Pre- and Post- Surgical or Pre- or Post-Operative

Our Assessment:

If you were lucky enough to think about seeing your physiotherapist before your surgery, you’re way ahead of the game. Your therapist will get you as strong as possible prior to your surgery. The stronger you go in, the stronger you come out. Additionally, range of motion can frequently be increased prior to surgery. Knowing your individual case before surgery can assist the post-operative process greatly. Furthermore, many surgeries benefit from immediate swelling reduction exercises, as well as early bed exercises that are best learned prior to surgery so they can be started right away in your hospital bed or at home.

Post-surgical rehabilitation is the key to your physical recovery.

Our Treatment:

Initially, post-surgery, you will be in a lot of pain and likely experience swelling. Your therapist will use a wide range of modalities, often combining several to maximize your pain relief, swelling reduction, and rehabilitation process as quickly as possible. Under our care, you will make quick progress and will require frequent exercise progressions to maximize your recovery.

When tissue is injured, the appropriate amount of stretching and load prevents further injury, reduces the amount of scarring, and maximizes healing, while at the same time minimizing pain. Post-surgical, global movement patterns, and sometimes even something as simple as walking, need to be retrained. Having an expert like your therapist follow your progress and ensure that you move properly is essential for optimal outcomes, as well as the prevention of other aches and pains from developing due to compensatory movements after surgery.

Our Technology

Healing technologies like Game Ready, light therapy, and laser therapy are pain-relieving and blood-flow-increasing modalities that are safe for pregnant mothers as well as their fetuses. Some electrotherapies are very safe and effective depending on your condition. We also prescribe a treatment program for you online with pictures, videos, and instructions to make following your program easier and more manageable, even after things get crazy when your newborn joins your family.

Pre-Operative Care (Prehabilitation) and Post – Op Therapy

Engaging in a rehabilitation program before and after any surgery is the best way to improve the speed and quality of your recovery.

Pre- and post-operative physiotherapy is instrumental in regaining your physical capabilities, minimizing complications, and preventing long-term issues. By committing to your rehabilitation journey, you’re investing in a healthier, more active future.

Prehabilitation or Pre-Operative Care

Engaging in physiotherapy, also known as pre-habilitation or prehab, before undergoing surgery is a crucial step towards optimizing your surgical experience and ensuring a smoother recovery journey. Prehabilitation involves a personalized assessment and treatment plan designed to prepare your body for the upcoming surgery, enhancing your overall outcome and improving your post-surgery recovery.

During a prehab assessment, you can expect a thorough evaluation conducted by a skilled physiotherapist. This assessment will focus on understanding your current physical condition, identifying any areas of weakness, imbalances, or limitations, and tailoring a targeted treatment plan to address these concerns. The assessment may involve a variety of tests, including range of motion measurements, strength assessments, functional movement evaluations, and discussion about your medical history and surgical procedure.

Following the assessment, the physiotherapist will create a customized pre-habilitation plan that may include a combination of exercises, manual therapy, stretching, and other therapeutic interventions. The primary goals of pre-habilitation are:

Enhanced Surgical Readiness: By addressing existing weaknesses or imbalances in your body, prehab aims to improve your overall physical condition before surgery. This can lead to better surgical outcomes as your body is better equipped to handle the stresses of the procedure.
Faster Post-Surgery Recovery: Engaging in targeted prehab exercises helps strengthen muscles around the affected area, promoting blood flow and tissue healing. This can lead to a speedier and smoother recovery after surgery.
Reduced Risk of Complications: Prehabilitation can help reduce the risk of post-operative complications such as infections and blood clots by optimizing your overall health and physical condition.
Improved Mobility and Function: Prehabilitation can enhance your joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall functional capacity. This, in turn, can contribute to a quicker return to your daily activities and a better quality of life post-surgery.
Psychological Preparedness: Engaging in prehab can also provide you with a sense of empowerment and control over your health journey, reducing anxiety and stress associated with the impending surgery.

By actively participating in your pre-habilitation program, you’re investing in your own well-being and setting a strong foundation for a successful surgery and recovery process. Keep in mind that the specifics of your prehab program will be tailored to your individual needs, taking into account your medical history, current condition, and the type of surgery you’re undergoing.

Prehab through physiotherapy is an essential step to optimize your physical and mental health before surgery, leading to improved outcomes and a more efficient recovery period. It’s a proactive approach that empowers you to play an active role in your own healing journey, setting the stage for a smoother and more successful surgical experience.

Post Operative Physiotherapy (Post-op Care)

Based on the assessment, a personalized post-operative treatment plan will be developed. This plan may involve a combination of exercises, manual therapy techniques, stretching, and modalities like heat or cold therapy.

The primary reasons post-operative physiotherapy is crucial are:

Restoring Your Mobility: Surgery and immobility can lead to joint stiffness and reduced range of motion. Physiotherapy helps restore joint mobility and flexibility through specific exercises and techniques.
Rebuilding Your Strength: Muscles around the surgical area can weaken due to disuse. Physiotherapy includes strength-building exercises that target these muscles, helping you regain lost strength.
Improving Your Function: Physiotherapy focuses on improving functional abilities, allowing you to perform everyday activities with ease, including walking, standing, and reaching.
Preventing Compensations: If you alter your movement due to pain or limitations, it can lead to compensatory patterns that may cause issues in the long run. Physiotherapy helps correct movement patterns, reducing the risk of compensation-related injuries.
Minimizing Scar Tissue: Scar tissue can form around surgical sites, potentially limiting movement. Physiotherapy techniques like massage and stretching can help prevent excessive scar tissue buildup.
Pain Management: Post-operative pain is common. Physiotherapy includes modalities and techniques to manage pain, enhancing your comfort during the recovery process.
Avoiding Secondary Issues: When one part of your body is compromised due to surgery, it can lead to overuse of other areas to compensate. Physiotherapy addresses these imbalances, reducing the risk of developing secondary issues.
Faster Return to your favourite Activities: Engaging in post-operative rehabilitation accelerates your return to normal activities, sports, work, and hobbies, promoting a higher quality of life.

Post-operative physiotherapy is a proactive approach to recovery that puts you on the path to a stronger, more functional, and pain-free life after surgery. By working closely with your physiotherapist and following the prescribed exercises and treatment plan, you’re actively contributing to your own healing process. Remember that each post-operative rehabilitation plan is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that you receive the best care for your unique situation.

Postoperative physiotherapy is instrumental in regaining your physical capabilities, minimizing complications, and preventing long-term issues. By committing to your rehabilitation journey, you’re investing in a healthier, more active future.

FAQ’s Surgery

Why is pre-surgery rehabilitation important?

Pre-surgery rehabilitation strengthens your body, improves mobility, and prepares you for a faster recovery. It helps you enter surgery in the best possible condition, reducing complications and enhancing post-surgery outcomes.
How can early post-surgery care benefit my recovery?

Starting rehabilitation early after surgery is crucial for regaining strength and mobility. It reduces stiffness, minimizes scar tissue, and helps you return to normal activities faster.
Why should I get comfortable with my home exercise program before surgery?

Practicing your home exercise program before surgery helps you build confidence and ensures you know the correct techniques. This familiarity makes post-surgery exercises easier and more effective, speeding up your recovery.
Why is it important to have a physiotherapist monitor my progress?

A physiotherapist ensures your exercises are tailored to your specific recovery needs. They adjust your program as you progress, making sure it's not too hard or too easy, maximizing your recovery speed and efficiency.
How does the "Goldilocks" principle apply to my recovery?

Having exercises that are "just right"—not too hard, not too easy—ensures you’re challenging yourself enough to improve, but not risking re-injury. This balance is key to a smooth, effective recovery.