Had hip or knee surgery but walking still doesn’t feel right?
Specialist, podiatrist and sports therapist led rehabilitation to help you rebuild strength and confidence safely after surgery.
If you’re unsure how much to push, worried about doing damage, or frustrated by slow progress — that’s common after surgery.
We help you walk more comfortably, rebuild strength safely, and understand what’s appropriate at this stage of recovery
No pressure · No sales · Clear clinical guidance
Download “What to Expect After Hip or Knee Surgery — And How to Recover Safely” Ebook
A practical guide to rebuilding confidence, walking well, and progressing safely after joint replacement surgery
WHO THIS PROGRAMME IS FOR
This programme is ideal if:
- You’ve had hip or knee replacement surgery
- You feel uncertain pushing on alone
- You want structured support after discharge
- You value guidance over guesswork
It’s not right if:
- You’re looking for a single session
- You want a quick fix
- You’re not ready to engage with a programme
What Progress Typically Looks Like
Every recovery is different. This gives a general idea of how support is usually structured.
Post-operative recovery is not linear — and there is no fixed timeline that suits everyone.
However, most people find progress becomes clearer when rehabilitation is structured and guided.
Early Stage: Rebuilding Confidence Safely
In the early stages, sessions usually focus on:
- Understanding your current walking ability
- Reducing unnecessary joint stress
- Rebuilding trust in movement
- Clarifying what is safe — and what to avoid
For many people, this stage brings reassurance and direction, even before major physical change.
Middle Stage: Strength, Control & Walking Tolerance
As confidence improves, rehabilitation often progresses toward:
- Increasing walking duration and tolerance
- Improving strength and control around the hip or knee
- Addressing compensations that increase fatigue or discomfort
Progress here is usually steady rather than dramatic — and that’s expected.
Later Stage: Function & Independence
Later support may focus on:
- Returning to everyday activities with less thought or hesitation
- Managing longer walks, outings, or standing tasks
- Understanding how to maintain progress independently
Some people require only a small number of sessions. Others benefit from longer-term guidance.
Both are appropriate.
Rehabilitation is adjusted or paused if it is no longer helpful.
This is about appropriate support, not committing to a package.
Rebuilding Walking Without Overloading Healing Joints
After hip or knee surgery, walking is essential — but so is protecting healing tissues.
Many people struggle with the balance between:
- Doing enough to recover well
- Not doing so much that pain, swelling, or setbacks occur
Where appropriate, we use Microgravity-supported walking to help manage this balance.
What Microgravity Helps With
Microgravity allows you to walk while reducing the load through the hip or knee.
This can help:
- Reintroduce walking earlier and more comfortably
- Reduce fear around weight-bearing
- Build confidence in movement without forcing progress
- Maintain walking rhythm while strength returns
It is not about pushing harder — it is about walking more safely at the right stage.
Microgravity is not used automatically and is not suitable for everyone.
It is introduced only when:
- Walking is appropriate
- Reducing load would support recovery
- It fits within your wider rehab plan
Suitability is always discussed first.
This approach allows us to focus on walking mechanics and confidence, not just exercises — which is often missed in standard post-operative rehab.
No obligation · Clear guidance before any decisions
Your Post-Surgery Rehab Pathway
A calm, structured approach focused on safe walking and long-term confidence.
Phase 1. Assessment & Suitability
We start by understanding your surgery, current walking ability, pain levels, and concerns.
This helps us determine what is appropriate now — and what should wait.
No assumptions. No rushing.
Phase 2. Reduce Load & Protect the Joint
Early rehab is about controlling stress on healing tissues.
Where appropriate, we may reduce joint loading while maintaining movement, helping you stay active without overdoing it.
Phase 3. Rebuild Strength & Control
As healing allows, we gradually rebuild strength, balance, and control around the hip or knee.
This focuses on quality of movement — not just exercises.
Phase 4. Restore Walking & Everyday Function
Rehab progresses toward confident walking, smoother movement, and better tolerance for daily activities such as outings, stairs, and longer periods on your feet.
Phase 5. Maintain Progress & Prevent Setbacks
We help you understand how to continue safely, avoid common post-rehab setbacks, and know when to progress — or pause.
Progress is individual. Some people move through stages quickly. Others need more time and reassurance.
Both are normal.
You don’t need to know where you fit — we’ll guide you.
This Is Not Standard Post-Operative Physio
Many people complete post-operative rehab but still feel:
- Uncertain when walking longer distances
- Uneven or guarded in their movement
- Nervous about loading the joint properly
This is often because walking mechanics and load management haven’t been addressed in enough detail.
Our rehabilitation is podiatrist and sports therapist led, with a specialist focus on how the hip, knee, foot, and ground interact during walking.
This means we look beyond isolated exercises and focus on:
- How load travels through your joint when you walk
- How compensations develop after surgery
- How movement patterns affect confidence and fatigue
- How to progress walking safely, not just strengthen muscles
This biomechanical focus is often missing in standard post-operative rehab.
Standard Post-Op Rehab Often Focuses On:
- General strengthening
- Range of movement
- Time-based progressions
Our Approach Adds:
- Detailed walking and gait assessment
- Load management specific to your surgery
- Lower-limb biomechanics and alignment
- Confidence-led progression, not just exercise volume
This is not about doing more rehab — it’s about doing the right rehab.
All rehabilitation is led by HCPC registered podiatrists with specialist expertise in lower-limb biomechanics and post-surgical walking recovery.
This allows us to guide progression with clinical judgement, not guesswork.
Ongoing Support, If and When You Need It
For some people, post-operative rehabilitation is all that’s required to return to comfortable walking and everyday activity.
Others benefit from a more structured, longer-term approach — particularly if progress has previously stalled, confidence remains low, or multiple factors are involved.
Where appropriate, we can guide patients into more comprehensive support options.
MSK Reboot Plan
A structured, longer-term rehabilitation approach designed for people who want continued guidance beyond early recovery.
This may be appropriate if:
- Strength or walking confidence has plateaued
- You’ve “done rehab before” but still don’t feel right
- Multiple joints or movement issues are involved
VIP Move & Improve
A more intensive, closely supported pathway for patients who value continuity, progression, and regular clinical oversight.
This option focuses on:
- Ongoing movement quality
- Walking confidence and capacity
- Reducing future setbacks
These options are never assumed or required.
They are discussed only if — and when — they are clinically appropriate.
Many patients need only short-term support.
This is a programme, not a one-off session.
Recovery works best when:
- Support is consistent
- Progression is guided
- Confidence is rebuilt gradually
If you’re looking for reassurance without structure, this won’t be right.
If you want clarity and support — it usually is.
THE POST-OP REALITY
After surgery, many people feel:
- Unsure how much to push
- Nervous about damaging the joint
- Confident indoors, but hesitant outdoors
- Discharged before they feel “ready”
This is completely normal.
Pain may be improving — but confidence often lags behind.
WHY RECOVERY CAN STALL AFTER DISCHARGE
Hospital rehab focuses on:
- Early mobility
- Safety
- Independence
What’s often missing is:
- Gradual load progression
- Walking confidence
- Strength rebuilding
- Reassurance when fear creeps in
That gap is where setbacks happen.
OUR APPROACH TO POST-OPERATIVE REHAB
This programme is designed to bridge the gap between discharge and confident, independent movement.
It focuses on:
- Safe walking progression
- Strength and control
- Confidence rebuilding
- Reducing fear of “doing damage”
It’s not about rushing recovery.
It’s about recovering properly.
Our clinicians regularly support:
Our clinicians regularly support:
- Post-operative patients
- Older adults rebuilding mobility
- People lacking confidence after discharge
Care is:
- Structured
- Progressive
- Patient-centred
We focus on safety first, confidence second, independence third.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
After your call, we’ll:
- Confirm whether this programme is suitable
- Explain what the journey would look like
- Be honest if it’s not the right fit
Either way, you’ll leave with clarity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is this suitable for both hip and knee surgery?
Yes. Programmes are adapted to your surgery and recovery stage.
Is it painful?
Rehab should be challenging but safe. Sessions are guided carefully.
Do I need to be recently discharged?
No. Many people join weeks or months after surgery.
Will this replace NHS care?
No — this supports recovery after discharge.
Still Feeling A Little Confused About Your Condition And Don't Know What To Do?
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Our Clinic Locations
We have two convenient locations in Beeston and Ilkeston, making expert podiatry and sports rehabilitation accessible across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Ilkeston Clinic
- Open: Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:00PM / Sat 09:00AM - 01:00PM
- 94 Bath Street, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 8FE
- +44 115 932 8832
- enquiries@wefixfeet.co.uk
Beeston Clinic
- Open: Mon-Fri 09:00AM - 05:00PM / Sat 09:00AM - 01:00PM
- 36a The Square, Beeston, Nottinghamshire NG9 2JJ.
- +44 115 922 3377.
- enquiries@wefixfeet.co.uk
Testimonials
Before You Book Your Appointment, Here’s Just A Handful Of Our Patients Success Stories To Put Your Mind At Ease
I had an ingrown toenail which I had left way too long and had become infected. I finally plucked up the courage to visit We Fix Feet in Ilkeston. My only regret is not visiting sooner! Ronnie was able to remove the portion of ingrown toenail at my first appointment, and within a day or two, my nail was perfect. After hiding my feet for many years I finally have a healthy set of toenails and have treated myself to my first ever pair of open toe sandals! All the staff here are wonderful, professional and very reassuring for which I am very grateful. Thank you
I had an ingrown toenail which I had left way too long and had become infected. I finally plucked up the courage to visit We Fix Feet in Ilkeston. My only regret is not visiting sooner! Ronnie was able to remove the portion of ingrown toenail at my first appointment, and within a day or two, my nail was perfect. After hiding my feet for many years I finally have a healthy set of toenails and have treated myself to my first ever pair of open toe sandals! All the staff here are wonderful, professional and very reassuring for which I am very grateful. Thank you
