Post-Surgical Rehabilitation in Riviera del Sol and Marbella
Post-surgical rehabilitation determines how well your body recovers after an orthopaedic procedure. Surgery is only half the equation. Without structured, expert rehabilitation afterwards, outcomes are compromised. Costa Health's physiotherapists have worked alongside orthopaedic surgeons throughout their careers, treating patients recovering from shoulder, knee, ankle, and spinal procedures. In Spain, Costa Health has established direct communication pathways with local surgeons, ensuring your rehabilitation programme aligns precisely with what your surgeon requires. If you are experiencing sudden increased pain, significant new swelling, fever, wound changes, or any loss of function that was previously restored after surgery, contact your surgeon or attend A&E immediately.
Rehabilitation That Matches Your Surgery
Every surgical procedure has its own rehabilitation timeline, restrictions, and milestones. A rotator cuff repair demands a different approach to an ACL reconstruction or a lumbar fusion. A common misconception is that surgery alone fixes the problem. In reality, the operation creates the conditions for recovery, but the body needs carefully guided rehabilitation to regain strength, mobility, and confidence in movement. Research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that delaying return to sport until at least 9 months after ACL reconstruction, with structured physiotherapy throughout, reduced re-injury risk by 51% (Grindem et al., 2016). This kind of evidence guides how Costa Health's physiotherapists design each programme. Rehabilitation here is also supported by the wider clinical team. During later recovery stages, sports massage can address soft tissue restrictions, and our chiropractors and osteopath are available when spinal or joint alignment needs attention alongside your physiotherapy programme.
Surgeon-Aligned Protocols
Costa Health's physiotherapists work in direct communication with your surgeon. Rehabilitation follows your surgeon's specific post-operative guidelines, with regular feedback on your progress and any concerns.
Progressive Milestones
Recovery follows clear, measurable stages. From restoring range of motion and reducing swelling in the early weeks to rebuilding strength, proprioception, and functional movement in later phases.
Return-to-Activity Goals
Rehabilitation does not end when the pain stops. Costa Health works towards full functional recovery, whether that means returning to sport, daily activities, or physically demanding work.
Surgeries We Rehabilitate
Costa Health's physiotherapists treat patients recovering from the most common orthopaedic procedures. Each rehabilitation programme is specific to the surgery performed.
Shoulder Surgery
Rotator cuff repair, subacromial decompression, labral repair, and shoulder stabilisation. Structured rehabilitation restores range of motion, strength, and confidence in overhead and loaded movements.
Learn moreACL Reconstruction
One of the most demanding rehabilitation journeys in orthopaedics. Typically 9 to 12 months of progressive work covering range of motion, quadriceps and hamstring strength, neuromuscular control, and return-to-sport testing.
Learn moreKnee Replacement
Total and partial knee replacement rehabilitation. Early mobilisation, swelling management, quadriceps activation, and progressive loading to restore walking, stairs, and daily function.
Meniscal Surgery
Meniscal repair and meniscectomy follow very different timelines. Repair requires a cautious, graduated approach over months. Meniscectomy allows faster progression. Getting this distinction right matters.
Ankle Surgery
Ligament reconstruction, fracture fixation, and Achilles tendon repair. Ankle rehabilitation demands careful attention to proprioception, balance, and progressive weight-bearing protocols.
Spinal Surgery
Discectomy, laminectomy, spinal decompression, and lumbar fusion. Post-spinal rehabilitation requires careful adherence to surgeon-specified movement restrictions while progressively rebuilding core stability and spinal control.
Learn morePricing
Initial Assessment
€85
Follow-Up
€60
Prices are reviewed regularly. Please contact us if you have any questions.
"After my ACL reconstruction, Daniele designed a rehabilitation programme that was thorough, progressive, and always in line with what my surgeon wanted. He kept my surgeon informed throughout. Nine months later, I passed my return-to-sport tests and I am back playing at the level I was before the injury."
Marcus L.
Patient
Meet Your Practitioners
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I start physiotherapy after surgery?
This depends entirely on the procedure. Some surgeries, like knee replacement, benefit from physiotherapy starting within days. Others, like rotator cuff repair, require a period of protected rest before active rehabilitation begins. Your surgeon will provide specific guidance, and Costa Health's physiotherapists follow these timelines precisely.
How long does post-surgical rehabilitation take?
Timelines vary by procedure. Meniscectomy patients may return to full activity within 6 to 8 weeks. ACL reconstruction typically requires 9 to 12 months. Spinal fusion rehabilitation can take 6 months or longer. Your physiotherapist will set clear milestones and monitor progress at every session.
Do I need a referral from my surgeon?
No formal referral is required to book at Costa Health. However, it is strongly recommended that you discuss physiotherapy with your surgeon before and after your procedure. Having your surgeon's post-operative protocol ensures your rehabilitation is fully aligned with their expectations.
Can Costa Health communicate directly with my surgeon?
Yes. In Spain, Costa Health has established pathways to communicate with local orthopaedic surgeons. Progress reports, questions about restrictions or timelines, and updates on recovery can all be shared directly. This surgeon liaison is a core part of how Costa Health delivers post-surgical rehabilitation.
What does a post-surgical rehabilitation session involve?
Sessions combine hands-on manual therapy to restore joint mobility and reduce swelling with progressive therapeutic exercise. As recovery advances, the focus shifts from pain management and range of motion towards strength, proprioception, and functional movement. Each session builds on the last, with clear goals tied to your surgical timeline.
Is it too late to start rehabilitation if my surgery was months ago?
It is rarely too late. Patients who did not receive adequate rehabilitation after surgery often present with persistent stiffness, weakness, or compensatory movement patterns. A patient presenting six months after a knee replacement with ongoing difficulty on stairs, for example, can still make significant progress with a structured physiotherapy programme.
What if I had my surgery in another country?
Many of Costa Health's patients have had surgery in the UK, Germany, or elsewhere in Europe before relocating or retiring to Spain. Surgical notes and imaging are requested where available. If your surgeon is contactable, Costa Health is happy to liaise with them regardless of location.
How much does post-surgical rehabilitation cost?
Initial assessments cost 85 euros and last approximately 60 minutes. Follow-up sessions are 60 euros. The number of sessions required depends on your surgery and recovery timeline. Your physiotherapist will give you a realistic estimate during your first appointment.
Start Your Recovery With the Right Team
Book your post-surgical rehabilitation assessment at Costa Health. Our physiotherapists will design a programme specific to your surgery and keep your surgeon informed throughout.
Available at Riviera del Sol & The Clubhouse Marbella