Surgical Support and Rehabilitation

CONCERN

Facing surgery, whether planned or unexpected, can feel overwhelming. But preparing your body ahead of time, and supporting it thoughtfully afterward, can make a significant difference in how you heal, how quickly you recover, and how confident you feel getting back to daily life. At every stage, movement matters. 

Pre-surgery rehabilitation, often referred to as “prehab,” focuses on getting the body into the best possible condition before an operation. Strengthening muscles, improving joint mobility, and addressing imbalances ahead of time can help reduce surgical risks, protect surrounding tissues, and create a stronger foundation for recovery. It also gives you the opportunity to learn and practise key exercises in advance, often resulting in faster progress and reduced downtime after surgery. 

Post-surgery rehabilitation supports the body’s healing process and helps restore mobility, strength, and function at a safe and appropriate pace. Recovery isn’t just about waiting, it’s an active, guided journey. Whether you’re healing from joint replacement, tendon repair, spinal surgery, or another procedure, a personalised rehabilitation plan can reduce pain, prevent complications such as stiffness or swelling, and help you regain confidence in movement. 

While each person’s recovery timeline is different, what remains consistent is the value of professional support, gradual progression, and attention to both physical and emotional wellbeing. Movement must be reintroduced carefully, beginning with gentle activation and advancing toward strength training, stability, and everyday function, when the time is right. 

With physiotherapy-led assessments, expert guidance, and access to progressive recovery tools, surgical support and rehabilitation should focus not only on healing, but on helping you move forward stronger, safer, and more prepared for what comes next. 

Sources:

Ditmyer MM, Topp R, Pifer M. Prehabilitation in preparation for orthopaedic surgery: a systematic review. J Strength Cond Res. 2002;16(4):697–702. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12432699/  

Moyer R, Ikert K, Long K, Marsh J. The value of preoperative exercise and education for patients undergoing total hip and knee arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis. JBJS Rev. 2017;5(12):e2. doi:10.2106/JBJS.RVW.17.00015. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29232265/  

Hann NS, Soh CH, et al. 
Prehabilitation Outcomes in Surgical Oncology Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery: A Meta-analysis of Randomized Control Trials. 
Ann Surg Oncol. 2025;32(2):1236–1247. doi:10.1245/s10434-024-16527-8. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39616295/  

Artz N, Elvers KT, Lowe CM, Sackley C, Jepson P, Beswick AD. Effectiveness of physiotherapy exercise following total knee replacement: systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2015;16:15. doi:10.1186/s12891-015-0469-6. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25886975/  

Disclaimer: 
This content is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results may vary. Please consult a qualified professional before making healthcare or treatment decisions.