Rehabilitation Physiotherapy
Whether you're recovering from surgery, an injury or a medical condition, rehabilitation is about more than simply healing. It's about restoring strength, movement, confidence and independence so you can return to the activities that matter most.
At MK Physiotherapy, we provide personalised rehabilitation programmes designed around your surgery, injury or condition. From your first steps after an operation to returning to work, sport or everyday life, we'll guide your recovery every step of the way.
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Do you have shoulder pain after your abdominal surgery?
Subphrenic bubble - an often over-looked cause of pain
Following laparoscopic or abdominal surgery, the carbon dioxide gas used to inflate the abdomen can sometimes remain trapped beneath the diaphragm (known as the subphrenic gas bubble). As the diaphragm and the shoulder share nerve supply through the phrenic nerve (C3–C5), irritation beneath the diaphragm may be felt as pain in the shoulder or shoulder-neck area. Although this discomfort usually settles as the gas is absorbed, it can be excruciating and extremely debilitating and can even affect our breathing.
✔ Physiotherapy can assist in reducing pain and discomfort.
✔ Treatment is aimed at the diaphragm region - not the shoulder (as a normal musculoskeletal treatment of the neck and shoulder will not help to break up the gas bubble).
If you are struggling with this, get in touch with us to set up an appointment.
What rehabilitation can help with
Recovery isn't measured only by healing—it's measured by getting back to the things that make life meaningful. Whether that's playing with your children, returning to work, completing your next race or simply walking comfortably again, our rehabilitation programmes combine hands-on treatment, personalised exercise and education to help you move forward with confidence.
Post-operative rehabilitation
Recovering from surgery often requires more than just time. Physiotherapy helps restore movement, reduce pain, rebuild strength and improve confidence while supporting a safe return to daily activities.
Common procedures include:
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Joint replacement surgery
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ACL reconstruction
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Shoulder surgery
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Rotator cuff repair
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Meniscus surgery
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Spinal surgery
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Fracture fixation
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Foot and ankle surgery
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Hand surgery
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Abdominal surgery
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Caesarean section
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Hernia repair
Treatment may include:
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Pain management
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Scar management
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Mobility restoration
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Progressive strengthening
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Return-to-function rehabilitation
Orthopaedic rehabilitation
Orthopaedic relates to the branch of medicine focused on the musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. Whether recovering from injury or surgery, rehabilitation aims to reduce pain and inflammation, restore normal movement and enhance function.
Conditions include:
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Fractures
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Tendon injuries
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Ligament injuries
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Joint instability
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Cartilage injuries
Scar and soft tissue recovery
Surgery and injury affect more than just muscles and joints. Our body has an incredible network of connective tissue called fascia, which plays an important role in holding our organs in place and creating a scaffolding for our muscles to work effectively. Surgery can cause adhesions in this connective tissue leading to pain and dysfunction.
Physiotherapy can assist with:
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Scar mobility
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Soft tissue flexibility
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Abdominal recovery
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Swelling
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Tissue healing
Strength and functional rehabilitation
Pain often settles before strength has fully recovered.
Physiotherapy helps rebuild:
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Strength
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Endurance
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Balance
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Coordination
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Mobility
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Confidence
This is particularly important before returning to work or sport.
Neurological rehabilitation
Physiotherapy can help improve independence, mobility and confidence following neurological conditions.
Examples include:
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Stroke
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Parkinson's disease
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Multiple sclerosis
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Peripheral nerve injuries
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Balance disorders
Treatment focuses on:
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Walking
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Balance
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Functional mobility
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Strength
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Falls prevention
Return to work, sport and everyday life
Recovery doesn't end when the pain improves.
We help patients return safely to:
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Work
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Sport
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Gym
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Running
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Caring for children
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Driving
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Everyday activities
using progressive rehabilitation tailored to their goals.
Objective Testing
Data-led Rehabilitation
At MK Physiotherapy, we use the VALD DynaMo objective strength and range of motion testing to measure what can't always be seen. By identifying strength deficits and movement limitations, we can personalise your rehabilitation, monitor your progress and help you return to everyday life with greater confidence.
✔ Identify hidden strength deficits
✔ Track rehabilitation progress
✔ Compare side-to-side performance
✔ Support safer return-to-activity decisions
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
How soon after surgery should I start physiotherapy?
Rehabilitation often begins within days of surgery, although the timing depends on your procedure and your surgeon's recommendations. Early physiotherapy can help reduce stiffness, improve mobility and support a smoother recovery.
Will physiotherapy damage my surgical repair?
No. Your rehabilitation programme is tailored to your procedure and stage of healing. We work within the guidelines provided by your surgeon to protect the repair while progressively restoring movement and strength. In addition, we have 10+ years of experience and have worked with many individuals after a multitude of surgeries.
Why does my sports injury keep coming back?
Recurring injuries are often caused by unresolved strength deficits, movement patterns, training errors or returning to sport too quickly. Rehabilitation should address the underlying cause, not just the painful area.
How long will rehabilitation take?
Recovery varies depending on the type of surgery or injury, your overall health and your goals. Some people recover within a few weeks, while others require several months of structured rehabilitation.
Can physiotherapy help after a Caesarean section or abdominal surgery?
Yes. Physiotherapy can assist with pain management, scar mobility, breathing, posture, abdominal muscle recovery and safely returning to everyday activities and exercise.
What is the cost of a session?
MK Physiotherapy charges medical aid rates according to your scheme. Our standard consultation is approximately 45 minutes. Treatment plans can be arranged according to your budget, or consider booking a cost-effective 30 min session.
Will medical aid cover?
Physiotherapy is most often funded from your day-to-day savings (MSA). Should your MSA be depleted, you will be responsible to settle your account with MK Physiotherapy.
Medical aids offer scheme funded benefits - to see if you qualify call or whatsapp us, we are happy to advise.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your procedure or condition, stage of recovery, physical findings and personal goals. Some concerns improve within a few sessions, while post-operative, neurological or more complex rehabilitation may require a longer programme. Your physiotherapist will discuss the expected treatment plan after your assessment.
OPERATING HOURS
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Mon - Fri: 7am - 6pm
Sat: Call for availability
