Orthopedic Physiotherapy: Expert Care for Your Bones & Joints

Find specialized orthopedic physiotherapists in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, and across India

Had a knee replacement? Recovering from a fracture? Dealing with arthritis pain (gathiya) that's making daily life difficult? Orthopedic physiotherapy is the specialized branch of physiotherapy that focuses specifically on your bones, joints, and the tissues connecting them.

India sees millions of orthopedic surgeries each year - from hip and knee replacements becoming common for seniors, to sports injuries in younger patients, to accident-related fractures at any age. The success of these surgeries depends heavily on what happens AFTER the surgery: rehabilitation.

Let's explore how orthopedic physiotherapy works and why it's essential for recovering full function after joint or bone injuries.

What is Orthopedic Physiotherapy?

Orthopedic physiotherapy deals with your musculoskeletal system - everything that makes your body move: bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. Orthopedic physios work hand-in-hand with orthopedic surgeons, providing both non-surgical treatment for conditions that don't need surgery, and post-surgical rehabilitation for those that do.

What makes orthopedic physiotherapy different from general physio? These specialists understand biomechanics, surgical techniques, healing timelines, and weight-bearing protocols. They know exactly how much to push you and when - crucial after joint replacement or fracture repair.

What Orthopedic Physiotherapists Do:

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Pre-Surgical Preparation: Strengthen muscles before surgery for faster recovery (prehabilitation)
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Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Structured recovery programs after joint replacements, fracture fixation, ligament reconstruction
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Non-Surgical Management: Treating arthritis, chronic pain, and injuries that don't need surgery
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Pain Management: Reducing pain through manual therapy, modalities, and therapeutic exercises
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Mobility Restoration: Getting joints moving again after injury, surgery, or prolonged immobility
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Strength Rehabilitation: Rebuilding muscle strength lost during injury or post-surgery rest

Conditions We Treat in India

Orthopedic physiotherapy covers a wide range of bone and joint conditions. Here's what we commonly treat across India:

Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

•Total knee replacement (TKR)
•Total hip replacement (THR)
•Shoulder replacement
•ACL/PCL reconstruction
•Spinal fusion surgery
•Fracture fixation (ORIF)

Joint & Bone Conditions

•Osteoarthritis (gathiya/sandhivaat)
•Rheumatoid arthritis
•Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis)
•Disc herniation/prolapse
•Fractures (all types)
•Osteoporosis management

Soft Tissue Injuries

•Ligament tears (ACL, MCL, PCL)
•Rotator cuff tears
•Meniscus injuries
•Achilles tendon problems
•Bursitis & tendinitis

Spinal Conditions

•Chronic back pain (kamar dard)
•Sciatica
•Cervical spondylosis (neck arthritis)
•Spinal stenosis
•Post-laminectomy rehab

Most Common in India:

With India's aging population and rising rates of diabetes (which affects bone health), we see particularly high demand for:

→Knee replacement rehab: India performs 150,000+ knee replacements annually
→Arthritis management: Over 180 million Indians have arthritis
→Fracture rehabilitation: Road accidents and osteoporotic fractures
→Spine problems: Desk jobs, commuting, and poor posture epidemic

How Orthopedic Physiotherapy Restores Your Function

Whether you're recovering from surgery or managing a chronic condition, orthopedic rehabilitation follows a structured approach:

1. Pain & Swelling Control

In the early phase, treatment focuses on managing post-surgical or post-injury inflammation. Modalities like ice, elevation, gentle movement, and sometimes electrical stimulation help reduce pain without medication.

2. Range of Motion Restoration

After surgery or injury, joints stiffen. Gentle stretching, joint mobilization, and progressive movement exercises help restore how far you can bend and straighten. This is critical - miss this window and joints can become permanently stiff.

3. Strength Rebuilding

Muscles atrophy (waste away) quickly during immobility. Progressive strengthening exercises - starting gentle and increasing over time - rebuild the muscle power needed for daily activities and stability.

4. Balance & Proprioception

Surgery and injury disrupt your body's sense of joint position (proprioception). Balance training and coordination exercises help restore confidence and prevent falls - especially important after knee/hip replacements.

5. Functional Training

The final phase focuses on activities you actually do: climbing stairs, getting up from Indian-style sitting, walking outdoors, returning to work activities. Treatment isn't complete until you can do what matters to YOU.

Treatment Techniques Used

Orthopedic physiotherapists have a wide toolkit. Here's what you might experience during treatment:

Manual Techniques

•Joint mobilization/manipulation
•Soft tissue massage
•Stretching techniques
•Myofascial release
•Trigger point therapy

Exercise-Based

•Range of motion exercises
•Progressive strengthening
•Balance & proprioception
•Gait (walking) retraining
•Functional task training

Modalities & Equipment

•Ultrasound therapy
•Electrical stimulation (TENS, IFT)
•Hot/cold therapy

•CPM machines (for knee replacement)
•Resistance bands & weights
•Balance boards & wobble cushions

What to Expect During Treatment

Here's what a typical orthopedic physiotherapy journey looks like:

1Initial Assessment (45-60 minutes)

Your physiotherapist reviews your medical history, surgical notes (if applicable), and performs a thorough physical examination. They measure your range of motion, strength, and functional abilities. Goals are set together based on what matters to you.

2Treatment Sessions (30-45 minutes)

Each session combines hands-on treatment (manual therapy, stretching) with supervised exercises. Intensity progresses based on your healing and response. You'll also learn exercises to do at home.

3Home Exercise Program

Rehabilitation happens mostly at home. You'll receive a customized exercise program to do daily (usually 20-45 minutes). This is where the real progress happens - clinic sessions guide and adjust, but home exercises build strength.

4Progress Reviews

Regular reassessments track your progress against goals. Treatment intensity and exercises are modified based on how you're responding. For post-surgical cases, your surgeon may be updated on progress.

Typical Treatment Details:

Session frequency: 2-3 times per week initially, reducing over time
Program duration: 6-12 weeks for most conditions (longer for major surgery)
Home exercises: 20-45 minutes daily, crucial for success
Recovery milestones: Varies by condition - your physio will set realistic expectations

Orthopedic Physiotherapy Cost in India

Orthopedic physiotherapy costs vary based on the condition being treated, clinic location, and program duration. Here's what you can expect:

Metro cities (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai)₹500 - ₹1,500/session

Tier-2 cities (Hyderabad, Pune, Jaipur, Kochi)₹300 - ₹1,000/session

Home visits₹800 - ₹2,500/session

Knee replacement program (6-12 weeks)₹20,000 - ₹60,000 total

Hip replacement program (6-12 weeks)₹18,000 - ₹50,000 total

Arthritis management program₹10,000 - ₹30,000/month

What Affects the Cost?

• Type of surgery or condition (major surgeries need longer programs)
• Session duration (30 vs. 45 vs. 60 minutes)
• Equipment used (CPM machines, specialized equipment)
• Clinic location and physiotherapist's experience
• Home visit vs. clinic-based treatment

Need Expert Orthopedic Rehabilitation?

We've partnered with India's leading orthopedic physiotherapists - specialists who work closely with top orthopedic surgeons and have rehabilitated thousands of joint replacements, fractures, and complex cases.

Whether you're in Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Pune, or anywhere else in India, we'll connect you with an orthopedic specialist who can help you recover fully.

Find Orthopedic Physiotherapists Near You

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does an orthopedic physiotherapist treat?▼

Orthopedic physiotherapists treat conditions affecting bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons. This includes fractures, joint replacements, arthritis (gathiya), disc problems, frozen shoulder, ACL injuries, rotator cuff tears, and chronic musculoskeletal pain. They work closely with orthopedic surgeons to provide both pre and post-surgical care.

How soon after surgery should I start physiotherapy?▼

Most surgeons recommend starting within 24-48 hours after surgery, right in the hospital. Early mobilization prevents blood clots, reduces stiffness, and accelerates recovery. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will coordinate the exact timing based on your specific procedure.

Can physiotherapy help me avoid surgery?▼

In many cases, yes! Conservative physiotherapy successfully treats conditions like mild-to-moderate arthritis, partial rotator cuff tears, small meniscus tears, and many types of chronic pain - often avoiding or delaying the need for surgery. Studies show many patients who try physiotherapy first avoid surgery altogether.

How long is recovery after knee or hip replacement?▼

After knee or hip replacement, you'll typically need intensive rehabilitation for 6-12 weeks. Most people walk with aids by week 2-3, resume daily activities by week 6-8, and achieve functional recovery by 3-6 months. Full strength and endurance continue improving for up to a year.

Is orthopedic physiotherapy painful?▼

Some discomfort is normal, especially during early post-surgical rehabilitation when joints are stiff. However, good physiotherapists work within your pain tolerance and know the difference between "therapeutic discomfort" and harmful pain. Treatment intensity is always adjusted based on your feedback.

Should I do physiotherapy at home or in a clinic?▼

Both options work well. Home visits are convenient for early post-surgical patients who find travel difficult. Clinics offer access to specialized equipment (CPM machines, parallel bars, etc.). Many patients start with home visits and transition to clinic-based care as they become more mobile. Discuss with your physiotherapist what works best for your situation.

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