Pre- and Post-Surgery Physiotherapy: Your Complete Guide to Faster Recovery and Rehabilitation
Surgery can be a life-changing event, whether it's to repair an injury, relieve chronic pain, or restore full function. However, the procedure itself is just one part of the journey. What happens before and after the surgery—specifically your physiotherapy and rehabilitation—plays a vital, often underestimated, role in how quickly and successfully you heal.
At In Touch Physio, we firmly believe that a comprehensive physiotherapy plan before and after surgery is just as important as the surgery itself. The right program can fully prepare your body for the procedure, significantly reduce the risk of post-operative complications, and get you back to your daily life faster and stronger.
Pre-Surgical Physiotherapy (Prehabilitation): Preparing Your Body for Surgery
Also known as prehabilitation or pre-op physio, pre-surgical physiotherapy involves targeted exercises, strength training, and patient education designed to physically and mentally prepare you for your upcoming surgery. It focuses on maximizing the strength, flexibility, and overall physical condition of the affected area and surrounding joints.
Key Benefits of Pre-Surgical Physiotherapy (Prehab):
Improves Baseline Strength and Mobility before the procedure, which correlates directly with better post-op outcomes.
Reduces Post-Operative Pain and Swelling by optimizing tissue health beforehand.
Shortens Hospital Stays and overall recovery time.
Boosts Confidence and mental readiness for the procedure and subsequent rehabilitation.
Lowers the Risk of Complications, such as developing infections or blood clots.
Prehabilitation is especially valuable for major orthopaedic surgery like total joint replacements (knee and hip), ligament repairs (e.g., ACL reconstruction), and spinal or tendon surgery.
Post-Surgical Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation: Restoring Function
Following surgery, your body needs structured, expert support to heal correctly and fully regain function. Post-surgical physiotherapy (or post-op rehab) is a guided recovery process that helps you safely restore movement, manage pain, and systematically rebuild strength.
At In Touch Physio, we develop highly customized rehabilitation plans tailored to your specific surgery type, current physical condition, and long-term recovery goals. Our expert physiotherapists ensure you are progressing safely, adhering to surgical protocols, and maximizing your recovery potential at every stage of the rehabilitation process.
Key Benefits of Post-Surgical Rehabilitation:
Speeds Up Recovery and ensures a quicker return to normal daily activities, work, or sport.
Reduces Pain, Stiffness, and Swelling through manual therapy and specialized techniques.
Improves Joint Mobility and systematically restores muscle strength lost during the healing period.
Restores Balance, Coordination, and Full Function to the operated joint or area.
Prevents Re-injury and promotes excellent, sustainable long-term results.
Common Surgeries That Require Structured Physiotherapy
Structured pre- and post-operative rehabilitation is critical for maximizing the success of many common procedures. These include:
Total knee and hip replacement surgery
ACL reconstruction and other complex ligament repairs
Shoulder surgery (e.g., rotator cuff repair, labral repair)
Spinal surgery (e.g., fusion, decompression)
Tendon and nerve repairs
Fracture fixations requiring plates or screws
In every case, a dedicated physiotherapy program enhances recovery outcomes and helps patients return to their desired life, work, or athletic activities more efficiently and safely.
What to Expect in Your Personalised Physiotherapy Plan
Your recovery journey at In Touch Physio starts with a thorough, detailed physiotherapy assessment. From this evaluation, we’ll build and guide you through a phased program that may include:
Strength and Mobility Training using specialized equipment and exercises.
Manual Therapy and Joint Mobilisation to restore movement and reduce stiffness.
Scar Tissue and Soft Tissue Management to promote healthy healing.
Pain Relief Techniques, such as therapeutic taping or dry needling.
Custom Home Exercise Programs to ensure consistent progress outside of the clinic.
We closely monitor your progress and dynamically adapt your rehabilitation plan as your body heals, ensuring continuous and safe recovery.
Take Control of Your Surgical Recovery and Rehabilitation
While surgery may be necessary, your recovery and rehabilitation don’t have to be slow or uncertain. By proactively engaging in both pre-surgical (prehab) and post-surgical physiotherapy, you are giving yourself the absolute best chance at a faster, smoother, and more complete recovery.
At In Touch Physio, we are experts in pre- and post-op physio and are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Whether you are actively preparing for your procedure or are ready to begin your rehabilitation, our experienced team is here to help.
Book your consultation today and let’s build your personalized surgical recovery plan together.
