Physiology team delivers. The program spans all phases from early post-operative mobility and swelling management through to functional strength, neuromuscular control, sports-specific conditioning, and return-to-sport readiness. Exercise Physiology is typically involved alongside Physiotherapy in the functional conditioning phases. Return-to-sport decisions are made collaboratively with the treating surgeon — CAHC does not clear patients for return to sport independently of surgical guidance, as the operating surgeon’s assessment of tissue healing and graft maturation is essential to that decision.
Yes — pre-operative Physiotherapy for knee and hip replacement is well supported in the research literature and is a routine part of the service CAHC provides for arthroplasty patients. CAHC provides a pre-operative assessment and individualised exercise program tailored to your specific procedure, current strength and mobility, and the time available before your surgery date. Contact CAHC as soon as your surgery date is confirmed. Your CAHC Physiotherapist will liaise with your surgeon’s rooms if the surgical protocol is needed to inform the pre-operative program. Research suggests pre-operative Physiotherapy may support improved post-surgical outcomes — discuss the specifics of your case with your surgeon.
Yes — CAHC accepts direct surgeon referrals and operates as a clinical rehabilitation partner to the surgical team. CAHC provides an initial assessment report back to the surgeon’s rooms following the patient’s first appointment, and regular progress reports at agreed intervals throughout the rehabilitation program. The level and frequency of communication between CAHC and the surgeon’s rooms is agreed at the time of referral. Surgeons are welcome to contact CAHC’s intake team directly to establish a referral arrangement or to discuss a specific patient’s rehabilitation needs before the referral is made.
CAHC’s team includes practitioners who speak Vietnamese, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Norwegian, and Laotian — making surgical rehabilitation accessible to patients from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds across Greater Sydney & Queensland. Language availability varies by clinic, discipline, and practitioner availability. The TIS National interpreter service is also available. Contact your nearest CAHC clinic to confirm language availability for your specific discipline and location.
Yes — post-surgical rehabilitation is covered under WorkCover NSW and CTP claims for surgery arising from a workplace injury or motor vehicle accident respectively. CAHC is a SIRA-registered provider for WorkCover NSW, and accepts CTP rehabilitation referrals within the 52-week statutory benefits period. CAHC’s free Insurance Claims Advisory service handles all insurer correspondence, approvals, and paperwork on behalf of the patient — patients do not need to navigate insurer communication independently. Insurer approval for the rehabilitation treatment plan must be obtained before services begin. Contact CAHC’s intake team for WorkCover and CTP referrals.
Our Clinics
CAHC offers pre and post-operative rehabilitation across 20 NSW clinics and 4 QLD clinics — with home visits available for patients who cannot attend in the early post-operative period. Find your nearest location below.
Related Services
Pre and post-operative rehabilitation draws on multiple disciplines across the CAHC network — explore the individual service pages below.
- Physiotherapy → AHPRA-registered Physiotherapy | The lead discipline for pre and post-operative rehabilitation at CAHC
- Exercise Physiology → Functional conditioning and return-to-sport programs | The progressive phase of surgical rehabilitation
- Occupational Therapy → Home modification, assistive technology, and hand therapy | OT’s role in post-surgical recovery
- Home Visits → Post-operative Physiotherapy delivered to your home for patients who cannot attend clinic in the early recovery period
- Workers Compensation → WorkCover rehabilitation for surgery arising from a workplace injury — with free Insurance Claims Advisory
- CTP Process → CTP rehabilitation for surgery arising from a NSW motor vehicle accident
