Orthopaedic physiotherapy deals with bones, joints, muscles, ligaments and tendons. The aim is not only to reduce pain, but to restore movement, strength and confidence so that you can walk, work, cook, play and sleep normally again. Most musculoskeletal problems respond well to a combination of graded exercise, hands-on treatment and practical advice on how to load the injured part safely. Treatment is planned around what your doctor or orthopaedic surgeon has advised, especially after a fracture, so that healing tissue is protected while the rest of the body stays active.
Every first visit starts with a detailed conversation about how the problem began, what makes it better or worse, any reports or X-rays you have, and your goals. We then examine movement, strength, swelling, joint stability and how you walk, sit or use your hand. Treatment is explained in plain language so that you and your family understand what is happening and why each exercise matters.
Home treatment has real practical advantages. We can see the height of your bed and chair, the stairs you climb, the bathroom you use and the shoes you wear, and adjust advice to match. Family members or caregivers can learn how to help with exercises safely. For many patients, once the first home assessment is done and the exercises are well understood, follow-up sessions can continue as live video calls through our online physiotherapy consultation service.
If your problem is mainly in the knee, you may also find our knee pain physiotherapy page useful, and if you have recently had an operation, see post-surgery rehabilitation at home. Some symptoms need a doctor first rather than physiotherapy: a suspected new fracture, a joint that is hot, red and very swollen with fever, sudden inability to bear weight, or numbness and weakness that is getting worse. In those situations please see a doctor or go to the emergency department, and we will be happy to start rehab once you have been cleared.
Recovery time depends on the injury, your age, your general health and how regularly the home exercises are done. Some sprains settle within a few weeks, while fractures and long-standing tendon problems can take a few months of steady work. We will always give you an honest picture of what to expect and review progress at every stage.