Your Patient Journey: What to Expect
Your Care, Step by Step
Welcome to The West London Knee & Hip Clinic
If you’re preparing for an appointment, treatment, or surgery, it’s natural to have questions about what lies ahead. This page is designed to help you understand what to expect as a private orthopaedic patient at The West London Knee & Hip Clinic — from your first visit, through treatment, and into recovery.
Our aim is to make your experience as clear, calm and supportive as possible.
What happens when you come to see us
Visiting the Clinic
Your first visit is focused on listening, understanding your symptoms, and building a clear picture of what’s going on. You’ll be welcomed into a calm, unhurried clinic environment, with time to talk through your concerns, goals, and medical history in detail.
During the appointment, your consultant will carry out a thorough clinical assessment and review any scans or investigations you already have. You’ll receive a clear explanation of the findings and the options available to you, including whether further tests or treatment are recommended. You’re encouraged to ask questions at every stage, and there’s no pressure to make decisions on the day.
Clinic and theatre environment
We know that unfamiliar environments can feel daunting, particularly if you’ve not attended a private clinic or hospital setting before. To help you feel more prepared, we’ve created short clinic and theatre videos that show what our consultation spaces look like, how the clinic is laid out, and what to expect if you’re attending for investigations or surgery.
These videos are designed to reduce uncertainty and help you arrive feeling informed and at ease.
Meeting Dr Imbuldeniya and his team in clinic
What to Expect on the Day of Your Surgery
Patient video library
Watch expert videos from Mr Arj Imbuldeniya on knee and hip conditions, treatment options, recovery, and common patient questions.
Considering Surgery Carefully
If Surgery Is Recommended
Surgery is never the default. It’s only discussed when non-surgical options have been fully explored and symptoms remain limiting.
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Before surgery If surgery is appropriate, you’ll be guided carefully through each step of the process. Your consultant will explain clearly why surgery is being recommended and talk through any alternative options, along with the potential risks and benefits. You may be asked to attend a pre-operative assessment and have any necessary tests to ensure surgery can be carried out safely. You’ll have time to ask questions and consider your options fully, with no pressure to make decisions quickly. Nothing is rushed, and all decisions are made together.
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On the day of surgery On the day of surgery, you’ll be supported by a highly experienced clinical team, with care that is structured, well-coordinated, and focused on your safety and comfort. It’s common to have concerns about anaesthetic, pain, or what the day will involve. These questions are addressed in advance, so you know what to expect and who will be with you at each stage.
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After surgery After surgery, you’ll be given clear guidance to support your recovery, including advice on pain management and how to begin moving safely. Where appropriate, early mobilisation is encouraged, and follow-up care and rehabilitation are planned as part of your recovery. Our aim is not just successful surgery, but a smooth, supported recovery that helps you return to daily life with confidence.
Timelines can vary depending on your insurer and policy type, but our administrative team will guide you through each step.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
What recovery looks like
Recovery is an active process, not just a waiting period. Depending on your treatment, this may involve:
Recovery timelines vary, but you’ll be given realistic expectations and personalised guidance.
Rehabilitation support
Rehabilitation is a core part of how we work. Arj works closely with trusted physiotherapists to ensure your recovery is structured, safe and effective. Throughout rehabilitation, we address common concerns such as whether you’re doing too much or too little, when it’s appropriate to return to work or sport, and what levels of pain or discomfort are considered normal during recovery. You won’t be left guessing — guidance is clear, personalised and ongoing to support your progress at every stage.
Recommended Physiotherapists
We work closely with trusted physiotherapists to support your recovery safely and effectively.
West London
(Ealing, Chiswick, Harrow)
Primal Clinics
Albi and Sevana
CK Physio
Angela and Brian
W5 Physio
Stewart
Zenko Physiotherapy
James
Chiswick Physio
Ethan
One Body Clinic
Sarah and Jamie
Physio Edge
Josefin
Whitton / Hounslow
West London
(Twickenham/ Richmond)
Hammersmith and Chelsea
Central London
Home Physiotherapy
Post Surgery Rehabilitation
FAQs: What to Expect As a Private Orthopaedic Patient
Before Surgery
A pre-operative assessment clinic is an appointment that takes place before your surgery to ensure you are medically fit for the procedure. This may include a health questionnaire, blood tests, and checks such as blood pressure and ECG if required. It helps the team plan your care safely.
Pre-assessment usually takes place a few weeks before your scheduled surgery date, though timing can vary depending on availability and the type of procedure planned.
You may need tests such as blood work, X-rays, MRI scans, or heart monitoring before surgery. These help confirm your diagnosis and ensure surgery can be carried out safely.
Anaesthesia and the Day of Surgery
The type of anaesthetic depends on the procedure and your medical history. Options may include general anaesthetic, spinal anaesthetic, or a combination with sedation. This will be discussed with you in advance.
Some procedures are performed under general anaesthetic, where you are asleep. Others may use spinal anaesthetic with sedation, meaning you may be awake but relaxed and comfortable. Your anaesthetist will explain what is most appropriate for you.
On the day of surgery, you’ll be admitted to the hospital, meet your surgical and anaesthetic team, and have final checks before the procedure. After surgery, you’ll be monitored in recovery before returning to the ward.
After Surgery and Recovery
Many procedures are day-case, meaning you can go home the same day. Others may require an overnight stay. This depends on the type of surgery and how you recover immediately afterwards.
Physiotherapy often begins shortly after surgery, sometimes on the same day or within the first few days. Your consultant will advise on the appropriate rehabilitation plan for you.
You can usually drive once you are no longer taking strong pain medication and can safely control the vehicle. This varies by procedure and individual recovery, so guidance will be given at follow-up.
Return-to-work timing depends on the type of surgery and the nature of your job. Sedentary work may be possible sooner than physically demanding roles. Your consultant will advise based on your recovery.
You’ll receive clear instructions on wound care before discharge, including when dressings can be removed and whether stitches need to be taken out or will dissolve naturally.
You’ll be advised to monitor for signs such as increasing pain, redness, swelling, discharge from the wound, fever, calf pain, or sudden shortness of breath. You’ll be told who to contact if you have concerns.
Travel advice depends on the type of surgery and your recovery. Short-haul and long-haul flights may require different waiting periods. This will be discussed during your follow-up appointments.
Team Members
Our Specialist Team
Consultant-led knee and hip care supported by an experienced clinical and patient support team.
Dr Arj Imbuldeniya
Consultant Knee & Hip Surgeon
Founder of The West London Knee & Hip Clinic and specialist in advanced knee and hip surgery.
Dr Anne McKirdy
Practice Manager
Coordinates patient care and surgery bookings, supporting patients throughout their treatment journey.
Clinical Support Team
Patient Care Team
Supporting consultations, investigations and recovery to ensure a smooth patient experience.
We’re Here to Support You
Your journey doesn’t end after treatment or surgery. Ongoing support, follow-up and communication are part of how we care for patients.
If you have questions at any stage, our team is here to help.
Articles, stories and more
Our collection of articles
Stay informed about new treatments, events, and health tips from our physiotherapy clinic to support your wellbeing.
Clinical Feedback
Our latest reviews
See what our patients say about their experiences and how our knee and hip care helped them regain their mobility.