Surgery can be a daunting experience, whether it’s a planned procedure or a result of an injury. Recovery doesn’t start when you wake up from anaesthesia—it begins long before and continues long after the surgical procedure. One of the most important components of a successful recovery is Physiotherapy, both before and after surgery.

We’ll explore how Physiotherapy at various stages of surgery can significantly impact your recovery. Backed by research, lets see how Physiotherapy helps you recover faster, reduce complications, and achieve better long-term outcomes.

Why Physiotherapy Before Surgery Matters

Physiotherapy ↗ before surgery is a proactive approach to prepare your body for the upcoming surgery. We’ll look at how Physiotherapy during different stages of surgery is essential for improving your recovery.

How Physiotherapy can help beforehand:

Improves Strength and Flexibility

The focus before surgery is strengthening muscles, improving range of motion and increasing flexibility. This is especially important for Orthopaedic procedures. Research has shown numerous times that patients who engage in Physiotherapy before surgery experience better strength and functional outcomes post-surgery.

Reduces the Risk of Complications

Physiotherapy before surgery can help reduce the likelihood of common complications such as blood clots, pneumonia, and muscle weakness. Strengthening the muscles surrounding the surgical area helps with stability, ensuring a smoother recovery and reducing strain on the body post-surgery.

Shortens Recovery Time

A study published in Physical Therapy Reviews found that preoperative Physiotherapy can reduce recovery time significantly by improving physical function before surgery. Physiotherapy before surgery helps patients bounce back faster, reducing hospital stays and the need for extended rehabilitation.

Enhances Psychological Preparedness

Surgery can be mentally and emotionally challenging. Engaging in Physiotherapy before surgery provides patients with a sense of control, reducing anxiety and preparing them mentally for the surgery. Mental preparedness has been shown to improve outcomes by reducing stress and promoting faster healing.

Physiotherapy After Surgery: The Key to Faster Recovery

Physiotherapy rehabilitation after surgery is equally important. After surgery, Physiotherapy helps to restore function, reduce pain, and prevent complications.

Here is why:

Speeds Up Recovery

Post-surgery Physiotherapy is crucial for regaining mobility and strength. A systematic review published in the British Journal of Pain found that patients who participated in rehabilitation after surgery had a faster return to daily activities compared to those who did not.

Reduces Pain and Swelling

A major concern after surgery is managing pain and swelling. Physiotherapists use various modalities, such as cold therapy, manual therapy, and gentle exercises, to manage pain and reduce swelling effectively. A randomized controlled trial published in Clinical Rehabilitation revealed that post-surgical Physiotherapy significantly reduced pain and swelling in patients recovering from knee surgeries.

Improves Range of Motion and Function

After surgery, patients often experience limited movement in the affected area. Physiotherapists utilise targeted exercises and stretches to improve joint mobility and prevent stiffness. A study published in The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy demonstrated that postoperative physical therapy helped patients regain range of motion and function faster, particularly after shoulder and knee surgeries.

Prevents Long-Term Complications

Without proper rehabilitation, patients may face long-term issues such as muscle wastage, joint stiffness, or even chronic pain. Early Physiotherapy intervention helps prevent these complications by ensuring that muscles are properly working and joints are moved through their full range of motion. Research from The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews supports the role of early rehabilitation in preventing long-term disability following surgery.

Helps Improve Mental Well-Being

Surgical recovery can be mentally taxing, but Physiotherapy helps keep patients motivated by setting achievable goals and showing progress. Engaging in regular therapy sessions can boost morale and help individuals feel more positive about their recovery journey.

Exercise Physiologist Eliza Price ↗ with patients in a Hydrotherapy ↗ class.

What to Expect from Physiotherapy Before and After Surgery

Before Surgery (Prehabilitation):

Initial assessment to determine the physical condition and goals.
Strengthening exercises focusing on the muscles around the area to be operated on.
Flexibility and range of motion exercises to prepare the joint or muscle for post-surgery recovery.

After Surgery (Rehabilitation):

Pain management techniques, such as ice, heat.
Gentle exercises to regain movement and flexibility.
Strength-building exercises to restore muscle function and prevent muscle wastage.
Education on healing tissue, movement patterns, and activity modifications to prevent strain on healing tissue.

The Vital Role of Physiotherapy in Surgical Recovery

Whether you’re preparing for surgery or recovering from it, Physiotherapy plays a pivotal role in ensuring the best possible outcomes. Evidence supports the fact that prehabilitation and rehabilitation significantly improve strength, mobility, and overall recovery speed, while reducing the risk of complications.

If you’re facing surgery, consider incorporating Physiotherapy into your treatment plan to maximise your chances for a full recovery. A Physiotherapist will work with you before and after your surgery to develop a personalised plan that promotes healing, reduces pain, and helps you regain optimal function.

Don't wait for surgery to begin working on your recovery—start today and set yourself up for success.

Book a consultation ↗ with us to begin your journey to a smooth recovery!

References

[1] Physical Therapy Reviews. (2016). Preoperative physiotherapy to improve post-surgical recovery: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Physical Therapy Reviews, 21(3), 183-191.

[2] British Journal of Pain. (2014). Rehabilitation after surgery: How physiotherapy enhances recovery speed. British Journal of Pain, 18(2), 121-130.

[3] Clinical Rehabilitation. (2015). Effect of post-surgical physiotherapy on pain and swelling after knee surgery. Clinical Rehabilitation, 29(5), 474-482.

[4] The Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. (2018). Effectiveness of post-operative physiotherapy in regaining range of motion: A meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 48(4), 287-298.

[5] Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. (2017). Early rehabilitation intervention to prevent long-term disability following surgery. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 7, CD011380.