Why does my physiotherapist need the surgeon’s instructions?
Because the operation decides the rules. Two people with a “knee operation” can have different repairs and different limits, and only the surgeon’s report shows which is yours.
Our job is to rebuild movement safely inside those limits. The clearer the report, the sooner we can progress.
What papers should I bring?
Bring photos if you cannot bring the originals.
- Operation report, including the name of the procedure.
- Discharge summary and medicine list.
- Written restrictions: weight bearing, range of movement, lifting.
- Review dates and the clinic that will see you.
- X-ray or scan reports, if you have them.
- Exercise sheet from the ward physiotherapist.
If you had an implant, note its type. If you wear a sling, brace or boot, ask how long and when it may come off.
What questions should I ask the surgeon?
Ask in plain words and write the answers down.
- What exactly was done in the operation?
- Which movements must I avoid, and until when?
- How much weight can I put on the leg or arm?
- When can I start strengthening exercises?
- When can I drive, climb stairs and return to work?
- Which signs mean I should call or come back?
Our page on questions to ask before discharge has more.
What if the papers did not come with me?
Clinics expect this to happen. Phone or message the surgeon’s clinic at your hospital, such as Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun, Fatimah Hospital, KPJ Ipoh Specialist Hospital or Pantai Hospital Ipoh, and ask for a copy or a short note.
A family member can do this on your behalf. Give your full name, the date of surgery and what you need. Expect that the clinic decides what it can release.
What if the advice and the exercise sheet do not match?
Stop and ask before you change anything. For example, the sheet may show a movement the surgeon later limited.
Send both to the physiotherapist. We will check the sheet against the surgeon’s note and, if needed, ask the surgeon’s team to clarify. Read daily activities after surgery for stairs, driving and work.
How do we use the papers at a home visit?
We read them first, then watch how you move at home. The plan is built on the report and fitted to your stairs, your bathroom and your day.
This applies to knee replacement and other operations alike. Our post-surgical rehabilitation page shows how a plan develops over the weeks.
How do I start?
Message us with the operation, the date and your area in Ipoh, and send photos of whatever papers you have. We tell you what is missing and how to ask for it, then plan the first home visit. We quote prices on WhatsApp.