Had surgery? Your rehab starts here
Whether your operation was nearby at Elstree or in central London, the weeks afterwards decide how well you get back on your feet. Our Borehamwood physios guide you from your first week home to the things you love doing.
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google from 65 reviews of our Borehamwood clinic
Quick answer: Follow your surgeon’s guidelines first. Where they allow, we usually start about a week after a knee or hip replacement, then see you once or twice a week until you manage stairs without a stick and can drive, before building towards your hobbies at 6 to 12 weeks. Our Borehamwood clinic is inside Anytime Fitness, Theobald Street, WD6 4PR.
Operations we rehab every week
Knee replacement
Total and partial
Getting the bend and straightening back, then walking, stairs and strength.
Hip replacement
Back on your feet
Safe movement, strength and walking without aids.
Ankle surgery
Fractures and Achilles repairs
Protected loading, then calf strength and balance.
Shoulder and ACL
Repairs and reconstructions
Criteria-based programmes back to work and sport.
Our first session after surgery checks your walking, your exercises, the wound and early warning signs such as calf swelling, and makes sure you understand exactly what to do at home. Then we progress you to strength work in the gym when your surgeon’s protocol allows.
The first two weeks after a total knee replacement
Booked in for surgery?
Book your first rehab session now so your plan is ready when you get home.
Rehab, stage by stage
- Weeks 1 to 2: pain and swelling control, gentle movement, safe walking
- Weeks 2 to 6: range of movement, early strength, normal walking
- Weeks 6 to 12: gym-based strength, balance and stairs
- After 12 weeks: hobbies, sport and work specific training
1 to 2
sessions a week is typical in the early weeks after a joint replacement
BOOST PHYSIO approach
51%
lower reinjury risk for each month return to sport was delayed, up to 9 months after ACL surgery
Grindem et al, BJSM 2016
~5
sessions is typical for our patients to reach their goals
BOOST PHYSIO patient data
Physiotherapy after Achilles tendon surgery
Anxious about getting moving after ankle surgery? That is very normal. We go at your pace and build your confidence step by step.
Contact your surgeon or call 111 if you notice
- Calf pain, swelling or redness, or sudden breathlessness: call 999
- Increasing redness, heat, discharge or fever around the wound
- Pain that is steadily getting worse instead of better
- A sudden loss of movement after knee or shoulder surgery
Meet your Borehamwood physios
Michael, Jolene, Harry and Abbi rehab patients after surgery every week, using the gym on site for the later stages.
Michael Bolger
Specialist Physiotherapist
Michael was Head of Medical Services at Northampton Town FC and brings that professional sport experience to every patient.
Jolene Sher
Specialist Physiotherapist and Clinical Lead
Jolene leads our Elstree and Borehamwood clinicians, with a special interest in back and neck pain and Pilates-based rehab.
Harry Fountain
Senior Physiotherapist
Harry treats pain and injuries with hands-on care, clear exercise plans and acupuncture where it helps.
Abbiher Banfield
Senior Physiotherapist
Abbi takes time to listen, then builds a plan around your pain, your goals and acupuncture where it helps.
What our Borehamwood patients say
★★★★★
“I’ve seen quite a few physiotherapists over the last 20 years after a broken fibula, ACL surgery, and now a rotator cuff tear, and I can honestly say Michael is the best I’ve ever had.”
★★★★★
“He has started him on the road to recovery. We will definitely be seeing him again after following his advice for the next couple of weeks.”
★★★★★
“I injured my ACL while skiing and needed to see a physio to help with my recovery.”
Watch: rehab after joint replacement
Videos from our physios and patients.
How to help total knee replacement recovery
Recovery after total hip replacement
One clinic, the experience of a whole team
Something our patients don’t always realise is how much support sits behind each physio. Our team trains together twice a month and every physio has a dedicated mentor who reviews cases with them, so when you see us in Borehamwood you get the experience of the whole BOOST PHYSIO group.
- Same day appointments, seven days a week across our clinics
- No GP referral needed
- Recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, WPA and Aviva
Prefer another clinic? Book at BOOST PHYSIO Elstree, Mill Hill or Hampstead Garden Suburb, or read more about knee replacement rehab and hip replacement rehab.
Plan your recovery with us
Book at BOOST PHYSIO Borehamwood, Anytime Fitness, Theobald Street, WD6 4PR.
Related reading
Your questions answered
Where is your Borehamwood clinic?
Inside Anytime Fitness at Borehamwood Shopping Park, Theobald Street, WD6 4PR, a short walk from Elstree and Borehamwood station.
When should I start physio after a hip replacement?
Follow your surgeon’s advice. Where they allow, around a week after the operation is a good time for your first private session.
Can you send updates to my surgeon?
Yes. We follow your surgeon’s protocol and can send progress updates to your consultant.
Can I use my health insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by Bupa, AXA Health, Vitality, WPA and Aviva. Bring your authorisation number and policy details and we will do the rest.
Do I need a GP referral to see a physio?
No. You can book directly with us online, by phone or on WhatsApp. If you are claiming on private medical insurance, check with your insurer first, as some ask for a GP or specialist referral.
Written and clinically reviewed by Steven Berkman, BSc Physiotherapy (University of Cape Town), HCPC-registered chartered physiotherapist, MCSP, founder of BOOST PHYSIO in 2008, with Michael Bolger, Jolene Sher, Harry Fountain and Abbiher Banfield at BOOST PHYSIO Borehamwood. Last reviewed 12 November 2026.
References
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder (NG157). 2020.
- Grindem H et al. Simple decision rules can reduce reinjury risk by 84% after ACL reconstruction. Br J Sports Med 2016;50:804-808.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis. If you are unsure what is causing your symptoms, book an assessment or speak to your GP. If you have severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, call 111 or 999.
