The Role of Physiotherapy for Surgery: Prehab and Post-Op Rehab Explained.
- Cameron Simmiss
- Dec 23, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 18
Undergoing surgery can be a daunting experience, whether it’s planned or unexpected.
While the focus is often on the procedure itself, the role of physiotherapy—both before and after surgery—can have a profound impact on your recovery. In fact, physiotherapy can be the key to a quicker, smoother, and more effective healing process.
As a physiotherapist, I work with patients before and after surgeries to help them regain strength, mobility, and function. I’ve seen firsthand how prehab (pre-surgery physiotherapy) and post-op rehab can make all the difference in how well you recover.
Let’s explore how physiotherapy can benefit you before and after surgery, the common surgeries that require physio, and why it’s an essential part of your recovery journey.
What Is Prehab?
Prehab is physiotherapy that takes place before surgery. It’s designed to prepare your body for the procedure, strengthen muscles, improve joint mobility, and enhance overall fitness. Think of it as laying the groundwork for a smoother recovery.
While prehab may not be necessary for all surgeries, it can be particularly beneficial for major procedures such as joint replacements, spine surgeries, and ligament reconstructions. Starting physiotherapy early helps reduce the risk of complications and may even shorten your post-op rehabilitation time.
The Benefits of Prehab Before Surgery
Strengthening Muscles and Joints: Surgery can weaken muscles and surrounding tissues, making it harder to regain full function afterward. Prehab targets key muscles and areas that need strengthening, helping them support the healing process once the surgery is complete.
Improved Mobility and Flexibility: Physio exercises before surgery help keep your joints mobile, which can aid in a quicker recovery. For example, if you’re having knee replacement surgery, working on knee range of motion beforehand ensures a smoother rehab process.
Reducing Pain and Swelling: Prehab techniques like manual therapy or guided exercises can help reduce existing pain and swelling, making the surgery itself less taxing on your body.
Psychological Preparation: Preparing your body physically for surgery can help you feel more confident and in control. Prehab offers a sense of readiness, mentally and physically, which can positively impact your recovery mindset.
Common Surgeries That Benefit from Prehab and Post-Op Rehab
Physiotherapy is crucial for many types of surgery. Here are some common examples where prehab and post-op rehab are essential:
Joint Replacements (Knee, Hip, Shoulder):
Prehab: Strengthening the muscles around the joint and improving joint mobility.
Post-Op Rehab: Regaining function and range of motion, strengthening the surrounding muscles, and reducing scar tissue formation.
Spine Surgery (Discectomy, Spinal Fusion):
Prehab: Focusing on core strength and improving posture to reduce stress on the spine.
Post-Op Rehab: Aimed at restoring flexibility, strength, and mobility to the spine, while reducing the risk of re-injury.
Ligament and Tendon Repair (ACL Reconstruction, Rotator Cuff Surgery):
Prehab: Preparing muscles to support the joint post-surgery.
Post-Op Rehab: Strengthening the muscles around the injured area, regaining flexibility, and progressively increasing load to ensure proper healing.
Arthroscopic Surgery (Meniscus Repair, Shoulder Labrum Surgery):
Prehab: Improving joint mobility and strength to avoid post-surgical stiffness.
Post-Op Rehab: Exercises to improve mobility and strength in the affected area while managing pain and swelling.
The Role of Post-Op Rehab
While prehab sets you up for a smoother recovery, post-op rehab is where the real recovery happens. After surgery, your body is going through a healing process, and physiotherapy plays a vital role in ensuring you regain function as quickly and safely as possible.
Here’s how physiotherapy helps after surgery:
Restoring Mobility: Scar tissue and inflammation can limit movement. A physiotherapist will guide you through gentle exercises to reduce stiffness, increase flexibility, and promote fluid movement in the affected area.
Strengthening Muscles: After surgery, muscles can weaken due to immobility or lack of use. Physiotherapy will focus on strengthening the muscles that support the surgical site, reducing the risk of further injury and improving overall function.
Reducing Pain and Swelling: Manual therapy, ice/heat treatments, and specialized exercises can help control pain and swelling, making it easier for you to regain your normal activities.
Promoting Overall Function: The goal of post-op rehab isn’t just to heal the surgery site but to help you return to normal daily activities, whether it’s walking, exercising, or simply performing basic tasks.
Why Physiotherapy Is Key to a Successful Recovery
Physiotherapy plays an essential role in both the prehab and post-op stages of your surgery. The benefits go far beyond just recovery time; physio helps ensure a complete recovery, preventing long-term complications and improving quality of life.
For example, if you're recovering from knee surgery, physiotherapy can help you walk with a normal gait again, reduce the risk of developing other issues like back pain or hip strain, and restore your balance and stability. This holistic approach ensures that your body heals optimally and you can return to your everyday activities with confidence.
When to Start Physiotherapy
Ideally, prehab should start a few weeks before your surgery. Your physiotherapist will assess your current health, address any existing issues, and design a program tailored to your needs. If you’re undergoing a planned surgery, starting prehab early can significantly improve your recovery outcomes.
Post-op rehab typically begins once your surgeon clears you for physical activity. This timeline can vary depending on the type of surgery, but early intervention is key to achieving the best results.
Final Thoughts
Surgery is a big step, but physiotherapy can make it a much smoother journey. Whether it’s prehab before surgery or post-op rehab afterward, physiotherapy helps you recover faster, reduce pain, and regain full function. As a physiotherapist, I’ve seen how valuable this approach can be in helping patients return to their daily lives stronger and more mobile than ever before.
If you're scheduled for surgery, talk to a physiotherapist today to discuss how prehab and post-op rehab can play a key role in your recovery. With the right guidance and support, you’ll be back on your feet in no time.
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