Post Op Protocols
Your Recovery Starts Here
Post Op Protocols are essential for guiding recovery following injury or surgery. Below you will find clear, evidence-based recommendations tailored to common post-operative conditions.
ACL Tears
An ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear is a common knee injury, particularly in sports that involve sudden stops, pivoting, or awkward landings. The ACL helps stabilise the knee, and injury often results in a distinct “pop” at the moment of trauma.
Typical Symptoms:
– Sudden pain and swelling within hours
– Instability or the knee “giving way”
– Reduced range of motion
Causes & Risk Factors
Injuries often occur during sports like soccer, basketball, or skiing. Risk increases with poor landing technique, weak hamstrings, or inappropriate footwear. Females are statistically at higher risk due to biomechanics and hormonal factors.
Complications If Untreated:
– Ongoing knee instability
– Damage to meniscus or cartilage
– Early onset osteoarthritis
Prevention Tips
Strengthen leg muscles (especially hamstrings), use proper jumping and landing techniques, wear sport-specific shoes, and include neuromuscular training in your routine.
If you suspect an ACL injury, early assessment by a physiotherapist can help guide recovery and prevent long-term issues. Early diagnosis and management, supported by structured post op protocols, can reduce long-term damage.
Ankle Pain
Ankle Pain is a common condition that can result from injury, overuse, or medical conditions such as arthritis or gout. The ankle joint plays a key role in movement and stability, and any dysfunction can significantly limit mobility.
Typical Symptoms:
– Pain or tenderness around the joint
– Swelling or stiffness after movement or injury
– Bruising or discoloration following trauma
– Difficulty walking or bearing weight
– A sensation of the ankle “giving away”
Causes & Risk Factors
Ankle pain can arise from sprains, fractures, tendonitis, arthritis, or nerve compression. Risk factors include high-impact sports, poor footwear, ageing joints, flat feet, and chronic conditions such as obesity or diabetes.
Complications If Untreated:
– Ongoing instability or joint weakness
– Reduced range of motion or function
– Progression of arthritis or tendon damage
– Secondary injuries due to gait compensation
Prevention Tips
Strengthen and stretch the ankle muscles, wear supportive shoes, warm up before activity, and avoid uneven surfaces. Managing underlying health issues like arthritis or gout also helps prevent flare-ups.
If ankle pain persists, is accompanied by severe swelling, or limits mobility, seek professional assessment early.
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CPRS)
CPRS is a chronic pain condition affecting a limb, often after injury or surgery. It involves persistent, severe pain and changes in skin, muscle, or bone near the affected area. It is classified as Type 1 (no nerve injury) or Type 2 (nerve damage present).
Typical Symptoms:
– Burning or throbbing pain in an arm or leg
– Swelling, sensitivity, and skin temperature changes
– Discoloration (Red, blue, or blotchy skin)
– Skin becomes shiny, thin, or sweaty
– Muscle weakness, joint stiffness, and limited mobility
Causes & Risk Factors
Usually triggered by trauma, surgery, or nerve injury. Risk increases with prolonged immobilisation, pre-existing pain conditions, and is more common in women.
Complications If Untreated:
– Loss of limb function due to muscle wasting or joint stiffness
– Symptoms spreading to other areas (Rare)
– Emotional impacts like anxiety or depression
Prevention Tips
Encourage early movement post-surgery, treat injuries promptly, and follow pain management strategies if symptoms begin. Regular follow-up can detect signs early.
If you notice ongoing limb pain with changes in skin or sensitivity, consult a healthcare professional promptly.
Frozen Shoulder
Frozen Shoulder is a condition where the shoulder joint becomes increasingly painful and stiff, severely limiting movement. It typically develops gradually and can last months or years if not treated early.
Typical Symptoms:
– Dull, aching pain in the shoulder and upper arm
– Progressive stiffness and reduced range of motion
– Difficulty with basic tasks (e.g. reaching overhead or behind the back)
– Night pain disrupting sleep
Causes & Risk Factors
Often triggered by immobility after injury or surgery. Higher risk in people over 40, especially women, and those with diabetes. thyroid disorders, or neurological conditions like Parkinson’s.
Complications If Untreated:
– Persistent pain and joint stiffness
– Impaired ability to perform daily tasks
– In rare cases, permanent loss of movement
Prevention Tips
Maintain shoulder mobility after injury or surgery, manage chronic health conditions, and start physical therapy early to restore function.
If shoulder stiffness and pain are progressing and interfering with daily life, consult a healthcare provider. Early diagnosis and targeted post op protocols improve recovery time and limit long-term impact.
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
UGolfer’s elbow causes pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow, typically due to repetitive stress or overuse of the forearm muscles. It affects more than just golfers and can occur in anyone who repetitively grips, lifts, or twists the wrist.
Typical Symptoms:
– Pain and tenderness on the inner elbow, radiating to the forearm
– Stiffness and difficulty extending or flexing the arm
– Weak grip strength in hand and wrist
– Tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers
Causes & Risk Factors
Common causes include poor technique in sports (e.g. golf, tennis), repetitive hand movements in work or hobbies, or overloading the elbow joint. Most often affects individuals aged 40-60 or those with high hand-use occupations (e.g. carpentry, plumbing)
Complications If Untreated:
– Chronic pain limiting function
– Reduced forearm strength and flexibility
– Ongoing limitations in sport or manual tasks
Prevention Tips
Use proper technique, strengthen forearm muscles, take regular breaks from repetitive tasks, and use ergonomic tools or sport-specific equipment.
Persistent pain or weakness in the inner elbow that doesn’t resolve with rest may require physiotherapy or activity modification.
Meniscus Tears
Meniscus Tears are knee injuries involving the cartilage that cushions and stabilize the joint. They’re common in athletes and active individuals but can also result from wear and tear over time.
Typical Symptoms:
– Knee pain during twisting or rotation
– Swelling and stiffness after activity
– Locking, catching, or inability to fully straighten the knee
– A popping sound at injury
– Instability or feeling the knee may “give way”
Causes & Risk Factors
Often caused by twisting motions with planted foot, sudden changes in direction, or direct impact. Risk increases with age, high-impact sports, and repetitive knee stress from lifting or squatting.
Complications If Untreated:
– Persistent knee pain or swelling
– Limited mobility or instability
– Increased risk of arthritis due to cartilage damage
Prevention Tips
Strengthen the muscles around the knee, maintain flexibility with stretching, use proper movement techniques, and wear supportive footwear.
If you have knee pain, swelling, or locking that doesn’t resolve, consult a healthcare provider.