Physiotherapy after surgery · Singapore

Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery Program

Written by Fairuuz Saleh and Ching Yee, Principal Physiotherapists at Phoenix Rehab.Clinically reviewed by Louise Yow, Principal Physiotherapist & Director, AHPC A1300363H.Last reviewed 5 October 2026.

The bone needs you off the leg for weeks. The knee needs you moving it from the first week. The program lives between those two instructions.

A tibial plateau fracture is a break in the top of the shin bone, where it forms the floor of the knee joint. A break lower down the shaft is covered in broken shin bone. A break of the kneecap is covered in the Patella Fracture Recovery Program. Because the break runs into the joint surface, it is often fixed with a plate and screws, and weight through the leg is usually limited for six to twelve weeks. During those weeks the thigh muscle wastes and the knee stiffens, and those are what the program works on. This program is run by our physiotherapy team.

No referral needed. Every first visit is one 45-minute Assessment & Treatment, $230, nett, no GST. Bring your operation note or scan report.

Where are you right now?

Four situations we see

• On crutches, not allowed to put weight through the leg. Bending and straightening the knee, and waking up the thigh muscle, are the work now. Neither needs weight through the bone.
• Just allowed to start taking weight. The first weeks of weight bearing are when the walking pattern is retrained.
• Walking, but the knee will not straighten or will not bend past a certain point. Both are measured in degrees, and both respond to the right loading.
• Months on, stairs and squatting are still hard. That is a thigh strength question, and it is a number on each leg.

What the weeks off the leg cost

Two things wear away while the bone heals

Short answer: knee range and thigh strength. The knee stiffens because it is swollen and held still, and straightening is usually lost first. The thigh muscle wastes quickly when it carries no load. Both can be worked on from the first week while the bone is still protected, which is why the early weeks matter so much.

A knee that does not fully straighten makes every step harder, because the thigh has to hold the knee bent all the time you stand. A weak thigh makes stairs, getting out of a chair and getting off the floor difficult, and puts more load through the joint surface that was just repaired.

Range is measured with a goniometer and strength is compared with your other leg. Tibial plateau fractures also come with injury to the meniscus or knee ligaments in a good share of cases, so your surgeon’s notes on what else was repaired change the plan.

Usually expected, and what is not

Is this normal after a tibial plateau fracture?

Usually expected

• Swelling of the knee and lower leg for several months, worse by the evening.
• A visibly thinner thigh on the operated side.
• Numbness of a patch of skin beside the scar.
• Aching at the end of a day on your feet once you are weight bearing.

Call 995 for sudden breathlessness or chest pain.

Go to the emergency department now if pain is severe and getting worse despite painkillers, it hurts to have the toes gently moved, the lower leg feels tight and hard, or the foot becomes numb, pale or cold, particularly in the first days after the injury or surgery.

See a doctor the same day

• The foot starting to drag or catch, or new numbness on the top of the foot.
• A painful, swollen or hot calf. This is a blood clot question.
• Wound discharge, spreading redness or fever.

See a doctor soon

• The knee locking, or giving way once you are walking.

If it is not going to plan

Four months after a tibial plateau fracture and the knee still will not bend? What that usually means

You can walk on the flat. You go down stairs one at a time, bad leg first. You cannot sit on a low stool or kneel to tie a shoelace, and you have started to plan the day around the steps.

The usual hope is to keep walking and let it loosen. Walking on the flat uses a small part of the knee’s range and very little thigh strength, so it rarely gives back what the stairs need. The finding is in two numbers: knee range in degrees, and thigh strength against the other leg. If the knee bends less than about 90 degrees at this point, tell your surgeon. Some stiff knees need their review as well as ours.

The Stalled Recovery Review is three appointments over three weeks with the same therapist, because how a stiff knee responds to loading cannot be read in one visit. $690, nett, no GST.

The shape of it

What happens, week by week

Weight through the leg is often limited for six to twelve weeks after fixation, while the knee is moved from early on. The weeks below are the common shape. Your surgeon’s weight-bearing instructions take precedence.

• Weeks 0 to 8Stage 1 · Calm & ProtectCrutches, weight only as allowed, swelling controlled, knee bending and straightening as allowed, and the thigh muscle switched on.
• Weeks 8 to 16Stage 2 · Move & MobilizeWeight increased as allowed, off the crutches, full straightening and more bend, and a normal walking pattern.
• Months 4 to 6Stage 3 · Rebuild & StrengthenThigh and hip strength, single-leg work, stairs and squats.
• Months 6 to 12Stage 4 · Return & PerformRunning, jumping, kneeling and sport where it applies, tested side to side.

The weeks are typical ranges, not a promise. You move up a stage when you meet its criteria, and your surgeon’s protocol takes precedence over anything on this page.

The program

The four stages, and what moves you up

• Stage 1, Calm & Protect. Weight exactly as your surgeon allowed, swelling controlled, knee range worked within the limits you were given, and the thigh muscle kept working.
  Move up when: your surgeon allows weight through the leg, and you can lift the straight leg without the knee sagging, and the knee bends to at least 90 degrees or the limit your surgeon set.
• Stage 2, Move & Mobilize. Knee range in degrees, and walking without crutches.
  Move up when: the knee straightens fully or close to the other side, bends to at least 110 degrees, and you walk without crutches or a limp.
• Stage 3, Rebuild & Strengthen. Thigh strength, loaded progressively and compared with the other leg.
  Move up when: thigh strength is measured and approaching the other side, and you manage stairs step over step.
• Stage 4, Return & Perform. The demands of your work and sport, rehearsed and tested.
  Graduate when: the tasks you named at your first appointment are tested, and single-leg strength and, where it applies, hopping are recorded against the other side.

Measured at your first appointment and again at graduation: a knee function questionnaire (KOOS), knee range in degrees, and thigh strength on both legs once weight bearing allows.

Logistics

When can I…

Your surgeon decides, based on the fracture, the fixation and what your job demands. These are typical points, not permissions.

Who you will see

The physiotherapy team that runs this program

This program is run by the physiotherapy team. You are matched to the therapist whose declared clinical interest fits what happened to you and the clinic that suits you, and you stay with the same therapist through the program. Every appointment is one to one with your therapist for the full 45 minutes. All are registered with the Allied Health Professions Council.

Louise Yow

Principal Physiotherapist. Back and neck pain, postural conditions, ergonomics.

Serangoon

Shiv Mohan Banka

Principal Physiotherapist. Shoulder and knee problems, spinal dysfunction, sports injury.

Orchard, Tampines

What our patients say

Google reviews from our clinics in Singapore.

  
 
 
 
  
 
Excellent5.0558 reviews
 
5.0
 
Excellent558 reviews
 
 Write a review 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Micah 
 
61 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
Amazing experience with Phoenix Rehab, was assisted by Mavis. She’s very kind and professional and did thorough check on my wrist. I feel very comfortable during the process.

I went in for thermoplastic splint, and everything went smoothly. She was able to address my needs on my left wrist sprain.

They were prompt with appointment process and inquiry. Also the clinic is very close to Tanjong Pagar MRT. I highly recommend!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Chiky Phan 
 
65 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
Fist time doing ultrasound for my tennis elbow!! Let’s hope it gets better the next few weeks!! Thank Mavis Tham!!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 XIN WANG 
 
82 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
Great treatment from my therapist. My painful wrist felt a lot of relief after the session. I’m glad I can slowly get back to doing my usual activities without constant pain.
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Abby Lee 
 
98 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
Very helpful and friendly !
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 雪梅Cui 
 
136 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
The masseur is very professional and provides excellent service ，yati is very good!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Tra Nguyen 
 
227 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
I wasn’t able to close my fingers due to an injury. Nurul at Phoenix Rehab has helped me tremendously with my recovery process. I have been able to resume my daily activities and exercises after only a few sessions. Nurul has been very professional and positive throughout the entire process. Thank you so much for your help!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Juzer K 
 
265 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
Huge shoutout to Yuna Zhang from Phoenix Rehab for helping in my recovery from golfer’s elbow 🙌

I walked in with persistent elbow pain that was affecting workouts and everyday tasks, and Yuna immediately made me feel confident I was in the right hands. She took the time to properly assess my condition, explain the root cause, and tailor a treatment plan to my specific needs instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach.

What I really appreciated was how personalised every session felt. The exercises she gave me were practical, easy to follow, and actually worked. Within a short time, the pain reduced significantly and my strength and mobility improved much faster than I expected.

On top of that, the pricing is very reasonable and affordable, which made committing to recovery much easier.

Professional, knowledgeable, and genuinely caring — highly recommend Yuna at Phoenix Rehab if you’re dealing with hand-related sports injuries 💪
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Fazal Hanafi Chaudhry 
 
349 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
I enjoy coming to Phoenix rehab as they offer a wide variety of services. I had a finger accident and was working with a very experienced hand therapist. Place is clean and comfortable.  Staff were friendly and appointment was on time
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Stella Yam 
 
490 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
Very good
  
 
 
 
 
 
 Posted on Google  
 
  
 
 
 Juliana 
 
492 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 
+0
Have both physio n Tcm visits here, highly recommend!
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Verified by Trustindex  
Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
 
 
 
 
 

Fairuuz Saleh

Principal Physiotherapist. ACL reconstruction and return to sport, hip and knee rehabilitation.

Tampines

Zita Sham

Principal Physiotherapist. Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff injury and repair, shoulder stiffness.

Orchard, Tampines, Jurong East

Ching Yee

Principal Physiotherapist. Knee and hip replacement recovery, neck and shoulder pain, dry needling.

Tanjong Pagar, Jurong East

The program belongs to Phoenix, not to one therapist. Your plan, your measurements and your surgeon’s protocol move with you if you change clinic.

What it costs

$230 per 45-minute appointment, nett, no GST

One to one with your therapist for the whole 45 minutes. Nett, no GST. Same price for your first appointment and your last. The Tibial Plateau Fracture Recovery Program is set at 12 appointments across Stages 1 to 4, $2,760 in all. Your therapist confirms your plan at your first visit, and you pay for each appointment as you attend it.

This program runs Stages 1 to 4 of the Phoenix Recovery Protocol, and sits under physiotherapy after surgery alongside the rest of our recovery programs.

Prefer to phone? Each of our five clinics has its own number on the clinics page. No referral needed to book.

Timeframes on this page are typical ranges, not promises. Where your surgeon has given you a protocol, that protocol takes precedence over anything written here.