Postoperative Physiotherapy CPD Course

Lesson 1 • Interdisciplinary Team Roles in Recovery

Maps the roles of surgeons, nurses, dietitians, and therapists in postoperative care. Establishes communication norms that support safe physiotherapy practice.

Lesson 2 • Physiological Responses to Surgery

Examines systemic stress responses triggered by surgery. Connects cardiovascular, respiratory, and metabolic changes to early rehab priorities.

Lesson 3 • Postoperative Complications Overview

Identifies common complications including DVT, pneumonia, and wound dehiscence. Enables therapists to recognise red flags and modify treatment accordingly.

Lesson 4 • Surgical Procedures and Tissue Healing

Covers major surgical categories and their tissue-level effects. Links wound healing phases to physiotherapy timing decisions.

Lesson 1 • Outcome Measures and Documentation

Introduces validated postoperative outcome measures and clinical documentation standards. Ensures measurable, legally defensible records of patient progress.

Lesson 2 • Chart Review and Medical Record Analysis

Teaches extraction of surgical, anaesthetic, and medication data from clinical records. Prepares therapists to identify contraindications before patient contact.

Lesson 3 • Functional Mobility and Balance Assessment

Applies validated tools to measure bed mobility, transfers, and ambulation capacity. Informs safe discharge planning and mobility aid prescription.

Lesson 4 • Objective Physical Examination

Covers vital signs, range of motion, strength, and neurological testing in postoperative patients. Provides measurable baselines for tracking rehabilitation progress.

Lesson 1 • Electrophysical Agents for Pain Control

Covers TENS, ultrasound, and cryotherapy applications in postoperative pain management. Teaches parameter selection and contraindication screening for each modality.

Lesson 2 • Manual Therapy for Pain Relief

Applies soft tissue mobilisation, joint mobilisation, and scar tissue techniques to reduce pain. Adapts manual approaches to postoperative precautions and tissue fragility.

Lesson 3 • Understanding Postoperative Pain Mechanisms

Explains nociceptive, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain pathways after surgery. Grounds treatment selection in the underlying pain mechanism.

Lesson 4 • Positioning and Splinting for Pain Reduction

Teaches therapeutic positioning and orthotic use to offload painful structures. Reduces pain at rest and during mobility to support early rehabilitation.

Lesson 1 • Rationale and Evidence for Early Mobilisation

Presents clinical evidence linking early mobilisation to reduced complications and faster recovery. Establishes the physiological basis for initiating movement within hours of surgery.

Lesson 2 • Bed Mobility Techniques and Progressions

Teaches rolling, bridging, and supine-to-sit transitions adapted to surgical precautions. Progresses patients systematically from passive to active-assisted to independent movement.

Lesson 3 • Ambulation Initiation and Progression

Guides therapists through first-step ambulation protocols and gait aid selection. Progresses walking distance and independence based on patient tolerance and vital signs.

Lesson 4 • Sit-to-Stand and Transfer Training

Covers biomechanically safe sit-to-stand techniques and bed-to-chair transfers. Addresses weight-bearing restrictions and assistive device use during transfers.

Lesson 1 • Chest Physiotherapy Techniques

Applies percussion, vibration, and postural drainage to mobilise secretions in dependent lung zones. Adapts techniques to surgical wounds, drains, and patient tolerance.

Lesson 2 • Breathing Exercises and Lung Expansion

Teaches diaphragmatic breathing, incentive spirometry, and segmental breathing techniques. Restores functional residual capacity and prevents alveolar collapse after surgery.

Lesson 3 • Airway Clearance Techniques

Covers active cycle of breathing, autogenic drainage, and assisted cough techniques. Clears retained secretions to reduce infection risk and improve oxygenation.

Lesson 4 • Oxygen Therapy and Ventilatory Support

Explains supplemental oxygen delivery systems and non-invasive ventilation used postoperatively. Guides therapists in monitoring and responding to oxygen saturation changes.

Lesson 1 • Soft Tissue and Ligament Repair Rehabilitation

Applies tissue healing timelines to ACL, rotator cuff, and tendon repair rehabilitation. Progresses loading based on graft or repair maturation and functional criteria.

Lesson 2 • Total Hip and Knee Arthroplasty Rehabilitation

Covers precautions, weight-bearing protocols, and exercise progressions after joint replacement. Addresses functional milestones from day one through return to community ambulation.

Lesson 3 • Edema, Scar, and Joint Stiffness Management

Targets postoperative edema, scar adhesion, and joint contracture with specific interventions. Prevents long-term functional deficits through early and consistent tissue management.

Lesson 4 • Spinal Surgery Rehabilitation

Addresses postoperative precautions, posture, and core stabilisation after spinal procedures. Progresses patients from log-rolling to functional lifting and return to activity.

Lesson 1 • Deconditioning and Functional Restoration

Addresses ICU-acquired weakness and prolonged bed rest deconditioning with progressive exercise. Restores aerobic capacity, strength, and functional independence before discharge.

Lesson 2 • ICU and High-Dependency Unit Physiotherapy

Applies early rehabilitation to ventilated and sedated patients in intensive care settings. Covers passive, active-assisted, and active exercises within ICU safety parameters.

Lesson 3 • Abdominal Surgery Rehabilitation

Targets respiratory, core, and mobility rehabilitation after laparotomy and laparoscopic procedures. Addresses abdominal binders, wound support, and early ambulation strategies.

Lesson 4 • Cardiac Surgery Rehabilitation Principles

Covers sternal precautions, cardiac monitoring, and exercise progression after open-heart surgery. Integrates physiotherapy with cardiac rehabilitation phase one protocols.

Lesson 1 • Return to Work and Activity Clearance

Applies functional and physiological criteria to guide return to work, sport, and daily activities. Coordinates clearance decisions with the surgical team and occupational health.

Lesson 2 • Outpatient Rehabilitation Programme Structure

Designs phased outpatient programmes that advance strength, endurance, and function after discharge. Aligns session frequency and intensity with surgical healing milestones.

Lesson 3 • Long-Term Outcomes and Recurrence Prevention

Addresses chronic pain prevention, re-injury risk reduction, and long-term functional maintenance. Empowers patients with self-management strategies for sustained recovery.

Lesson 4 • Discharge Readiness Assessment

Applies functional criteria to determine safe discharge from inpatient physiotherapy care. Evaluates mobility, home environment, and support systems before discharge.