What is Orthopaedic Rehabilitation?
Sometimes children need extra support to recover after a fracture, injury or surgery. Even with the best medical care, it can take time to regain movement, strength and confidence — and it’s not always easy to know what to do at home.
Orthopaedic rehabilitation focuses on helping children return safely to their normal activities after both trauma and elective orthopaedic surgery.
Common challenges
* Stiffness and reduced joint movement after a cast or surgery
* Muscle weakness from reduced activity
* Pain or swelling around the affected area
* Difficulty walking or moving normally
* Loss of confidence and fear of re-injury
* Reduced participation in play, school or sport
How physiotherapy can help
* Restores safe joint movement and flexibility
* Builds strength and balance
* Provides clear exercises to follow at home
* Supports gait (walking) retraining
* Offers strategies for managing pain and swelling
* Encourages safe return to sport and play
Our approach at StarPhysio
Our team are experienced paediatric physiotherapists who treat orthopaedic conditions both on land and in the hydrotherapy pool.
We provide:
Close monitoring of joint movement and recovery progress
Tailored exercise programmes to restore confidence and strength
Aquatic therapy to support safe, pain-free movement in water — placing less stress on the joints and improving flexibility
Post-operative communication with orthopaedic teams, particularly around wound healing and clearance for pool therapy
Family coaching so you feel confident supporting your child’s recovery at home
What to expect from an assessment
* A review of your child’s history, surgery or fracture
* Careful measurement of joint movement and strength
* A practical programme of exercises and activities
* Advice on managing swelling and pain
* Regular updates and progress checks
FAQ’s
When can my child get back to sport?
It depends on the surgery or injury. We will guide you step by step and liaise with your orthopaedic team.
Is water therapy safe after surgery?
Yes, once the wound is fully healed and your surgical team are happy. Aquatic therapy is often an excellent way to build confidence and speed up recovery