Post Operative Rehabilitation
In Singapore
Improve your range of motion and confidence after surgery with The Physio Circle. We specialise in post surgery physiotherapy to help you recover optimally. Whether you’ve had orthopaedic, sports, or other surgical procedures, our recommended programmes may help you regain your strength, mobility, and independence.
Start Your Post Operative Rehabilitation Early
Post operative rehabilitation is a structured programme designed to help you recover following a surgery. Starting rehab early, often within days or weeks once medically cleared, may help prevent stiffness, weakness, and long-term movement limitations. Our programmes combine progressive exercises, hands-on approaches, and education to help you manage pain and swelling and improve your balance, posture, and coordination.
What Is Post Surgery Rehabilitation and Post-Surgical Physiotherapy?
Post surgery rehabilitation, also known as post-surgical physiotherapy, is a guided recovery process following an operation. At The Physio Circle, our physiotherapy programmes may be recommended based on your specific procedure and stage of recovery.
Our approaches focus on:
- Restoring joint mobility and range of motion
- Rebuilding muscle strength and endurance
- Improving coordination and functional ability
- Managing post-surgical discomfort and swelling
- Preparing you for an optimal return to sport, work, or daily routines
Your rehabilitation will begin with a comprehensive assessment. Based on your surgical procedure and current function, we may design a rehabilitation plan that combines hands-on therapy, targeted exercises, and practical self-care strategies to help you recover.
Benefits & Suitability of
Post Surgery Rehabilitation
Who Can Benefit From Post Surgery Rehabilitation
- Patients with reduced independence after surgery
- Individuals experiencing stiffness, poor balance, or coordination issues
- Anyone managing post-surgical pain or swelling
- Adults at risk of falls or re-injury
- Individuals aiming to improve strength and mobility after an operation
- Athletes and active individuals planning an optimal return to sport
Key Benefits of Post Operative Rehabilitation
- Supports circulation and tissue flexibility for a smoother recovery
- Pain and swelling management with manual therapy and movement
- Improved mobility and strength to restore normal function
- Lower risk of complications such as stiffness or muscle wasting
- Better functional independence for everyday activities
- Expert education on safe exercise, healing timelines, and self-care
- Psychological support to maintain motivation during recovery
Surgeries We Support With Post Operative Rehabilitation
Our post op rehab programmes are built around your specific procedure. We regularly support recovery from:
- ACL and other ligament reconstruction
- Meniscus and cartilage repair
- Total knee replacement
- Total hip replacement
- Rotator cuff repair and shoulder stabilisation
- Spinal fusion, discectomy and laminectomy
- Fracture fixation with plates or screws
- Knee, shoulder and ankle arthroscopy
- Achilles and other tendon repairs
- Carpal tunnel release
The 4 Phases of Post Surgery Rehabilitation
Recovery timelines vary considerably depending on the procedure, surgical technique, individual recovery and your surgeon’s protocol. The phases below provide a general framework rather than fixed milestones.
| Phase | Typical timing | Focus | Goal |
| 1. Protect and settle | Weeks 0–2 | Pain and swelling management, wound care, gentle range of motion and muscle activation within your surgical protocol | Begin moving safely while protecting healing tissues and managing symptoms |
| 2. Restore movement and function | Weeks 2–6 | Range of motion, muscle re- activation, gait retraining and gradually increasing daily activity | Restore movement and improve walking and everyday function as appropriate |
| 3. Rebuild strength and capacity | Weeks 6–12+ | Progressive strengthening, balance, control and increasing functional load | Build the strength and capacity needed for work, exercise and daily activities |
| 4. Return to higher-level activity | 3 months onwards | Procedure-specific strengthening, functional testing and progressive return to work, exercise or sport | Return to your desired activities when your strength, movement, symptoms and functional capacity are appropriate for the demands involved |
These timeframes are a general guide rather than a prescription. Your surgery, surgeon’s protocol and individual recovery will determine how quickly you progress. Some procedures have substantially different timelines — for example, a meniscus repair may involve a period of restricted weight-bearing, while an ACL reconstruction or rotator cuff repair may require many months of progressive rehabilitation before returning to higher-level sport.
As a general guide, return to sport may look very different between procedures. Rotator cuff repair can require around 6 months or more before returning to higher-demand overhead sport, meniscus repair may allow return to sport around 3–6 months depending on the repair and sport, while ACL reconstruction commonly involves 9–12+ months of rehabilitation before return to pivoting sport. These are broad estimates, not clearance dates — return should be based on healing, strength, movement quality, functional performance and the demands of the activity.
Types of Exercises Involved in Post Op Rehab
Your rehabilitation programme will be tailored to your surgery, stage of recovery and individual goals.
Depending on your needs, it may include:
- Range of motion exercises: Help restore joint mobility and movement.
- Strengthening exercises: Progressive exercises to rebuild muscle strength and capacity.
- Stretching and mobility exercises: Help address stiffness and improve flexibility where needed.
- Functional exercises: Practise movements needed for everyday activities, work or specific goals.
- Cardiovascular conditioning: Maintain or improve overall fitness using appropriate forms of exercise for your stage of recovery.
- Balance and control exercises: Improve stability, coordination and confidence with movement.
- Return to activity or sport: Gradually reintroduce higher-level, work- or sport-specific activities as you progress towards your goals.
This is general information. Your physiotherapist will confirm which exercises are right for your stage of recovery.
Post Surgery Physical Therapy Techniques We Use
Depending on your procedure, stage of recovery and individual needs, your rehabilitation programme may include a combination of hands-on treatment, exercise and objective assessment techniques, such as:
- Manual therapy and joint mobilisation: Used where appropriate to support movement and address stiffness.
- Trigger point dry needling: May be used to help manage muscle tightness and pain sensitivity.
- Gait retraining: To improve walking mechanics following lower-limb surgery, where needed.
- Clinical and reformer Pilates: To improve strength, control and movement quality where appropriate.
- Progressive strength and conditioning: To gradually rebuild strength and physical capacity.
- Objective strength testing: To measure progress and help guide return to higher-level activities or sport.
Our Post Operative
Rehabilitation Process
Working with Your Surgeon's Post-operative Protocol
Your physiotherapist will review your surgeon’s post-operative instructions alongside your assessment and clinical findings to develop an appropriate rehabilitation plan. We work with your surgical team where needed, while using our clinical expertise to guide your rehabilitation as your strength, movement and function progress. With your consent, we may also share relevant progress updates with your surgeon or surgical team.
What to Bring to Your First
Post Op Rehab Session
If available, bringing the following information can help us understand your surgery and plan your rehabilitation:
- Operation notes and discharge summary
- Your surgeon’s post-operative instructions or protocol
- Relevant scans or specialist letters
- Your brace, sling, crutches or walking boot, if applicable
- Comfortable clothing that allows access to the operated area
If you don’t have all of these, don’t worry. With your consent, we can also communicate directly with your surgeon or wider care team to clarify relevant information and coordinate your rehabilitation.
Meet Our Post Operative
Rehabilitation Physiotherapists
Our physiotherapists are registered with the Allied Health Professions Council in Singapore, with experience across hospital and private practice settings.
Conor Walsh
Senior Physiotherapist
Conor Walsh
Senior Physiotherapist
BSc (Physio.)
Trinity College Dublin
AHPC Registered
Conor graduated with honours from Trinity College Dublin in 2015. During his time at university he was awarded the Foundation Scholarship and was active as a student member of the Irish Society of Chartered Physiotherapists, assisting at various events including the ISCP Annual Conference and the Dublin City Marathon.
After moving to Singapore in 2016 he worked three years in Changi General Hospital gaining invaluable experience in Orthopaedics, Neurological Rehab, ICU and outpatient settings before specialising in Sports Medicine in 2017, where he was responsible for auditing the ACL post-operative rehabilitation protocol.
Since 2019 Conor has worked in private practice and has established himself in treating a wide range of conditions across all ages, especially post-surgical cases, running injuries, chronic lower back pain and other lower limb injuries. He is a triple certified GEMt Dry Needling therapist and uses this in combination with other treatment modalities like manual therapy and exercise therapy to deliver holistic and evidence-based treatment to his patients.
Outside of clinical practice, Conor is a keen Gaelic footballer, hurler and soccer player. Keen to broaden his professional development further he recently completed a Masters in Business Administration with the University of Manchester.
He is also a musician and can often be found gigging with one of his two bands somewhere on the island.
Debra Ow
Senior Physiotherapist
Debra Ow
Senior Physiotherapist
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy (SIT)
AHPC Registered
Debra has more than 10 years of clinical experience in both public and private healthcare settings, specialising in sports injury management and neurological rehabilitation. She first worked at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH) for 7 years, where she had the opportunity to lead a multidisciplinary care team supporting frail patients in their transition from hospital back into the community.
She later joined St Luke’s ElderCare, further strengthening her expertise across the full spectrum of rehabilitation. There, she managed an array of musculoskeletal, neurological, and orthopaedic conditions. She also worked closely with community partners to curate exercise programmes and conducted public talks on frailty and healthy ageing.
Before joining The Physio Circle, Debra worked in a private clinic focusing on musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation, where she gained further experience managing post-operative orthopaedic cases and helping patients return safely to work, sport, and daily activities.
In 2022, Debra was certified in Clinical Pilates under Smart Movement International, and has since been actively incorporating Pilates into her rehabilitation approach to facilitate recovery. Her Personal Trainer certification also enables her to curate effective recovery programmes for different populations.
Outside of work, Debra enjoys strength training at the gym and practising Pilates. She also indulges in bubble tea now and then, as she believes life is meant to be lived.
Relevant Certifications:
✅Clinical Educator (SIT)
✅ACE Certified Personal Trainer
✅EBFA Neurosensory Specialist
✅APA Dry Needling
✅Clinical Pilates
Daniel Tan
Senior Physiotherapist
Daniel Tan
Senior Physiotherapist
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Glasgow Caledonian University
AHPC Registered
Daniel graduated with a BSc Honours in Physiotherapy from Glasgow Caledonian University in 2018.
Upon graduation, he started his career as a Physiotherapist at Changi General Hospital, where he worked with patients of different age groups (teenagers to the elderly).
In this time, he gained a valuable range of experience in cardiopulmonary, orthopaedic, geriatric, neurological as well as pre-and post-operative musculoskeletal and sports rehabilitation. With a vast experience as a triathlete and a weightlifter, Daniel has had personal encounters with injury and thereafter the recovery process to return to sport. These experiences have armed him with passion and understanding to help empower people in overcoming their injuries and to maximise their potential.
Daniel believes in a holistic approach that combines first principles thinking and evidence-based treatment to not only improve quality of life but to also help his patients on their recovery journey and ultimately, achieve their goals.
Outside of TPC, Daniel enjoys a good book and a cup of coffee when not training at the gym.
Kajal Kirpalani
Senior Physiotherapist
Kajal Kirpalani
Senior Physiotherapist
BSc Physiotherapy
Curtin University
AHPC Registered
Kajal graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from Curtin University in 2020. She began her career in private practice, focusing on post-surgical rehabilitation and musculoskeletal injuries from sports and accidents. Through working alongside experienced physiotherapists, Kajal refined her practice, embracing a holistic approach to managing her patients.
Kajal believes in empowering and encouraging her patients to have a positive and proactive mindset throughout their rehabilitation journey. On top of this, she also places high importance on educating her patients to understand their bodies, the way it moves and how to manage their rehabilitation.
Having dabbled in various sports throughout her life, Kajal understands the specific demands of different activities and tailors her treatment plans to help athletes return to their sport safely and effectively. She is a firm believer in lifelong learning and continuously seeks to enhance her skills. Kajal has completed clinical courses on shoulder injuries, tendinopathies, and communication skills to improve therapeutic alliance building between her and her patients.
She is also a fully certified STOTT Pilates instructor and enjoys integrating Pilates principles into her rehabilitation sessions.
Outside of physiotherapy, Kajal is an avid bookworm, loves to cook and engages in strength training, pilates, boxing and running.
Isaac Tai
Senior Physiotherapist
Isaac Tai
Senior Physiotherapist
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
Curtin University
AHPC Registered
Isaac graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy from Curtin University in 2020.
Even before graduation, he worked as a sports trainer with Australian football and rugby clubs. Upon graduation, he cut his teeth in musculoskeletal physiotherapy with a focus on sports and post-surgical rehabilitation in the private sector. Working alongside, and being trained by, veteran physiotherapists provided invaluable insight into innovative ways of engaging patients and helping them achieve their rehabilitation goals.
With independence and self-management in mind, Isaac works with his patients to uncover the cause of their problems and find a sustainable solution that works for them. A firm believer in education, he seeks first to understand his patient’s goals, then helps them understand how they can achieve these goals by sharing knowledge and developing an individualised treatment plan with them.
Through a tailored programme of strengthening and conditioning exercises, manual therapy and trigger point dry needling, Isaac works with his patients to get them back into their regular functional activities and prevent the recurrence of their pain.
Outside of his time in the clinic, Isaac enjoys recreational boxing, HIIT, running and badminton. When he hits the gym, he prefers his workouts be set to the tune of Red Hot Chili Peppers or Arctic Monkeys. His other joy is experimental cooking and baking in the kitchen on the weekends.
Magdalene Teng
Senior Physiotherapist
Magdalene Teng
Senior Physiotherapist
BPhysio (Hons), MClinPhysio
Curtin University
AHPC Registered
Magdalene is a physiotherapist who believes in challenging outdated norms, debunking common rehab myths, and empowering patients with the knowledge they need to take charge of their recovery. With over 15 years of experience across public and private healthcare, she combines strong clinical expertise with genuine care for each person who walks through her door.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours) from the University of South Australia, and later completed a specialist Master’s degree in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy at Curtin University. Her career has included working with a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions, mentoring emerging physiotherapists, and supporting national-team athletes and sports players. She previously served as clinical team lead in the KTPH Inpatient Orthopaedic Team and Extended Diagnostic Treatment Unit (EDTU), where she drove early discharge pathways, and co-managed the Outpatient Trauma Clinic.
What drives Magdalene is the full rehabilitation journey – guiding patients from early mobility challenges back to confident activity and sports participation. She thrives in advanced sports rehabilitation, tailoring each session creatively to meet individual goals. With specialised training in running mechanics and performance science, she has a strong passion for working with long-distance runners and marathoners, helping them continue training safely, reduce pain, and optimise performance, making her our in-house knee physio specialist.
Magdalene is skilled in managing running-related injuries, complex back pain, and lower-limb conditions. She also has extensive experience in post-operative rehabilitation, including ACL and ligament reconstruction/repair, meniscus and cartilage repair, shoulder surgeries, and total knee replacements. Her diagnostic approach is grounded in the Musculoskeletal Clinical Translation Framework,allowing her to identify movement impairments, contributing factors, and rehab priorities with precision. This structured approach, combined with a biopsychosocial perspective, enables her to guide patients who may have plateaued elsewhere toward clearer understanding and meaningful progress.
A firm believer in continuous learning, Magdalene consistently upgrades her skills to stay evidence-based and relevant. Having experienced shoulder and lower-limb injuries herself, she understands the frustration and uncertainty that come with being sidelined by pain. This personal insight shapes her caring, righteous, and patient-first approach – she advocates for her patients the way she would want someone to advocate for her.
Outside the clinic, she enjoys running, experimenting with new workouts around the neighbourhood, boxing fitness classes, and listening to personal development podcasts.
Magdalene believes that every patient deserves a pair of attentive, skilled, and genuinely caring hands to guide them back to the activities and sports they love.
Publications
Caneiro, J. P., et al. (2019). Physiotherapists implicitly evaluate bending and lifting with a round back as dangerous. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, 39, 107–114.
Maheen Gul
Senior Physiotherapist
Maheen Gul
Senior Physiotherapist
BSc (Hons) Physiotherapy
King’s College London
AHPC Registered
Maheen graduated with a BSc Honours in Physiotherapy from King’s College London and moved to Singapore in 2012. She began her career in a rehabilitation hospital, treating neurological and musculoskeletal conditions, before transitioning to private practice in 2015 to focus on musculoskeletal and sports injuries. With over a decade of experience in both surgical and non-surgical cases, Maheen has worked with patients recovering from spinal surgeries, knee and ankle ligament reconstructions, shoulder surgeries, and those managing sports injuries, chronic pain, and everyday aches.
Maheen takes a holistic approach to treatment, combining manual techniques with tailored exercise programs to address the root cause of the issue and prevent future injuries. Her goal is to help patients regain their strength, mobility, and confidence—enabling them to return to the activities they love and live life to the fullest.
Maheen is also trained in reformer pilates and trigger point dry needling, which she integrates into her treatments to address specific musculoskeletal issues.
An active individual herself, Maheen enjoys strength training, running, yoga and pilates. She has participated in events such as marathons and half marathons, Hyrox, Spartans and Urbanathlon. Outside of work, Maheen loves spending time with family (and her dog Albert), traveling, and making lasting memories with loved ones.
Post Operative Rehabilitation
Fees and Insurance
Initial Physiotherapy Assessment and Treatment
(45 minutes)
$230
Follow-up Consultation and Treatment
(45 minutes)
$210
Why Choose The Physio Circle for Post Surgery Rehabilitation?
Well-Trained Physiotherapists
Our team is trained in post operative rehabilitation and musculoskeletal health.
Convenient Location
With multiple physiotherapy clinics conveniently located across Singapore, we offer professional post operative rehabilitation with a personalised, patient-first approach.
Prioritised Quality Care
We focus on personalised attention, clear communication, and measurable recovery outcomes.
What Our Post Surgery
Rehabilitation Patients Say
Schedule Your Post Op Rehab Session Here
Early rehabilitation supports an optimal recovery. An assessment with our team may give you a clear picture of your surgical protocol and where to begin.
Take charge of your recovery. Let’s rebuild your strength and confidence, one session at a time. Visit us at our Serangoon, Bukit Timah, or Outram (appointment only) clinics.
Locate Our Post-Surgery Physiotherapy Clinics Here
Frequently Asked Questions About Post Op Rehab
When should post operative rehabilitation start?
As soon as you’re medically cleared, often within days to weeks after surgery.
What can I expect during my first post op rehab session?
A full assessment followed by gentle exercises or hands-on therapy.
How long will post op rehab take?
Rehabilitation typically takes 3 to 6 months, depending on the type of surgery and your progress. For some procedures, such as ACL reconstruction, it can take up to a year to safely return to sports.
Do I need a physiotherapist, or can I do rehab at home?
Many people benefit from physiotherapy to assess their recovery, guide exercise progression and help you return safely to your usual activities. Your programme will also include exercises you can do at home between sessions. If travelling to a clinic isn’t practical, especially in the early stages, our home physiotherapy service can bring your rehabilitation to you.
Will rehabilitation be painful?
How many post op rehab sessions will I need each week?
This depends on your procedure and stage of recovery. Most patients start with one to two sessions a week in the early phases, tapering as independence builds. Your physiotherapist will confirm a schedule at your first assessment.
Do I need a doctor's referral for post operative rehabilitation in Singapore?
You don’t need a doctor’s referral to start post-operative physiotherapy at The Physio Circle. You can book directly with us, or your surgeon or doctor can refer you for rehabilitation. We work closely with referring surgeons and your wider care team where needed to support a coordinated recovery.
