rehabilitation physiotherapy - #15325
I am really confused about this whole rehabilitation physiotherapy thing. Two weeks ago, I had knee surgery after an injury playing soccer, and my doctor recommended rehabilitation physiotherapy to help me recover. At first, I thought it would be like, super easy, but man, it’s tough! The first session was a killer – I was sweating and even kinda embarrassed. The physiotherapist said proper rehabilitation physiotherapy is essential for regaining strength and mobility, but now I'm starting to doubt if I can keep up with it. I feel like I'm not progressing as fast as they expect. My knee still feels stiff, and sometimes I get these sharp pains after a session. Am I doing something wrong or is this normal? Also, how many sessions of rehabilitation physiotherapy usually take before you see real improvement? I'm really hoping this works out because I wanna get back on the field, but I'm scared I'm not doing it right. Should I ask my physiotherapist about adjusting my routine or something? I want to make sure I'm getting the most out of my rehabilitation physiotherapy.
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Rehabilitation physiotherapy after knee surgery can certainly be challenging, especially in the beginning. It’s important to remember that everyone heals and progresses at different rates, so comparing yourself with any predetermined timelines might lead to unnecessary stress. The stiffness and sharp pains you’re experiencing are not uncommon in the early stages of rehabilitation. It’s crucial to communicate these symptoms to your physiotherapist as they can assess if any adjustments need to be made to your routine. Pain that’s sharp and persistent, especially if it doesn’t improve, could indicate that certain exercises might need modifications to prevent undue strain on your knee. Your physiotherapist might also tweak the intensity or focus of the workouts to better match your current capacity. Generally, it might take a few weeks to begin noticing significant improvements in strength and mobility, but this time frame can vary based on the nature and severity of the injury, as well as individual factors like your overall fitness level and commitment to the rehabilitation program. Typically, you might expect to notice some improvements in mobility and muscle strength over the course of weeks to months, not by adherence alone but by progressively following the exercise plan in a manageable steady way. Consistency is key, and sessions are usually structured to gradually increase in intensity as your body adapts. Patience and persistence play crucial roles here. It’s highly advisable to seek your physiotherapist’s guidance on whether your current routine adequately balances rest and activity, and if any modifications could help optimize your rehab process. Keeping them informed about any pain or discomfort will ensure your rehabilitation is both effective and safe. This collaborative effort between you and your physiotherapist is fundamental in getting back on the field safely when you’re ready.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.