Post-Operative Rehabilitation in Sharjah
Medically reviewed by Dar Al Kamal Team
What is post-operative rehabilitation?
Post-operative rehabilitation is the physiotherapy programme that follows an orthopedic operation. It balances two aims that change over time: protecting the repaired tissue while it heals, and regaining the movement, strength and function the operation set out to restore.
Every operation comes with its own rules from the surgeon. These include how much weight the leg may take, how far a joint may move, whether a sling, brace or boot is needed, and which movements to avoid for now. The physical therapist turns those rules into a daily plan and updates it as the surgeon relaxes them at each follow-up.
At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, post-operative rehabilitation is delivered by the hospital's own physical therapists, who work closely with the orthopedic surgeons. The operation note, restrictions and progress are shared within one team. Joint replacements have their own page, joint replacement rehabilitation, and recovery after back or neck operations is covered on the post-operative spine rehabilitation page.
Who needs it
Post-operative rehabilitation helps adults and teenagers after operations such as:
- Fixation of a broken bone with plates, screws or nails, following fracture management
- Knee, shoulder or ankle arthroscopy
- Shoulder surgery, including rotator cuff repair and stabilisation
- Ligament reconstruction and tendon repairs, such as Achilles tendon repair
- Hand, wrist, foot and ankle operations
The surgeon decides when rehabilitation starts and what it includes. For some operations, gentle movement begins on the ward the day after surgery; for others, the repair is protected in a sling or brace first, with exercise for the surrounding joints in the meantime.
What happens
Rehabilitation often starts before you go home. A physical therapist visits you on the ward to teach safe transfers from bed to chair, walking with crutches or a frame, and the first exercises. Stair practice follows a simple rule: going up, lead with the stronger leg; coming down, lead with the crutches and the operated leg.
Your weight-bearing instruction shapes the early stage. It is usually one of three: keeping weight off the leg entirely, putting partial weight through it, or bearing weight as comfort allows. The physical therapist shows you what each one feels like and checks your walking pattern.
Outpatient sessions then follow the healing stages:
- Protection. Controlling swelling, gentle movement within the surgeon's limits, and exercises for nearby joints and muscles
- Movement. Restoring range as restrictions lift, with hands-on techniques for stiff joints and scar tissue
- Strength. Progressive exercise for the operated limb and the whole body, building towards daily tasks
- Function. Work, sport and home tasks practised under supervision, such as reaching overhead, kneeling, carrying or climbing ladders
Swelling control runs throughout: raising the limb above heart level, moving the ankle or fingers regularly, and cold packs wrapped in a cloth when advised. Once the wound has fully healed, gentle scar massage keeps the skin supple and stops it tethering to the tissue beneath.
Preparing for it
- Practise with crutches before surgery if the surgeon expects you to use them afterwards.
- Prepare your home: clear rugs and clutter, place everyday items at waist height, and arrange a chair with arms.
- Bring your operation note and discharge letter to the first outpatient session.
- Wear clothing that fits over a brace or dressing, such as loose shorts or a front-opening top.
- Plan transport, as driving usually waits until the surgeon clears it.
Afterwards
Some aching and tiredness after sessions is normal as healing tissue starts working again. Keep the wound clean and dry and follow the dressing advice you were given; in the Sharjah heat, keep cool so sweat stays away from the dressing.
Follow the home programme several times a day. Short, frequent sessions suit healing tissue better than one long effort. Keep your orthopedic follow-up appointments at Dar Al Kamal Hospital, as each review can change your restrictions and move your rehabilitation to the next stage. Return to work is planned around your job: desk work, driving and manual work each have different demands.
Go to the emergency department straight away if your calf becomes swollen, hot and painful, or you develop chest pain or sudden breathlessness. Contact the hospital promptly if the wound becomes red, swollen or leaks, you develop a fever, or pain increases sharply after a fall or a sudden movement.
Cost and insurance
Most UAE insurance plans cover post-operative rehabilitation after a covered operation, usually with pre-approval and a limit on outpatient sessions. Inpatient physiotherapy on the ward is often part of the surgical admission. Ask about both before surgery so the plan fits your cover. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check this on 06 599 7777.
Related services
Frequently asked questions
What are the risks of post-operative rehabilitation?
Post-operative rehabilitation is safe when it follows the surgeon's restrictions, and the most common effects are temporary soreness and swelling after exercise. Moving a joint too far or loading a limb too early can strain a repair, which is why the plan is set with the surgeon. Rehabilitation cannot correct problems with the repair itself, which the surgeon reviews.
When does physiotherapy start after orthopedic surgery?
Physiotherapy after orthopedic surgery often starts on the ward, sometimes the day after the operation, with breathing, circulation and walking exercises. The timing of exercises for the operated area depends on the procedure and is set by your surgeon.
What does partial weight-bearing mean?
Partial weight-bearing means putting only some of your body weight through the operated leg while crutches take the rest. Your physical therapist shows you how much pressure this means in practice and checks your walking until you are confident.
How do I climb stairs on crutches?
To climb stairs on crutches, step up with the stronger leg first, then bring up the operated leg and the crutches. To go down, place the crutches on the lower step first, then the operated leg, then the stronger leg. Use a handrail where there is one.
Why is my joint still stiff after surgery?
Joint stiffness after surgery is common, because swelling, protection in a sling or brace and healing scar tissue all limit movement for a while. Regular exercise, hands-on treatment and swelling control usually improve it, and your surgeon reviews stiffness that stops improving.
Is rehabilitation after surgery covered by insurance in the UAE?
Rehabilitation after surgery is usually covered by UAE insurance when the operation is covered, with pre-approval and a cap on outpatient sessions. Ward physiotherapy is often included in the surgical admission. Check the limits before surgery.
Can I do post-operative exercises at home?
Home exercises are a core part of post-operative rehabilitation and are done several times a day between sessions. Supervised sessions add hands-on treatment, check your technique and progress the programme safely as your restrictions change.
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