Pre-Op Physiotherapy: Why Preparing Your Body Before Surgery Leads to Faster Recovery

Surgery is often a necessary step towards better health, but the recovery process can be challenging. While most people focus on post-operative rehabilitation, what happens before surgery is just as important. Pre-operative physiotherapy, or "prehab," is a proactive approach that prepares your body for the procedure and enhances your recovery. At Belconnen Physiotherapy, we believe in setting you up for the best possible outcome by ensuring your body is strong, mobile, and ready for what’s ahead.

What is Pre-Operative Physiotherapy?

Pre-op physiotherapy is a structured program designed to improve strength, flexibility, and function before undergoing surgery. It is particularly beneficial for procedures involving joints, muscles, ligaments, or the spine, such as knee replacements, ACL reconstructions, and spinal surgeries.

This process involves targeted exercises, education on post-surgical expectations, and strategies to enhance mobility, reduce complications, and ensure a smoother transition into post-op recovery.

Why Prehab is Essential for Faster Recovery

1. Stronger Muscles Mean Better Post-Surgical Function

Surgery often leads to temporary weakness, reduced mobility, and muscle atrophy due to inactivity. Prehab focuses on strengthening the muscles around the affected area to help maintain function and support recovery. The stronger your muscles are before surgery, the faster you regain movement afterward.

2. Improved Joint Mobility Reduces Stiffness

Limited movement before surgery can make post-operative stiffness worse. Pre-op physiotherapy includes joint mobilisation techniques and targeted stretching to maintain flexibility, making it easier to move after the procedure.

3. Lower Risk of Complications

Prehab improves circulation, enhances lung function, and supports overall cardiovascular health, all of which help reduce the risk of blood clots, infections, and other post-surgical complications.

4. Faster Return to Daily Activities

Those who engage in pre-op physiotherapy tend to regain independence sooner than those who don’t. Strengthening, balance, and movement training before surgery make it easier to transition back into daily activities.

5. Pain Management Strategies

Understanding pain and learning pain-relief techniques before surgery can help you manage discomfort more effectively post-op. Your physiotherapist will teach you breathing exercises, movement strategies, and positioning techniques to reduce strain and enhance comfort.

What to Expect in a Pre-Op Physiotherapy Program

At Belconnen Physiotherapy, we tailor pre-op programs to each individual based on their procedure, current fitness level, and personal goals. A typical prehab program includes:

• Strengthening Exercises – Focused on the muscles surrounding the affected area to build resilience.

• Flexibility and Mobility Training – To ensure optimal joint movement and reduce stiffness.

• Breathing and Circulation Exercises – Essential for reducing post-op risks such as blood clots.

• Balance and Coordination Training – Helps maintain stability, especially for lower limb surgeries.

• Education on Post-Surgical Expectations – Teaching you how to move, manage pain, and regain independence safely.

Who Can Benefit from Pre-Operative Physiotherapy?

Prehab is beneficial for anyone undergoing surgery, especially for:

• Joint replacements (knee, hip, shoulder)

• Ligament reconstructions (ACL, rotator cuff)

• Spinal procedures

• Orthopaedic surgeries (fracture repair, tendon repairs)

• Abdominal and thoracic surgeries (to improve breathing and circulation post-op)

Even if you’re not undergoing major surgery, preparing your body can still lead to a quicker, more efficient recovery.

Take Control of Your Recovery Before Surgery

Surgery may be unavoidable, but how well you recover isn’t left entirely to chance. By taking the time to strengthen and prepare your body beforehand, you can significantly reduce complications, improve your recovery time, and return to normal activities faster.

At Belconnen Physiotherapy, we offer individualised pre-op physiotherapy programs to help you get the best possible surgical outcome.

Book an appointment today and take control of your recovery before your surgery even begins!