Pre & Post Op Physio
in Birkenhead
Pre and post surgery rehabilitation in Birkenhead
Participating in pre- and post-operative rehabilitation is essential for achieving optimal long-term surgical outcomes.
We work closely with you to create a personalised treatment plan focused on pain management, improving mobility and strength, and refining movement patterns. Our approach is designed to support your athletic, professional, or fitness goals, helping you recover effectively and return to the activities that are most important to you.
Whether you're preparing for a knee reconstruction, recovering from a joint replacement or getting back on track after shoulder surgery, our Birkenhead physio team will guide you through every stage – from your first appointment before surgery to your return to full activity.
How our pre/post op physio works
Surgery is only one part of your recovery. What you do before and after makes a big difference to how quickly – and how fully – you get back to the things you love. We work alongside your surgeon's protocol and keep you progressing at the right pace.
Before surgery: prehabiliation
Pre-surgery physio builds strength, mobility and confidence before your operation. Put simply, the stronger you go into surgery, the stronger your come out and will mean for a smoother recovery afterwards. We'll help you know what to expect too.
Early recovery after surgery
Managing pain and swelling, protecting the repair and safely restoring early movement in line with your surgeon's guidelines.
Rebuilding strength and movement
A progressive rehab programme to restore range of motion, strength, balance and control, while refining how you move.
Returning to sport, work and life
Sport-, work- and goal-specific training so you return with confidence and reduce your risk of future injury.
What Makes The Physio Bunker Different
We're not a big chain, and we don't rush you through the door. The Physio Bunker is a locally owned and operated Birkenhead clinic, started by Leon and built on one simple belief: good physiotherapy takes time. That's why every initial appointment is a full 60 minutes. It gives us time to properly listen, learn about you, your lifestyle and your goals, and thoroughly assess what's really going on, not just where it hurts. With that full picture, we create a care plan that's genuinely built around you, and we stay with you every step of the way. It's the same personal, unhurried care Leon has always offered, and it's why so many of our patients say they finally feel heard.
ACC & Private post surgery physio in Birkenhead & the North Shore
No referral needed
If your surgery is the result of an accident, your rehab may be covered by ACC. You don't need a GP referral to see us – we can manage your ACC claim and paperwork, and we're happy to liaise with your surgeon. We're also Southern Cross affiliated, and private appointments are available if your surgery isn't covered by ACC.
Initial consultations are a full 60 minutes. Find us at Level 1, 10 Birkenhead Avenue – easy to reach from Northcote, Beach Haven, Glenfield and across the North Shore.
Surgeries we help you recover from
Our physiotherapists provide pre and post-operative rehab for a wide range of orthopaedic procedures. Tap a procedure to see why you might need it, what recovery can feel like and how we'll support you.
-
Why you might need it: An ACL rupture can happen with a sudden twist, change of direction or awkward landing – often in netball, football, rugby or skiing. Meniscus tears can happen the same way, or gradually over time, and may need a repair or arthroscopy.
What recovery can feel like: After surgery it's normal to have swelling, stiffness, a weak or 'switched off' quad and difficulty fully straightening or bending your knee. Many people also feel nervous about trusting the knee again.
How we help: Prehab to settle swelling and build strength before surgery, then a structured, milestone-based rehab plan: restoring movement and quad control early, progressing strength, balance and running, and finishing with agility and sport-specific training before a safe return to sport.
-
Why you might need it: Usually recommended when osteoarthritis causes ongoing pain, stiffness and reduced function that's no longer well managed with other treatment.
What recovery can feel like: Early on you can expect pain, swelling, stiffness and tiredness. Walking, stairs, getting in and out of the car and sleeping comfortably can all take some adjusting to.
How we help: Getting stronger before your operation can make recovery smoother. Afterwards, we'll help you manage pain and swelling, restore movement, strength and confidence walking, and progress you back to everyday life – and the activities you enjoy, from golf to gardening.
-
Why you might need it: Common procedures include rotator cuff repairs, stabilisation after repeated dislocations, and other procedures for persistent shoulder pain.
What recovery can feel like: Time in a sling, stiffness, night pain and weakness are all common, and everyday tasks like getting dressed or reaching overhead can be frustrating in the early weeks.
How we help: We follow your surgeon's protocol closely to protect the repair, then gradually restore range of motion, rebuild strength around the shoulder blade and rotator cuff, and progress you towards lifting, overhead work and sport.
-
Why you might need it: Surgery may be needed after an Achilles rupture, a fracture that needs fixing, or repeated ankle sprains that have left the joint unstable.
What recovery can feel like: Time in a boot or on crutches, swelling that comes and goes, stiffness and calf weakness – and it can take a while to feel steady on your feet again.
How we help: We'll help you safely transition out of the boot, restore ankle movement and calf strength, retrain your balance and build a graded plan back to walking, running and sport.
-
Why you might need it: Procedures such as a discectomy, decompression or fusion may be recommended for nerve pain, disc problems or spinal conditions that haven't responded to other treatment.
What recovery can feel like: Stiffness, tiredness, some lingering nerve symptoms and uncertainty about which movements are safe are all common early on.
How we help: Guided by your surgeon's advice, we'll help you move with confidence, gradually rebuild core and whole-body strength, and plan a safe return to work, lifting and your usual activities.
-
Why you might need it: Whether your fracture was treated in a cast or with surgery, the time spent immobilised takes a toll on the surrounding muscles and joints.
What recovery can feel like: Once the cast or brace comes off, it's common to feel stiff, weak and a bit wary of using the area – and swelling can hang around for a while.
How we help: Once you've been cleared by your doctor or surgeon, we'll restore your movement, rebuild strength and confidence, and progress you back to full function – whether that's work, sport or everyday tasks.
Testimonials
Frequently asked questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and book below.
-
No. You can book directly without a referral from a doctor. As for ACC, we can submit them on your behalf during the first appointment.
-
Initial and follow-up session pricing is available above. ACC rates may differ.
-
We treat back pain, neck pain, shoulder injuries, sports injuries, and general rehabilitation. We do injury rehabilitation, pre & post operative rehabilitation, alongside acupuncture / dry needling, TPI golf screening and sports massages.
-
We aim to offer appointments within the same week, depending on availability. Clicking the book now button above will let you see the availability we have.
-
A full assessment, diagnosis and creation of a personalised treatment plan to help get you fit and healthy as soon as possible.